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“Stitching for Syttende Mai”
November 2 @ 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm
FREEPlease join us in the Livsreise auditorium for this presentation given by
Stoughton native Carolyn Pieper Benforado.
A little history :
During the weekend celebration of Syttende Mai, beautiful folk costumes abound in Stoughton WI. These special garments have their roots in Norway, and have migrated into this community with the intended purpose of celebrating folk traditions from Norway. In the early days, dedicated women brought this needle art to life. Many of the garments can take months to make and are cherished for life by the owner. The wearing and display of bunads have become an integral part of the celebration in Norway and right here in the Stoughton community. The making of bunads continues from one maker to another, keeping the folk tradition alive. We will learn something about the early days of bunad making, how the tradition continues in Stoughton and how growing up surrounded by all things Norwegian can truly take root and follow you anywhere
Our presenter:
Carolyn grew up surrounded by Norwegian folk arts. She has enjoyed a life long interest in sewing and design. With her degrees from the University of Wisconsin, Madison, she worked in custom clothing while continuing her studies at the University, including study abroad one summer in Norway. She has also taught at Madison College and and the University of Wisconsin-Madison in Textiles and Design Studies.
Her first glimpse of bunads was in Carolyn’s early childhood. Alma Tenjem, an early maker of bunads for the Stoughton Dancers, would work on beading and hems while providing childcare in the Pieper home, While home with children, she managed to costume their various endeavors including Scandinavian Dance troupes, Shakespeare plays, water ballet troupes and many Halloween outfits. Most recently she has worked at American Girl in product development where her focus was on historic details and authentic portrayal of clothing for the various characters. childcare in the Pieper home. So, in what seems like a full circle, she serves on the Bunad Committee for the Stoughton Norwegian Dancers. Traditions can take root in unsuspecting ways..