Crafting Warmth with Tradition
The Lofoten Islands are not just a place of extraordinary beauty, it’s a land where tradition is woven into every fiber of its culture.
Among the many crafts passed down through generations, knitting stands as a beloved and time-honored art form. In the heart of Lofoten, a passionate Norwegian woman has dedicated herself to preserving this tradition while giving it a modern twist. This is the story of how knitting continues to thrive in the land of the midnight sun.
Knitting: A Connection to the Past
In Norway, knitting is more than just a hobby; it is a lifeline to the country’s history, culture, and its relationship with the land. From the iconic “lusekofte” (Norwegian sweater) adorned with intricate patterns, to the practical woolen socks that kept generations warm, knitting has been a necessary skill for survival in the harsh Nordic climate. Lofoten, with its remote location and extreme weather, made the need for durable and insulated clothing even more important.
Generations of women in Lofoten would gather to knit during the long winter evenings. It was a way of not just keeping warm, but staying connected with their community and preserving their heritage. These women were artists, storytellers, and keepers of their traditions. Every stitch told a story—a story of resilience, strength, and the intimate connection between humans and nature.
A Modern Take on Tradition
In the cozy village of Ballstad, Lofoten, one woman has turned this ancient craft into a thriving hobby. Hanne-Lill Tigerpus Vikten, a skilled knitting enthusiast, is bringing Lofoten’s knitting heritage into the 21st century. Growing up surrounded by knitters. Hanne learned the art of knitting from her mother, and she from her mother before there. “Knitting was a way to stay warm, but it was also a way of sharing stories. I want to honor that tradition, but with a modern, fresh perspective,” says Hanne. Knitting is relaxing, after being at work all day its good to come home sitting down and relaxing and creating. She often tries to shop the yarn she is using at the local yarn grocery, and often yarn made locally. Inspiration and patterns she often finds on the internet, e.g. Instagram, Facebook, and special knitting pages and blogs.
Often, she gets questions from other people about knitting help, she tries to help as far as she can. Hanne thinks it’s nice to be helpful to other knitters who wanted to start knitting.
Hanne is a fast knitter, but she used to tell people, “Knit in your own tempo, knitting happiness is not about knitting fast, it’s about giving you happiness, and that feeling of creating something.”
A Sustainable Craft
Knitting isn’t just about keeping the past alive; it’s also about protecting the future. The Lofoten region is renowned for its untouched landscapes, and also is passionate about sustainability in their knitting practice.
By using organic wool and natural dyes knitting becomes an eco-friendly art by supporting both the local economy and a more sustainable way of living. In recent times sustainability is part of a broader movement in Norway, where craft traditions are being modernized to meet the growing demand for environmentally conscious products.
Knitting Workshops: Passing on the Craft
In addition to her successful line of knitted goods, Hanne is dedicated to teaching others how to knit. During your stay at HAVLY – the Lofoten Retreat while overlooking the dramatic Lofoten mountains, Hanne offers gatherings for the interested ones in knitting, where locals and visitors alike come to exchange about the art of knitting.