Pattern is from the book Icelandic knitting using rose-pattern. The book preserves old Icelandic knitting tradition that had almost been lost. First half is a study of traditionnal rose-pattern insert knitting in Iceland. Inserts or rose-pattern inserts are knitted insoles that were worn in soft shoes made of fishskin or sheepskin. Second half are contemporary designs all based of old shoe-inserts. The author has tried to remain true to the original color schemes of the inserts she chose, and the traditionnal methods used in making them (mainly Icelandic intarsia, i.e. intarsia knitting with garter stitch).

Pattern is in Icelandic, English, Russian (soon) and French.

The potholders are inspired by old Icelandic shoe-inserts with a narrow woven band, called slynging. Those inserts were knitted in stocking stitch, lined with wool and edged. The special characteristic of the band-weaving is that it incorporates both sewing and weaving simultaneously. Those inserts were Sunday-best, possibly the potholders as well…

NB : There is a word-play on the pattern, potholders being in Icelandic “pot-insoles”.

NB : The slynging technique is illustrated in the book. A tutorial is in preparation on helenemagnusson.blogspot.com

Read the review in Knitter´s review