Embedded Files
Skinnfell is the beautiful Norwegian folk art of sewing with printed sheepskins. Bedspreads were commonly made out of larger hides and scraps or smaller pieces would be used for clothing, decorations, or toys.
My interest in this tradition stemmed from my desire to honor my animals by using as much of any animal harvested as possible. The meat goes to feed families in my community and I wanted the hides to be loved as well.
The challenge? Katahdins are hair sheep so their winter coat is made of short straight fibers. Those fibers can be very soft and they are incredibly warm, but the hides aren't visually luxurious.
The lambs that are half Texel and half Katahdin have short dense curls. Again, super warm but not long fluffy gorgeous locks that you simply *have* to curl up with or scrunch under your toes.
I started practicing skinnfell techniques and different patterns using hides I purchased from a leather company. In 2024, I was able to work with my own farm's hides for the first time thanks to a local, women-owned tannery.
In 2026, I wrote two different Skinnfell grants and was awarded both!
The first was through the Sons of Norway. The grant was awarded to Giants of the Earth Heritage Center and supports the purchase of a large library of blocks from the Norwegian block maker, Fjellform. These blocks will be available for use at Giants or your local folk art school or Sons of Norway lodge can borrow the library just for the cost of shipping.
The second grant through the Southeast Minnesota Arts Council provides support for me to learn to use a laser cutter and engraver to make blocks for myself and other makers. I'll get to use those blocks to make a few bigger projects and to create new designs for the classes I teach.
This activity is made possible in part by a grant from the Southeastern Minnesota Arts Council, with funds from the McKnight Foundation.
Each winter, I share my love of this traditional craft through classes at Norway House in Minneapolis. Other classes happen across the region in the spring and fall. Check the classes page for upcoming happenings.
Ornament Kit Directions
Ornament Kit Directions
Watch this video for instructions to sew the ornaments from your kit.
Page updated
Google Sites
Report abuse