Threads of History – an article

A reader (thank you, Laura) has sent in this fascinating article that describes the work that went into the making of a varafeldur, a Viking cloak woven from the locks of sheep wool.

As you might imagine, the weather in the North where the Vikings ranged required specialist garments. The varafeldur not only fulfilled the purpose of protection but was possibly also used in trading; such items would have been valuable commodities. In addition, the shaggy cloak would have been an imposing and wild sight when worn, and would have had conferred status on its wearer. What an amazing spectacle to imagine a group of Vikings in varfeldur dress!

Shetland has a proud Viking heritage that is celebrated today in Up Helly Aa, the recreation of a Viking fire festival that takes place across the isles in the early months of the New Year. This article relates how another varafeldur was created in 2010 in Iceland by a trio of women, one from Iceland, one from Norway, and one from Shetland. The book to which the article refers is in the textile collection that is coming out from the UK later this year and will be available to read in the studios in Greymouth.

_{Header image: courtesy of Sarah Rosenthal-Almirall, Ardbeag Crafts}