Fanatical Coat

The fruits of my research are beginning to pile up.  I've isolated some books that mention Fana sweaters, and marked their pages with sticky notes.  I'm waiting for two more books in the mail (old ones from Norway, via Germany and Australia) that hopefully will round out the collection.

But this week's big breakthrough was on the internet.  I had searched for Fana information high and low, using every engine and every word or combination of words I could think of.  Or so I thought.

Turns out if you're going to research a topic whose name is not in your native tongue, you should actually make sure you're translating that name properly.  Yep.  It seems that "Fana Sweater" (English) will deliver a few hits from the google-nator.  But "Fanakofte" (Norwegian for "jacket in the style of Fana") will really bring home the bacon.

Duh.

And then once I found the ten million blog posts from every modern Norwegian knitter who's made a Fana in the last few years, all I had to do was implement Google Translator to make sense of them.  But not exactly.  Because I don't speak Norwegian, and Translator doesn't speak Knitting.

Google Translator: "I made my Fanatical Coat for this the traditions technical."

Probably Means: "I made my Fanakofte using traditional techniques."

It's pretty hilarious.  Poor Translator is trying so hard, but it doesn't know knitting things at all. "Masker" means "stitch" in Norwegian, not that the knitter was wearing a mask.  I've had to take a few giggle breaks between attempts.  But thank goodness, photos are helpful in any language, and knitbloggers are great at showing what they mean.

Meanwhile, my own Fanatical Coat progresses.  I'm pretty in love with it so far, although the checkers were acting really corrugat-y at first.  I knew I'd left enough length in the floats, but the unblocked fabric still sucked in like a supermodel's stomach.  Scared me a little, so I finally broke down and hit it with some steam on the ironing board.  

Just as I had hoped, the checkers lay flat, given a little persuasion. Bullet dodged.   Can you imagine if I'd been lying to myself about the length of the floats and had to start over?  Thanks, Knitting!

I promised myself after nine stripes (1/2 of the number I need before it's time for the shoulder border) that I could go button shopping.

Man, I am a cheap date.

Yarn at Last

It's been remarked that I've been *somewhat* on edge while I waited for yarn to arrive.  And by *somewhat*, they meant that I was chewing the table legs.  What can I say? The heart wants what the heart wants.  And in my case, it's string.  Specifically, This String:

It's Rauma Strikkegarn, from Norway, via the Yarn Guys.  Yep!  I'm starting the sample Fanakofte for my Stars and Stripes class!  And this is a particularly virulent case of start-itis.  I haven't knitted a stranded colorwork sweater in at least a year and a half: Much, much, too long for me.

And I *may* have anticipated the need for applied trims in this project.  Anticipated, yes, but not actually decided on one.  In a rare moment of clarity, I pulled the trigger on an entire collection, knowing I will use them all at some point.  Really.  I will.  Look HERE for yours.

And with that, it's time to get going.  Start your engines!

Seeing Stars (and Stripes, and Checks)

I'm creating a new class!  It's called "Stars and Stripes", and in it, you will design your own Norwegian Fana Sweater.

Named for the district of Bergen, Norway where they originated, Fana sweaters are recognized the world over for their iconic Nordic style:

A Commercially-made Fana by Dale of Norway

Evolving into fashion (and the stripe-and-check version we recognize today) sometime in the 19th century, Fana sweaters are associated with special traditions in Norway, that we'll discuss in class.  Teaser: Ever wonder where the curse of the Boyfriend Sweater originated?

Norwegian schoolchildren sporting their Fana; practically a uniform.

In addition to their fascinating lore, the real appeal of the Fana is their endless capacity for variation and customization.  The style of 8-point stars chosen, their placement on the body, the colors of yarn employed, and even the garment's silhouette are endlessly changeable; fantastically inspirational.

Notice how the star border location enhances his square shoulders?

In this class, students will choose from a "menu" of design choices, such as different star styles and placements, garment shapes, and design details.  Then I'll help you plug your chosen elements into a formula to create your very own personal Fana pattern.

Impossibly adorable baby Fana made by the incomparable Maria. 

This class is so new I haven't even made my own Fana yet!  But it's coming soon to a venue near you:  First to the Sandpoint Fiberarts Guild in September, then to Vogue Knitting Live in October, and who knows where after that!  Keep an eye on my Teaching and Events tab for more information.  Watch this space for the details of my personal Fana adventure, as I create the class sample for you.

Want to play with stars and stripes at your very own venue?  Round up some knitting friends and drop me a line!  This and any of my other class selections are yours for the asking.

Isn't Knitting Grand?