ABOUT SIV
Bures boahtin! - Welcome!
My name is Siv Romsdal, and I grew up in Gjesvær, a small fishing village at the outermost tip of Nordkapp Municipality. Today, I live in Ski, outside Oslo, but both my upbringing in Gjesvær and my Sea Sámi background from Porsanger hold an important place in what I create.
Through knitting design, I explore Sámi pattern traditions, culture, and history – allowing them to meet colors, shapes, and inspiration from the nature of the Nordic Cap.
SEASIDE SAMI BACKGROUND
Patterns, Stories and Cultural Heritage
On my mother's side, I come from a family with a Coastal Sámi background from Porsanger. Due to the Norwegianization process, which was strong in many Coastal Sámi areas, I did not grow up with Sámi culture as a natural part of my daily life.
Therefore, it has become important for me to become better acquainted with this part of my background through my work with knitwear design. I create garments based on Sámi pattern traditions, but I also want to highlight the stories and narratives that belong to the culture.
In this way, knitting becomes an opportunity to learn more about the rich Sámi cultural history – both for myself and for those who knit my designs.
THE DESIGN PROCESS
History comes first
When I started creating my own knitting designs about six years ago, it was primarily for myself. I wanted to create something rooted in Sami culture, and the first design was Ullobáidi. The starting point was a pattern from a traditional Sami shoe band that I had found a picture of and thought was beautiful.
When I started sharing photos of the sweater online, I received positive feedback. Since then, one design has turned into many. Sami handicraft tradition is rich in beautiful patterns, but my inspiration comes just as much from Sápmi's stories, myths and legends, places, nature, and natural phenomena.
When I create a new design, the story comes first. I start with what I want to convey. From there come the colors, the expression, and the shape of the garment, before I search for the pattern that fits that particular story.
TRADITION AND SOURCES
Knowing where the pattern comes from
For me, it is important to know the history behind the patterns I use as inspiration. If a design is based on, for example, an old "skallebånd" (a type of Sámi leg band), I try to explain its origin, who made or woven it if known, and the history preserved with it.
My work builds on knowledge and material that others have preserved before me. Generations of women have done great work in seeking out, preserving, and making old Sámi patterns and clothing traditions accessible.
"In that way, I stand on the shoulders of giants."
SÁPMI KNITTING
More than a knitting book
I was contacted by Spartacus Forlag with a question about whether I would like to create a knitting book with Sámi inspiration. I was given the freedom to make the book in my own way – and for me, it was important that it should contain more than just patterns.
Therefore, stories related to the garments, history, excerpts from poems, and other parts of Sápmi found their place alongside the knitting designs. I wanted to create a book that could also be read and provide knowledge and joy to those who don't necessarily knit.
Sápmi Strikk 2 continues in the same vein. The source material and inspiration are so extensive that new designs and stories are constantly emerging. I am continuously working on new designs and stories – and there is much more I want to convey.
WITH YARN AND NEEDLES THROUGH SÁPMI
A garment with a history
I hope that whoever knits one of my designs is left with more than just a beautiful garment. That the knitting has also been a journey through Sápmi with yarn and needles – and provided new knowledge about Sami history, culture, and traditions.
Above all, I hope it gives the feeling of having knitted something with a story.
