Vesterheim Museum in Decorah, Iowa, is one of the premiere centers for Norwegian-American heritage in the United States.  As such, it houses one of the country’s most extensive collections of the textiles and handknits that have woven ties between Norwegian communities in America and the Old World, between today’s culture and a rich past.  This book collects thirty patterns for handknits from Vesterheim—folk mittens, socks, scarves, hats, wristers, handbags, knapsacks, and sweaters—all inspired by traditional knits housed in the museum.  With an introduction reflecting on the history of Norwegian-style knitting and the stories behind the handknits that inspired the patterns, the book is at once a practical guide, a repository of cultural history, and a lovely look at one of the rich traditions knit into the American fabric.  

Norwegian Handknits collects thirty patterns for colorful folk mittens, socks, scarves, hats, wristers, handbags, knapsacks, and sweaters—all inspired by traditional knits housed in Vesterheim Museum in Decorah, Iowa. As the premier center for Norwegian-American heritage in the United States, Vesterheim is home to the world’s most extensive collections of textiles and handknits made by Norwegian immigrants in America and their ancestors from the Old World, providing a link between today’s culture and a rich past. With an introduction reflecting on the history of Norwegian-style knitting and the stories behind the handknits that inspired the patterns, the book is at once a practical guide, a repository of cultural history, and a lovely look at one of the rich traditions knit into the American fabric. Vintage photographs, Norwegian folklore, and recipes accompany the patterns.

Sue Flanders has been designing knitwear for more than twenty years. Her patterns have appeared in many publications including Interweave Knits, Knitter’s magazine, Cast-On, and two books by Melanie Falick, Knitting in America and Kids Knits.  She lives in the Twin Cities area in Minnesota.

Janine Kosel is an accomplished knitter who has studied under greats like Alice Starmore, Meg Swansen, and Candice Eisner Strict. Janine works at Three Kitten’s Yarn Shop in St. Paul and teaches knitting and tatting workshops at many Twin Cities area knitting and needlework shops.