What type of knitting is associated with the Sámi? The majority of traditional Sámi clothing is made of reindeer skin or wool felt. Very little is knit, except for mittens. This session will explore the knitting motifs of the Skolt Sami, whose traditional homeland lies at the junction of Norway, Finland and Russia. Skolt Sámi mittens are distinct from the Sámi to the west, because their patterns were created altering every colored-stitch with a main-colored-stitch, almost always in a natural, cream-colored wool. The Skolt Sámi motifs have retained their patterns names. Almost all of their pattern names are associated with elements of nature. Birch leaves, ptarmigan’s foot, boat’s bow… these are just a few of the Skolt Sámi motifs in store! Join instructor Laura Ricketts in knitting a sampler of symbolic, Skolt patterns while examining their rich tradition in wool. Students will create a swatch, wrister or mitten cuff. Students should know how to knit, purl, knit in the round and have stranding experience.

You will need the following tools for this class:

Students bring worsted weight, wool yarn – 25g of two accent colors and 50g of a main color (natural); needles to achieve a gauge of 5 sts/in. I recommend Rauma Vamsegarn knit on US 5 / 3.75 mm. Homework: After swatching to achieve gauge, with main color, cast on 40sts in the round and knit or rib 1 in / 2.5 cm. Leave on the needles and bring to class. We will be creating a swatch, wrister or mitten cuff with this start.

Feel free to bring your favorite tools and whatever materials you might feel appropriate for this course.