Fiber Beat, Episode 21: "Seduced by Bohus" featuring Susanna Hansson
Media Link: Seduced by Bohus (33:30)

There's a million crafters in Fiber City and we've all got a yarn to spin.

This episode of Fiber Beat is made possible with the support of Entangled magazine, our brand new sponsor from New Zealand! Entangled is a new digital only, quarterly fibercraft publication. Issue One featuring Claudia from Wollmseise, the history of Saori weaving, and all about Angora rabbit fiber is out now and available through Zinio

This episode of Fiber Beat is also underwritten by Bobbin's Nest Studio, from Santa Clara, CA. Bobbin's Nest is a fabric and yarn store specializing in: knitting, sewing, crochet, and hand embroidery. Bobbin's nest is pleased announce the Honorary Bobbin Program, where you will enjoy limited edition patterns, special shopping days, invites to exclusive events, bonus coupons and giveaways. For more info, visit the Bobbin's Nest blog

My introduction to Bohus Stickning or Bohus Knitting was through the beautiful book by Wendy Keele entitled Poems of Color from Interweave Press. In it, I learned about the Swedish design house created by Emma Jacobsson and her commitment to this vital cottage industry during World War II and after. But, what really took my breath away, were the extraordinary designs: painterly, impressionistic, architectural and perhaps most of all, stylish to this day. There were hats, gloves, scarves and sweaters that were knitted from custom-milled yarns of fine wools and angora bunny fiber. With names like Blue Shimmer, The Wild Apple, The Mists & The Swan, evoking images of the mystical, the magical and the mythological.

Wendy Keele's book contains re-workings of the original vintage Bohus patterns with heavier gauge yarns from contemporary manufacturers. I didn't truly understand the difference (between the vintage and newer updates) until I was able to see a true Bohus sweater in person. That opportunity, came during a Stitches West workshop with Susanna Hansson , focusing on the history of Bohus Stickning.

Today on fiber Beat, join me for a conversation with Susanna Hansson, tireless advocate and passionate chronicler of the history of these famously beautiful garments and the people who made them possible.

Susanna is a wonderful teacher and advocate for the Bohus Stickning tradition. If you have the chance to take a workshop with her, DO IT, you will NOT be disappointed. Check out the show notes for links to Susanna's workshop calendar and her original patterns. You'll also find links to Solsilke, where you can purchase kits to knit your very own Bohus work of art.

NOTE: As this interview is one from the archives, the exhibit at the Swedish American Museum is no longer showing.

The following people, places and things were mentioned:

• Saga Hill Designs, Wendy J. Johnson's (photographer) website & she still has "Radiant Knit" catalogs!!!
• Bohuslans Museum's brief history of Bohus & example garments
• Solveig Gustafsson's Solsilke site, where you can purchase your own Bohus Knitting kits
• Sigmund Freud, Emma's therapist
• University of Vienna
• Haute Couture definition
• I. Magnin department store
• Nieman Marcus department store
• Meg Swansen & Schoolhouse Press
• Doctor's Without Borders
• Stephanie Pearl McPhee's Bohus Guld sweater
• American Swedish Institute
• Susanna Hansson's workshop calendar

Winners of Fiber Beat CONTEST for Episode No. 20

We had two copies of "Knitting It Old School", each signed by Deb, Caro, Tammy & Stephen. The winners are Knit1Eat1 & Ayla. Congratulations to all the winners and thanks to everyone for participating!

Fiber Beat CONTEST for Episode No. 21

We've got the dvd documentary, "Bohus Knitting: From Relief Work to World Success" by Kjell Andersson

All you have to do to enter the drawing for this prize, is answer the following question: What is your favorite Bohus design? My favorite design is the Wild Apple. I love the juxtaposition of the hunter greens, golds, and reds that make up the abstract yoke pattern. Now, it's your turn! You can peruse examples on Solsilke's site or on Ravelry. You can leave your answer on fiberbeat.com or on the Fiber Beat Ravelry forum. Winners will be randomly selected from all the entries. DEADLINE FOR ENTERING IS August 7, 2011.

ETA: We have an additional contest and some VERY SPECIAL PRIZES. Details can be found here

An huge TAK to Susanna Hansson for being on the Fiber Beat. Big hugs to new Fiber Beat sponsor, Entangled magazine and to our continuing sponsor Bobbin's Nest. Finally, the fondest embrace to all of you, our loyal listeners, for downloading and listening to our first TWENTY-EIGHT episodes (audio/video) of Fiber Beat! If you like what we do, please consider leaving a review on iTunes.

We used snippets of all the songs below in this episode. If you like the music, please support the artists (links provided for your convenience):

• "Fiber Beat theme" performed by Anthony Bonet from exclusive to Fiber Beat (2010)
• Spoken dialog excerpts, featuring Liv Ullman and Bibi Andersson, from the Ingmar Bergman film Persona (MGM/Svensk Filmindustri, 2004/1966)
• "Oh! Susannah" performed by Fats Waller from Fine Arabian Stuff (HighNote Records, 2000)
• "I Got Stripes" performed by Johnny Cash from Songs Of Our Soil (Columbia, 1959)
• "Early-Bird Whirly-Bird" performed by Bob Thompson from The Sound of Speed (Bacchus Archives, 1960)
• "Haute Couture" performed by The Original Broadway Cast from Skyscraper (Original Broadway Cast) (Capitol, 1965)
• "Ain't Nothing Like The Real Thing" performed by Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell from Marvin Gaye and Tammi Terrell: Greatest Hits (Motown, 1981)
• "Mickey Mouse Club Theme" performed by The Original Mouseketeers from The Best of the Original Mickey Mouse Club (Walt Disney Home Entertainment, 2005)
• "From All Over The World" performed by Jan and Dean from Jan & Dean: Golden Hits, Vol. 2 (Capitol, 1965)
• "Oh, Susannah" performed by James Taylor from Sweet Baby James (Warner Brothers, 1970)
• "Ring Ring (Swedish/Spanish/German Version)" performed by ABBA from Thank You for the Music (Box Set) (Polydor, 1995)

My name is WonderMike and I'll see you on the Fiber Beat!!