Anita Osterhaug, Nordic Hands

Exploring the textile traditions of her Scandinavian ancestors, supporting Indigenous Andean weavers in preserving their traditions, or producing material for contemporary fiber artists, Anita finds connection between makers.

From hygge to the trendy Scandi Style, the design influence of Scandiavian countries has never been more popular. But beneath the graphic lines and bright colors, what is the fiber art and culture of Nordic countries?

Anita Osterhaug was raised in a family whose pride in their Norwegian heritage ran deeper than cuisine and home décor. As a weaver, she loved exploring her fiber-art roots and the rich traditions of Scandinavian countries. Underlying the folk art and food, she found a set of values connecting the culture: the importance of nature, community, craftsmanship, and sustainability. In her book Nordic Hands, Anita collected projects in knitting, felting, and weaving that explore those values, inviting contributors to share designs that explore their own connections with Scandinavia.

A former editor of Handwoven magazine, Anita has a particular affection for the woven textiles of Scandinavia. Weaving also connects her with another of her passions, half a world away. As a board member of Andean Textile Arts, she works to support Andean weavers in Peru and Bolivia in practicing the ancient weaving skills of their ancestors. The group raises funds to help educate young Andean weavers about their heritage and supports economic development for master weavers to continue their exquisite traditional crafts.

Although the weavers of her family tradition and Andean weavers may use different materials, motifs, and equipment, Anita sees a common bond between them. Among weavers, she says, there is always a common language.

Links

Anita Osterhaug’s website

Nordic Hands: 25 Fiber Craft Projects to Discover Scandinavian Culture

Vesterheim Norwegian-American Museum

Andean Textile Arts

Center for Traditional Textiles of Cusco (CTTC)

Long Thread Podcast: Laurann Gilbertson

Weaving with Linen with Tom Knisely

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