Fishermen’s Knits from the Coast of Norway: A History of Life at Sea and Over 20 New Designs Inspired by Traditional Scandinavian Patterns

Iversen, a museum curator, and Sandvik, a Norwegian professor at OsloMet, celebrate Scandinavian tradition in this fascinating hybrid history of and guide to making traditional Norwegian fisherman’s clothing. The first half uses 19th-century photographs and lithographs to illustrate the long legacy of fishermen’s mittens, pants, sweaters, and knitted red stocking caps, for example, which boys in Hordaland were given at three years old and wore up until their death (often, they were buried with them). Then come 22 gorgeous knitting patterns inspired by various regions: a pullover made of cables and raglan shaping comes from Traena Bank, while the felted mittens with embroidered initials take inspiration from the Orkney Islands, and a lambswool sweater hales from West Tampen. Though there are some easy patterns, such as the Fladen red hat and the Fugloy Bank scarf, the majority of the projects are best suited for experienced crafters. The impressive mix of history and crafting know-how puts a unique and rewarding spin on standard knitting fare. (Dec.)