Taking a Second Look: Swedish Folk Embroidery

Let's talk Scandinavia. Those people are absurdly good at an absurd number of things. They're classy and happy and their modern style and muted color palette makes my heart sing. We're going to look at the Dala Horse, the Mora Clock, Rosemaling before we get to my current fashion crush, Swedish folk embroidery. 

I'm a big lover of the traditional Swedish Dala Horse, which were once children's toys and have now become a symbol of the province in which they originated and of Sweden itself.

Another Swedish love is the Mora clock. With their soft, modern lines and muted color, they are definitely on my forever home wish list!

But today's topic is going to be amazingly intricate Norwegian and Swedish folk art which features an array of primary colors, swirling scrollwork, and highly stylized florals.  When that style is applied to wood, it's known as rosemaling.

From our lovely Wiki:
"Rosemåling, or rosemaling is the name of a traditional form of decorative folk art that originated in the rural valleys of Norway. Rosemåling is a style of Norwegian decorative painting on wood that uses stylized flower ornamentation, scrollwork, lining and geometric elements, often in flowing patterns. Landscape and architectural elements are also common."

Let's look at Swedish and Norwegian folk embroidery on cloth as folk embroidery is about to make a major fashion comeback in 2016!

Both of these older Swedish samples feature a wonderful use of reds and pinks.

This intricate all over embroidery, based in swirling lines and florals is popping up all over the high fashion shows. Top: Valentino 2016/ Bottom: Gucci 2016.

 And there are even some wearable options popping up in popular fashion as well:

And finally, even Anna Wintour is getting in on the game with this Stella McCartney jacket. And when Anna's in, you know something's about to take off. 

What do you think? Ready to take out your embroidery floss yet?