Norway has a long knitting tradition with many internationally renowned patterns, like Setesdalkofte, Marius sweater, Fanakofte and Selbuvott.

In days gone by, knitting was a crucial household skill. Using just their time and talents, Norwegians could create warm, dependable clothing for their families using locally available and cheap materials.  The Selbu mitten is unique in many ways, but especially because its origin is well-documented.  The history of Selbuvotten started on a cold winter Sunday in 1857, when shepherd girl Marit Emstad and her sister arrived at the regular Sunday church service. The girls were wearing homemade knitted mittens, something that attracted no special attention, but it was the mitten patterns and expression that virtually revolutionized Norwegian knitting traditions.

We have gathered Selbu mittens for this exhibit from descendants of Norwegian immigrants in the Stoughton area. This special exhibit has been held over until January 31, 2018. Please stop by soon to see it