Yes, I drove 6 hours (total, round trip) to see sweaters. None of my non-knitting peeps can fathom why anyone would do such a thing, but you — my people — will understand completely. These were not just any sweaters. These were Elsebeth Lavold’s knitwear collection at the Vesterheim Gallery — Knitting Along the Viking Trail. Special knitting friend Kathy accompanied me. We met Friday a.m. at 7 am and arrived at the Vesterheim, in total anticipation before 10:00. The exhibit did not disappoint:
We felt like kids in a candy store! It was breathtaking and wonderful and overwhelming all at once. I had brought along my copy of Viking Patterns for Knitting so we could see which designs were represented. Most were there. From the cover:
There were so many gorgeous sweaters, it is hard to pick favorites, but here are some that I really liked or recognized:
There were many more, but I have made this a long post already. I must give a shout out to a wonderful knitting store in Decorah, Iowa: the Blue Heron Knittery. It is located just a few blocks down from The Vesterheim. It is a beautiful shop, filled with gorgeous yarns and friendly people. We felt right at home and were made to feel very welcome.
After lunch and yarn shopping , we made one more pass through the gallery. I was so thrilled to be able to see these works of art in person and be immersed in the joy that is knitting. I left exhilarated, inspired and exhausted. And a special thank you to Kathy for being my companion on the journey — we laughed, we cried, we ate. What a great day!!!
