The exhibition shows the history of knitting from it was introduced in Norway in the beginning of the 1600s until the present day.
From the Past to the Present
She just learned to knit, 2004 Birte Sandvik / Norsk Folkemuseum
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.
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Two little girls with their nanny, knitting. 1935. Fritjof Arentz / Norsk Folkemuseum
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
Unn Søiland Dale
Eskimogenseren Unn Søiland Dale / Norsk Folkemuseum
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”.
The Exhibition in three parts
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 Practicality to Pleasure
Knitting interest and knowledge have varied in the 1900s. There have been great variations both in what was knitted and how it was done.
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.
Birte Sandvik
