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Knitting Goes Medieval - the Book Project

Background

In 2005 a marvellous treasury of motifs caught my eye in the medieval churches in the province of Uppland, Sweden. Many of their murals are decorated with an abundance of ornaments: swirling vines, the use of stencils in brocadelike patterns and embellished borders of many kinds. The use of colour is simply amazing! People in pre-industrial rural Sweden found inspiration in these ornaments and used the style to decorate homemade furniture, make wood carvings and embroidery of household textiles.

The impressions from this treasury of ornaments inspired Knitting goes Medieval. The resulting collection of patterns combines medieval painted ornaments with the gratifying craft that is knitting.

Photos of some of the finished garments and some paintings that inspired the designs can be found under the headline GALLERY.

The book

The patterns will be published in a book and the garments from the book are also material for exhibitions.

The book is due to be published in autumn 2012, in Sweden by Ica Bokförlag, and in USA by Trafalgar Square Books. (Working title: Medieval Stitches).

Yarn and knitting technique

For yarn I mainly use Kampes 100% wool 2-ply, and I knit mainly with traditional Nordic knitting techniques. As a result, the garments – tunics, jackets, sweaters, vests, hats and mittens – all have a traditional look, without actually being traditional.

Knitting patterns

You can buy patterns for some of the designs here on the website as downloadable PDF. The pattern for Norrsunda hat and mitten is available for download free of charge. Terms and conditions will be specified under the headline ABOUT KAJSA STICKS