During the 18th and 19th century in rural Sweden it was tradition to provide your beloved with gifts to publicly display the earnestness of the suitor. The further into a courtship, the more expensive gifts. In the stage of actual betrothal a woman could receive a silk scarf, a bible or, if the suitor had the money to pay for it, a pair of richly embroidered mittens or gloves, known as “brudvantar” (roughly translates to Bridal Mittens). These opulent objects were commonly made by professionals and sold by wandering salesmen who frequented the villages and small towns of rural Sweden. The motifs bore symbolic meanings of fidelity, purity and marital happiness and are small, wearable pieces of art. 

In this course you get the opportunity to design and sew your own embroidered mittens, inspired by this historical finery. You will learn about common historical motifs, master some basic embroidery stitches and be guided through the process of designing and making your own pair of brudvantar.

No previous experience needed but some experience of hand sewing is helpful.  

Students age 16+ may sign up for this course. Youth ages 12+ may register if accompanied by an adult. A 25% tuition discount applies to the youth registrant when registering with a full paying adult; call to register. Adult/child pairs will complete two projects and pay two materials fees. 

Required Tools

• Sharp embroidery needles sizes 18-24
• Embroidery scissor
• Fabric scissors
• Thimble (availabale in the school store)
• Small plier

Optional Tools

If you wish to bring any embroidery threads or needles that you are used to working with, that is perfectly fine. An embroidery frame (of the easily detachable spring steel) variant could be helpful sometimes and a thimble might be helpful if you have delicate hands.