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Course

Ullkorg: Crafting the Traditional Swedish Wool Basket

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Course Overview

North House is thrilled to welcome renowned Swedish woodworker Beth Moen back to campus. Beth and her colleagues are touring the Upper Midwest in celebration of the 100th anniversary of Sätergläntan Handcraft Institute, where she is the head of the Woodworking program. Beth will offer an intermediate level course designed to take students deep into making mortise and tenon joinery exclusively using hand tools. The ullkorg is a traditional household object used for containing loose carded wool in preparation for spinning. The basket would be placed on the floor near the warmth of the fire to allow the wool to soften and become flexible through the fibers. This project allows for a focus on precision, proportion, and aesthetics under the eyes of a master teacher. The completed ullkorg will measure approximately 13.75” square. This course is most appropriate for intermediate or advanced hand tool woodworkers who are ready for a challenge. Enthusiastic beginners or folks with little/no hand tool woodworking experience are welcome, but should reach out to NHFS ahead of time to discuss preparatory exercises.

North House is honored to welcome a delegation from Sätergläntan Institute for Slöjd and Handcraft in Dalarna, Sweden. Founded in 1923, Sätergläntan has trained generations of craftspeople, preserving and carrying forward centuries-old Scandinavian handcraft traditions in woodworking, weaving, sewing and metalwork into the 21st century. Sätergläntan welcomes students from around the world and continues to be a wellspring of inspiration and learning. There will be a variety of evening gatherings and opportunities for sharing with all of the Swedish guests throughout the week and during the Wooden Boat Show. 

Required Tools 

  • Pencil

  • Measuring tape

  • Square

Optional Tools 

This is a standard hand tool woodworking class, a small selection of versatile hand tools in good working order are very helpful to this course. NHFS has a limited amount of shop tools, but working with your own can be very rewarding. Please contact the school if you have any questions or need guidance with tool purchases before class.

  • Planes (block, smooth, jointer)

  • Slöjd carving knife and heavier splitting knife

  • Chisels (¼” and ¾” most valuable)

  • Marking gauge and/or mortise gauge

  • Rip and crosscut saw (Japanese Ryoba is fine)

  • Mallet

Currently Scheduled Sessions