Anita Osterhaug, Nordic Hands

Exploring the textile traditions of her Scandinavian ancestors, supporting Indigenous Andean weavers in preserving their traditions, or producing material for contemporary fiber artists, Anita finds connection between makers. From hygge to the trendy Scandi Style, the design influence of Scandiavian countries has never been more popular. But beneath the graphic lines and bright colors, what is the fiber art and culture of Nordic countries? Anita Osterhaug was raised in a family whose pride in their Norwegian heritage ran deeper than cuisine and home décor. As a weaver, she loved exploring her fiber-art roots and the rich traditions of Scandinavian countries. Underlying the folk art and food, she found a set of values connecting the culture: the importance of nature, community, craftsmanship, and sustainability. In her book Nordic Hands, Anita collected projects in knitting, felting, and weaving that explore those values, inviting contributors to share designs that explore their own connections with Scandinavia. A former editor of Handwoven magazine, Anita has a particular affection for the woven textiles of Scandinavia. Weaving also connects her with another of her passions, half a world away. As a board member of Andean Textile Arts, she works to support Andean weavers in Peru and Bolivia in practicing the ancient weaving skills of their ancestors. The group raises funds to help educate young Andean weavers about their heritage and supports economic development for master weavers to continue their exquisite traditional crafts. Although the weavers of her family tradition and Andean weavers may use different materials, motifs, and equipment, Anita sees a common bond between them. Among weavers, she says, there is always a common language. Links Anita Osterhaug’s website (https://nordic-hands.com/) Nordic Hands: 25 Fiber Craft Projects to Discover Scandinavian Culture (https://schifferbooks.com/products/nordic-hands) Vesterheim Norwegian-American Museum (https://vesterheim.org/) Andean Textile Arts (https://andeantextilearts.org/) Center for Traditional Textiles of Cusco (CTTC) (https://www.textilescusco.org/) Long Thread Podcast: Laurann Gilbertson (https://pieceworkmagazine.com/long-thread-podcast-laurann-gilbertson/) Weaving with Linen with Tom Knisely (https://learn.longthreadmedia.com/courses/weaving-with-linen-with-tom-knisely) This episode is brought to you by: Treenway Silks is where weavers, spinners, knitters and stitchers find the silk they love. Select from the largest variety of silk spinning fibers, silk yarn, and silk threads & ribbons at TreenwaySilks.com (https://www.treenwaysilks.com/). You’ll discover a rainbow of colors, thoughtfully hand-dyed in Colorado. Love natural? Treenway's array of wild silks provide choices beyond white. If you love silk, you’ll love Treenway Silks, where superior quality and customer service are guaranteed. Learning how to weave but need the right shuttle? Hooked on knitting and in search of a lofty yarn? Yarn Barn of Kansas has been your partner in fiber since 1971. Whether you are around the corner from the Yarn Barn of Kansas, or around the country, they are truly your "local yarn store" with an experienced staff to answer all your fiber questions. Visit yarnbarn-ks.com (https://www.yarnbarn-ks.com/) to shop, learn, and explore. Sustainability and regenerative ranching have been a way of life for the ranches of Shaniko Wool Company for decades. They are the first “farm group” in the U.S. to achieve certification to the rigorous international Responsible Wool Standard and NATIVA Regenerative. Shaniko ranches raise Merino/Rambouillet sheep in the Western United States, delivering a fully traceable wool supply that gives back to the Earth and its ecosystems. To learn more, and discover Shaniko’s yarn partners, visit ShanikoWoolCompany.com. (https://www.shanikowoolcompany.com/) Knitters know Manos del Uruguay for their yarns’ rich tonal colors, but the story of women’s empowerment and community benefit enriches every skein. Discover 17 yarn bases from laceweight to super bulky made and dyed at an artisan owned cooperative in Uruguay. Ask for Manos at your local retailer or visit FairmountFibers.com (https://fairmountfibers.com/).