#vadmel

[bunad]

Embroidered Apron

Wool damask apron with multi colored floral embroidery, white glass beads, edged in red wool wadmal. Made in 1828 - Hjartdal, Telemark.

Initialed TTDO

Photos by Anne-Lise Reinsfelt - Norsk Folkemuseum

[bunad]

Red Skirts with Bodice

Likely a wedding dress, made in the first half of the 19th century in Telemark.

The bodice is made of red velvet, edged in green velvet and silk ribbons. Between where the skirts and bodice connect, there are two rows of green Vadmel.

The red wool skirt is cartridge pleated, and flattens and splits in the front. The edge consists of 6 fabric stripes: 2 green wool, 1 beige striped, 1 orange wool, 1 lighter green, 1 red canvas.

There is a strong black wool edge on the inside, likely for supporting the hem shape and protecting the hem from damage and dirt.

There has been some conservation work done, mainly the red supportive skirt sewn to the inside and some hole repairs.

Photographed by Eva Brænd - Norsk Folkemuseum

[textextiletext]

Excerpt from “Introduction of Vadmel,” written by Eli Vesaas, Ingebjørg Vaagen, and Carol Colburn for participants in the Norwegian Vadmel workshop.

“Our hope is to recover the knowledge of weaving and fulling vadmel in a way that suits modern life, using spælsau yarn of sufficient quality. Vadmel can be made in such a way so as to be soft enough for babies or coarse enough for a saddle blanket, but we must have the knowledge to decide which yarn to choose, which weaving technique to use, and how long the fabric should be fulled in the stampa. Making a garment of vadmel is, indeed, an enjoyable thing to do. The material does not ravel and needn’t be hemmed. It is easy to shape with a steam iron. The weaver that makes a length of vadmel cloth is a lucky weaver.”