The exhibition shows the history of knitting from it was introduced in Norway in the beginning of the 1600s until the present day.
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She just learned to knit, 2004 Birte Sandvik / Norsk Folkemuseum
From the Past to the Present
The first part of the exhibition shows some of the oldest pieces in the museum’s collections. Many are of the opinion that Norwegians have been knitting since the Viking Age, while in fact we were some of the last to begin using this technique in Europe. The first knitted pieces of clothing in Norway were so-called “night shirts”, a sort of underwear, knitted in one color with fine silk yarn, with floss on the inside. These were exclusive garments used by the upper class. They are, however, so old and fragile that it is not possible to exhibit them.
The most numerous types of knitted garments from the 1700s in the museum’s collections are mittens and stockings. Knitting became more widespread in the middle of the 19th century. It was at this time the first two-colored sweaters were made, for example in Setesdal and Fana. The exhibit shows examples of these rural types of knitting, in addition to knitted garments from urban areas.
There is samples from every decade up until today, including “Hønsestrikk” (Hen-Knitting – a feminist knitting fashion in the 70s), the Per Spook weater and the Skappel sweater. The exhibit also shows various knitting implements, such as chatelaines, yarn hooks and knitting needles
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Two little girls with their nanny, knitting. 1935. Fritjof Arentz / Norsk Folkemuseum
Unn Søiland Dale
The second part of the exhibition shows some of the most well- known knitted pieces made by the designer Unn Søiland Dale. The museum was in 2012 given 150 knitted garments designed by her, among others Snøkrystall (Snowflake), Eskimo and the iconic “Marius” sweater. The latter (last one) was inspired by traditional Setesdal sweaters and was launched in the 1953 film “Troll I ord”.
Knitting Patternse by Unn Søiland Dale
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The North Cape "Kofte" Unn Søiland Dale - 2/13
Geilo Unn Søiland Dale - 3/13
Modell «Gro» Unn Søiland Dale - 4/13
The "Slalåm" Sweater Unn Søiland Dale - 5/13
Model "Lyn" (Flash) Unn Søiland Dale - 6/13
Marius jr. Unn Søiland Dale - 7/13
The Marius Sweater Unn Søiland Dale - 8/13
Ragna Unn Søiland Dale - 9/13
The Eskimo Swaeter Unn Søiland Dale - 10/13
Eskimogenseren Unn Søiland Dale - 11/13
Frisk Unn Søiland Dale - 12/13
"Snøkrystall" (Snow Crystal) Unn Søiland Dale - 13/13
Eskimo Sweater Unn Søiland Dale
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From Luxury to Everyday use
It is a common assumption that Norwegians have knitted since the Viking Age, but the technique was rst known in Norway in the 1600s.
From Tradition to Copyright
The textile designer Unn Søiland Dale (1926–2002) made traditional Norwegian hand knitting known worldwide by introducing it in international fashion houses.