Where better to come for a long weekend break but Oslo, Norway, particularly if you love Viking weave. I am staying at the First Hotel Millenium and currently sitting in their quiet café. Through the window I can see typical Norwegian weather, freezing cold outside, crisp snow on the ground, fog above the city, where your cheeks feel as though they are numb to touch.
Making Viking Weave
But I am nice and snug inside, happily relaxing with my favourite pastime, knitting Viking weave. I was only introduced to Viking weave about a year ago by a friend, but I have completely fallen in love with it. I often sit for a few hours at a time just knitting away, and because it takes patience and concentration, it is a great way to relax the mind. For me, it is the best form of mindfulness ever, since time has no meaning when I am working on Viking weave.
Technique
It is a beautiful form to work with and one of my favourite techniques. It’s based on a very old wire work technique, also known as Trichinopoly Chain. It is believed to date back to 8th to 10th Centuries, when Anglo-Saxon, Celts and Norse used it for decorative purposes, such as bracelets, necklaces or trimming clothes. I produce a variety of different pieces of jewellery through this method, using the traditional skills. I like to bulk knit, when I am in the mood, so that I can have a lot of stock in the cupboard. I mainly knit with sterling silver as it gives a beautiful shine when finished and I use 0.4mm gauge half hard wire so that it is easy to work with and pull through the loops.
Viking Weave Bracelet
An example of one of the bracelets I made quite recently for a commission. You can use all Viking Weave, or like I did in this piece, you can use smaller amounts to set off a stone with sterling silver chain.
If you have never tried making Viking weave then give it a go. Like me, you could end up having a new love affair.