Friday, August 01, 2008
Knitted Cuffs
Did you think I was serious about knitting your own cuffs, taking inspiration from Linda's Wild Wicked Beads ? Well, I was.
There is a terrific book about the tradition of knitting cuffs and mittens in Norway:
Translated as "Hand Coverings for National and Folk Costumes", this beautifully produced hard-cover book is an absolute feast for the eyes. The photography of the wide range of wrist warmers, mittens and gloves, from the various regions of Norway, each with its distinct motifs and colours, is spectacular. Even if you never choose to make a single thing from the book, you will want to display it on your coffee table or read it in bed at night for relaxation.
You can order it from Nordic Fiber Arts , which is where I found it. Although it is in Norwegian, Nordic Fiber Arts includes an insert of translated terms that help in deciphering the patterns.
In a northern country where winter takes a large chunk out of the year, keeping hands warm becomes a priority. It is in the Scandinavian countries where people understand that keeping the wrists warm--a major pulse point--contributes to over-all body warmth.
There are wrist warmers for men as well as for women.
And remember the idea for something to go with that simple black dress?
Then there are those over-the-top, elaborately decorated gloves that take your breath away, they are so beautiful.
It is impossible to look at these hand and wrist warmers and not feel happy.
