November 2017 Luncheon

Karen Weiberg and the Art of Skinnfell

Every culture has used animal skins for warmth, but Norwegians, since before the Viking times, have made Skinnfell: sheep skins that are sewn together while symbols are printed on the leather side.  Karen Weiberg traveled to Norway, with 7 other Midwesterners, to learn more about and make a skinnfell in June 2010. It is a textile and skill that is being revived, just in the nick of time, before it disappears completely. Karen's instructor spent time with an elderly skinnfell maker who traveled from farm to farm making skinnfells for families. Karen will share how she make her skinnfell, as well as Norwegian breeds of sheep, symbols of pagan times, and symbols of Christianity which are used in printing on the skinnfells.