I need to knit one of her sweaters now. Deciding which one is hard. I have been speculating on this for months now:
Should it be a Peony cardigan with a large floral border?
Or an all-over floral Peony sweater? Both inspired by a painted chest from Lofoten.
Or maybe a sweater based on brocade leaves? Inspired by a bridal gown from Hallingdal.And for the summer:
I definitely need a cotton camisole, maybe pink. A copy of an antique garment.I want to make one of the wool sweaters. AND the cotton camisole, which looks like such a flattering shape. Several other Oleana sweaters can be seen in this article on the Knitter's website. I plan on getting the yarnpack from Nordic Fiber Arts.
This is going to be my little feel-good, feel-Norwegian project for the winter.
This is going to be my little feel-good, feel-Norwegian project for the winter.
For pictures of Norwegian bunads, this is a link to Husfliden, the Handicraft Guild. Follow the link which says "Bunads in Norway", and then select a county, such as Buskerud to see what a Hallingdal bunad might look like, or Hordaland, to see bunads from Voss and Hardanger with beautiful beaded bodices.
OK, that's it. You've officially inspired me to order the book online. I'm a little jealous that your country has such beautiful knitting. I tried to find something intriguing from the Netherlands (my father is from Friesland), but sadly their sweaters are nowhere near as lovely as Norwegian colorwork.
ReplyDeleteYipes, Poetry in Stitches is in its last print run?? I'll have to get it somewhere...I have Norsk Strikkedesign, but I've been holding off on Poetry in Stitches because I'm trying to not buy more knitting books in general...but when I book like that is about to go out of print, it's a special occasion, isn't it???
ReplyDeleteCan't help you on which sweater to make - they're all stunning. I also LOVE the short red one that's in the picture on your sidebar. Yum.
Sorry, they are all beautiful, so...I guess that means you get to knit them all.....get out all your circs!
ReplyDeleteAll beautiful choices! I particularly like the all-over one... I've just added the book to my wishlist for Christmas. Thanks! : )
ReplyDeletethey are all so incredibly gorgeous! you've opened up my eyes on the colorful floral knits. so exactly how much would it cost to own an oleana sweater? i love them!
ReplyDeletei'd knit the all over peony sweater, it will look so great with your collection of oilily!
Oh decisions decisions! I would go for the Peony overall or the Brocade Leaves... I think the brocade leaves with the Peony border is my fave... Thanks for the links to the Nrowegian bunads... very cool. The beadwork, oh my god, so amazing.
ReplyDeleteI love the all-over Peony one! I love all the sweaters in that book, really and even made one to be married in. How sad that it's going out of production!
ReplyDeletethey are all so beautiful. I've been wanting to knit one too, but probably wouldn't wear it much, so I hesitate. I think perhaps I'll ask my mother if she wants one though.
ReplyDeletemake them all, i say! ;-)
ReplyDeletei love the oleana stuff. the colour combos are amazing.
Ever since I found your blog, I've been trying to figure out which design that is in your sidebar, above the pic of the book! That's the one I would suggest.
ReplyDeleteBut since it is not in that book and I adore an "all over" type of design with a border at the hem, I would say the sweater based on brocade leaves.
Hey ... your first sock FO is fantastic. I am glad to know that you are starting to like sock knitting.
ReplyDeleteI also have Poetry in Stitches and absolutely adore the cropped cardi on the cover ... and the cotton cami too. Go for the bridal gawon inspired cardi, I'd say ... it's so lovely.
They are all so beautiful - and I can understand that you like to feel Norwegian. Norway has great knitting traditions - much to be proud of.
ReplyDeleteMy gosh, these projects are all breathtakingly beautiful, all of them - I can't blame you in the least for having a hard time deciding what to knit next. Hm - if I really *had* to choose, I think I'd go for #3, the blue one based on brocade leaves, this one is - well, certainly one of the most gorgeous projects I've seen for long!
ReplyDeleteOh! I kept looking at each picture thinking, "I'm going to vote for THIS one"--and then seeing how gorgous the NEXT one was, and...
ReplyDeleteThe book is the last print run? Hmm...a copy may have to come and live with me then. :)
ReplyDeleteAll of the choices are gorgeous but I'm a bit partial towards both peony designs. The flower motifs are so intricate and beautiful!
The brocade leaves is so beautiful in that brilliant shade of blue. But they are all fabulous, so I can imagine how difficult it is to choose.
ReplyDeleteThey're all so gorgeous! How can you possibly choose just one?
ReplyDeleteI'm going to have to buy Poetry in Stitches before it goes out of print! Yikes! Choosing just one of the designs is hard. I think all of the them are nice, but I would favor design #3 (the blue brocade pullover) just a little more. I like the color combo and the almost arts and crafts pattern repeat.
ReplyDeleteI would google all the designs you like just to see them in other colors and interpretations. I think someone knit the cardigan in different colors. I happen to have both the peony kits but am afraid to start (I'm not well known for finishing sweaters) but it you do then maybe I'll get up the courage!
ReplyDeleteHey Hege! Yes, I too am going to go purchase the book if I can find it. It took me a couple of days for this post to sink in. What beautiful sweaters. The artistic quality is so...artistic! And the Bunads are amazing. Your people went for color, that is for sure. My people went for buffalo and cables LOL.
ReplyDeleteI can't wait to see what you choose! my favourite is this one: http://www.nordicfiberarts.com/pis_kitpages/120sweater.html it reminds me of a kimono somehow. beautiful work on the glowing colours, too.
ReplyDeleteThey are all gorgeous. I love the patterning in them...it is way beyond my skill right now, but I'd love to learn how to do that someday. It must be thrilling to choose the colors and see how they will go together!
ReplyDeleteHave you decided on a camisole pattern? The one in the photo looks pretty!