Where to Visit
in Iceland
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Every time I visit Iceland, I meet new people and learn more about this
fascinating place. On my last trip, I visited the Iceland Handicrafts
Association (heimilisionadarfelag Islands) and learned that there is a
vibrant group who preserve the National Costumes from around 1800
onward. A limited number of extant costumes and photographs have been
used to research the embroidery, clothing styles and fabrics. The
community recreates the costumes, embroidery and jewelry as part of
maintaining the cultural heritage.
There
is a small shop (really a room) in the building. Called "Pjonustudeild"
The Iceland Handicrafts Association is located at Laufasvegur 2, 101
Reykjavik. The building is nearly impossible to find as it is not
marked but is a low white sided building.
The entrance has a small
set of doorbell plates (not in English). Look for the symbol or better
yet, have called ahead so they know you will be coming at a particular
time. The local number is: 551-5500. If you go, make sure to pick up
some parchment and sifur vir (silver thread) and gull vir (gold thread)
for working some of the traditional padded gold work on velvet. |
A Good Book on Icelandic Emb.
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Before you go, try to read Elsa Gudjonsson's book "Traditional Icelandic Embroidery". It is in English and gives a wonderful overview of techniques and historic pieces that exist in collections in Iceland.
The book is weak on Icelandic National Costumes. Elsa followed up with a short pamphlet in English on National Costumes. It is available in Iceland.
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Many of you know that I travel extensively, always investigating wonderful spots related to embroidery. Many of you ask me for recommendations when planning a trip. I have been planning on listing my favorite spots for years. Over the course of the newsletters, I will intersperse topics from "The Embroiderer's Grand Tour" as well as the materials and techniques you have come to expect. Maybe they will inspire you to travel to the destination yourself!
One such opportunity, my first Embroiderer's Grand Tour event: a study tour of 17th century jackets in England is highlighted below.
Tricia Wilson Nguyen
Thistle Threads
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Icelandic Embroidery
Scandinavian Folk Handwork
 Iceland is a wonderful place to visit as it is a marvelously barren and fantastical landscape. Coming off the airplane onto a young volcanic plain, you are transported to another world. If you go, you must visit the nearby Blue Lagoon (about 15 min from Keflick airport) as it is a soothing volcanic hot spring which can wipe away the effect of the night's flight.  Iceland was populated by immigrants from Scandinavia and therefore its handcrafts have close ties to its relatives in Norway, Sweden and Denmark. Knitting, Pattern Darning and Goldwork all are prelevant in the folk handcrafts of Iceland. Read More About Icelandic Embroidery Sites |
Icelandic Currency
The best embroidery pattern you can 'buy'
 You will take an interest in the money in iceland -more than a passing interest - in fact, you will be trying to get ahold of a 5000 ISK (Icelandic Krona) note. Valued today (8/09) at about $39 US, the 5000 ISK note is dedicated to Ragnheidur Jonsdottir (1646-1715). When the note was introduced, the Central Bank of Iceland was  looking to commemorate Icelandic women and their contribution to Icelandic culture. They chose Ragnheidur as she was the daughter of an Icelandic priest who later became the wife of two consecutive bishops. There are several extant embroideries which are referenced to her. She was a donor of embroidered altar frontals to churches as well as a known embroidery teacher. Learn More History Behind The 5000 ISK Note |
Jacket Study Tour of England
Join Tricia to Study 17th Century Jackets
 Thistle Threads and Hanging by a Thread have been busy collaborating on a tour of England in Fall 2010 to see sites with important collections related to the Plimoth Jacket Project. Over the course of the project many have asked for such an opportunity to see the embroideries and costumes that have formed the basis for the research. We are asking you to "save the date" and also give us an indication of interest level so we may finish our dealings with the tour operating company on rates. The tour dates are September 21, 2010 - October 1, 2010. Learn More About The Study Tour |
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Some closing thoughts about traveling and seeing embroidery. For most museums, resources are very tight and the staff is often over worked. If you are polite and give them a great deal of advanced notice, they will often try to help you see items of interest. While most staff will at first be reserved, once they realize your genuine interest in embroidery and their cultural heritage, a wonderful warmth will come out which will greatly enrich your trip.
I always try as much as possible to 'give back' to the institutions or people who take their time to host me. It can be as simple as sharing some historical embroidery 'find' that they don't know about (such as a website, blog, etc). Or maybe a rare material (take some small spools of some thread with you - maybe a small sampler package you make up as a gift). Notecards with pictures on them of American Samplers (or embroidery of your country) can be a lovely token of thanks. I often take Tokens and Trifles with me to give away as they pack flat. Try to be perceptive - maybe they could use a resource you know about. I often teach how to take close photos or in some cases, have been known to follow up with a donation or even camera for the department.
Try to be respectful and while you might want to spend hours and take hundreds of pictures, sensing that they are done and need to move on to something else in their day will win you a friend. I always remind myself that 'I can come back'.
Tricia
Thistle Threads
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