Velkommen til Simply Scandinavian, our last class of the 2021 season. Connie Westbrook was kind enough to offer it twice this year, in June and October, and both times focused on projects with the clean lines and simple designs of Scandinavian weaving. Like the class held in June, Connie shared her beautiful handwoven samples and ideas, offered afternoon fika (not just for Swedes, it’s time for friends to take a pause, share a cup of coffee or tea and a little something to eat), arranged for a guided tour of the Stavkirke and created a welcoming atmosphere for her students.
From an array of weave structures and patterns including Halvdräll, Monk’s Belt and Scandinavian Snowflake, students wove table linens, pillow covers, towels and more in the understated and sometimes minimalist designs that are both beautiful and follow the function of each piece.
The weaving begins by measuring, threading and sleying many ends (usually) of a light, neutral-colored cotton or cottolin.
When it comes to fika and Scandinavian influence on Washington Island, the original “Velkommen” coffee pot comes to mind. This from a 1966 publication, “In the busy tourist season, information and coffee are offered at this unique Scandinavian Coffee Pot by an Islander, dressed in Norwegian costume. The inscription, ‘Velkommen – Coffee is the best of all earthly drinks’ bids a Scandinavian welcome to all who set foot on Washington Island.”
Today, the refurbished version is located outside the Washington Island Welcome Center near the ferry dock, greeting visitors with a signature “the coffee pot is on” hospitality. Our own Kathleen Morris was instrumental in reviving this island icon.
Along with a big pot of coffee, try this fika recipe of Connie’s from class:
Kosleig Cake
1 box chocolate fudge cake mix
1 small box chocolate pudding mix
½ cup oil
½ cup Baileys Irish Crème or Kahlúa
2 eggs
1 (16 oz) container sour cream (regular, lite or fat free)
1 (12 oz) bag chocolate chips
Mix together in a bowl and pour into a greased Bundt pan. Bake at 350° for 40-60 minutes until done.
As our 2021 season and these last golden days come to a close, we thank Connie and each one of our instructors for all the special touches they bring to their students and to the Sievers experience. We thank each one of the students, this year and in years past, for your friendship, enthusiasm and the creative spirit you bring.
We can’t wait to “Velkommen” you again in 2022!
