It was fantastic. The exhibit is jaw dropping. The history is inspiring. The designs are too beautiful to be believed.
I picked Sally up at the airport and she was like a weak kitten, but was also quite a trooper. We arrived at the opening reception at the American Swedish Institute, and right as you enter, you see your first Bohus sweaters in a small display case. I gasped. Then we entered the reception area and saw fantastic food — I gasped again and ran for the goodies!
Here are some of the key players at the event:
Susanna Hansson — Susanna is one of the favorite teachers at Yarnover and I think is single-handedly rekindling a love for all things Bohus. She translates the Bohus patterns into English (thank you!).
Wendy J. Johnson — Wendy was instrumental is making the exhibit a reality and in getting the Bohus Stickning book (see below) to press.
Solveig Gustafsson — Solveig is recreating the gorgeous Bohus kits. This endeavor is as much art as science, and she does unbelieveable work. She dyes the yarn to precision and knits the samples (she said that she knits the yokes and her husband knits the bodies by machine!).
Kerstin Olsson — Kerstin is one of the original team of designers for the Bohus and designed my beloved Wild Apples.
Sally and I saw Susanna right away, and she asked if we would like to meet Solveig — of course! Solveig said she reads our blog all the time! I was floating on Cloud Nine after that comment!
There were two main viewing rooms with Bohuses on display. It was breathtaking to see a roomful of Bohuses! Kerstin provided an informal history lesson on the different designs.
Later in the evening, Solveig did a lecture describing her personal journey into Bohus and the creative process of recreating the designs. She has completed 32 designs and said there are over 1,000 left to do!
She was so warm and funny. Someone asked this lengthy question about the link to the past and did she feel a spiritual connection to the knitters who have gone before…etc., etc. Her one-word response: No.
And then they unveiled her most recent designs: Blue Light, Turquoise Light (which she pronounced “turquose” — again, very cute!), Red Light, Gothic Windows and the simple but elegant Rime Frost. Rime Frost is famous for the fact that Grace Kelly wore it on many occasions, so it is often referred to as the Grace Kelly Bohus. How to choose? One cannot!
I did buy the special edition book published for the event:
Available for $14.95
It includes pictures that have never been seen before. Today we will see the documentary film about Bohus Stickning and knit in the “Castle” with others who understand the significance of this historic exhibit — woo hoo!
For another perspective, check out Ellen’s blog. Last night she wore her just-finished Forest Darkness (gorgeous!).
. Saved by friend, Kim! Here are a few of the Bohus Beauties we saw that evening:
And a special “hi” to Patsy! 
Wish me better luck with Number 3.
