Mittens from Norway: Over 40 Traditional Knitting Patterns Inspired by Norwegian Folk-Art Collections

Description

Take a trip to Norway - without ever setting down your needles! Let Nina Granlund Saether guide you through Norway's mountains, rivers, and countryside as you delve into 400 years of Scandinavian knitting history. Reconstructed from historical sources or drawn directly from the author's familiarity with Norwegian pattern knitting, more than 40 textile treasures are collected here, from the well-loved Selbu mittens, to lesser-known delights whose fascinating origins have been carefully traced. Resting on a foundation of formidable research, with stunning photographs by Guri Pfeifer and clear, helpful pattern charts, Mittens from Norway is a brilliant combination of design inspiration and historical reference that belongs on every knitter's bookshelf.

Nina Granlund Saether grew up in Asker, Norway, just outside Oslo. Her love and interest for knitting, sewing, embroidery and crochet started before going to school. She is educated as a craft teacher, and worked for a short time in high school. In 1987 she started her career as a journalist in Norsk Husflid, a Norwegian Arts and Crafts Magazine. Today she works as an editor in chief in Hus & Bolig, a magazine about houses and property. In 2013 she was honoured for her work by The Norwegian Specialised Press Association. Saether has written several books about arts and crafts, and makes also designs for some Norwegian magazines. Making Cushions and Pillows is her first book published outside Norway. She is creating original and visually striking craft in a Scandinavian-influenced tradition.

If you love traditional patterns you will love this book. Who does not like mittens? They are also a relatively quick knit for gifts. The 40 patterns have been inspired by 400 years of Scandinavian knitting. Many recognisable patterns such as typical snowflakes are included but there are more unusual patterns too. This makes a treasury of patterns for the modern knitter from traditional sources. You'll find knitting tips at the front of the book. Each pattern has an introduction placing it in an historical context. There are several photos for each mitten, including an historical one and at least one large photo of the mitten you will knit. The charts are of good size and easy to use. The patterns are given for women and men, the charts remain the same, you adjust the size by changing the gauge - some knitters will have problems with this. Some patterns are for children. The mittens are knitted using 5 double pointed needles. The yarns are Scandinavian, some are available in the UK, or substitute and check your gauge. I love the snowflake, rose and heart designs and the cabled Vestfold mittens with their large cuff are gorgeous and the Selbu patterns are a favourite. You'll also find plain, one colour patterned and ribbed mittens. There is almost a pattern a week if you knit them all. * Yarnsandfabrics.co.uk *