Fiber Artist and NWMAC Board Member Stephenie Anderson was this week’s featured podcast guest.

Steph hand sews Viking-age textiles, creates folk costuming from the 1700s, and knits in Norwegian Nordic patterns. She spoke about the details of creating her Viking costumes, her family ties to Norway and the impact that has on her art.

Stephenie is an at-large member of our board from Fosston.

Stephenie studied and recreated historic knitting patterns from the Norwegian Husfliden archives and used historic knitting methods and patterns to create modern garments. She also studied and recreates historically accurate Viking Age garments based on archaeological findings. She has taught and displayed these garments in living history events such as: Heritage Days in Fosston, Nordic Fest in Decorah, IA, Midwest Viking Fest in Green Bay, WI, and several local events for both adults and children.

Stephenie is part of the Order Of The Mitten, a group of textile artists from Norway, England, Poland, and Fosston (Stephenie), who research textile grave finds and recreate as historically accurate as possible.

Steph explained that she joined the NWMAC Board for a few reasons. First, she’s been a grant recipient herself and wanted to give back. Being someone who has applied for a grant and received a grant gives her a different perspective when evaluating them. Second, because her community submits and receives grant funding, she feels having a representative on the board from her area is important. And finally, as an artist/craftsperson she believes it is important to help keep artistic opportunities going in our area. Thank you, Stephenie for serving on the board!

Listen to the podcast to learn more!