The knitters of Norway, Sweden and Iceland are known for making garments that are warm and colorful, but you don’t have to be of Nordic heritage to enjoy these designs. Nordic Knits by Sue Flanders, Helene Magnusson and Janine Kosel takes knitters of all backgrounds through classic patterns and fun designs inspired by these classic knitwear traditions.
The book covers a little bit of the history of knitting in the Nordic region, then has patterns divided into sections for Norway, Sweden and Iceland, with 44 patterns in all.
The Norwegian patterns were inspired by objects found in museums that feature not only knitting but also spinning, embroidery, weaving, felting, even the designs on handmade boxes and the process of nalbinding, which predates knitting. You’ll find simple knit and purl patterns, a hat fit for a nisse (Norwegian elf), felted and embroidered bags, and colorful hats, mitts and sweaters.
The Swedish section draws on regional knitting traditions such as Gotland’s colorful mittens, twined knitting from around Darlana and the Bohus knitting cooperative. There’s a long stocking cap worked in a single color with texture at the bottom, and a set of hat, scarf and long mittens with simple stripes and colorwork. A child’s sweater has a dala horse woven onto the front, and a coordinating horse garland pattern can also be made as a toy for a little one.
There are also lots of colorwork hats, mittens and sweaters, as well as a lacy shawl showcasing “all things Swedish” in motifs of hearts, Swedish flags, Santa Lucia candles and buns, even Swedish meatballs!
The Icelandic knits aim to bring a contemporary twist to traditional designs. The photo on the cover shows the slouchy hat and matching scarf, inspired by a pair of mittens from the Westfjords region (there’s a mitten pattern, too). There are some lovely projects heavily embellished with surface embroidery, a cozy looking cape with a vining leaf pattern, and of course a lopi sweater, among other projects.
I love the klukka skirt, a design inspired by the Icelandic petticoat, which provided an extra layer of warmth. This version has a pretty faded chevron design and is shaped with increases as well as changing needle sizes.
The inspiration for the designs is also shown, which adds a meaningful connection to the past and a reminder of the knitters who have come before.
This is a fun book for learning about and knitting from these knitting traditions, and offers some great projects you can knit for yourself or anyone you want to wrap in traditional warmth.
About the book: 192 pages, paperback, 44 patterns. Published 2022 by Voyageur Press. Suggested retail price $24.99.
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