When I tell friends I've starting working on a commission for a bunad, I get mostly blank stares. In all honestly, I would have had a similar reaction a couple of months ago, which is a little sad, considering I'm more Norwegian than anything else. So what is a bunad? It's the traditional Norwegian women's garment. There are variations based on region as well as occasion - some more or less formal - but the basic idea is familiar to most at sight, at least here in the midwest: a blouse with a matching skirt and vest worn over it. This particular bunad is an informal one from the Rogaland county. My client had a basic kit, from a true Norwegian company based in the Twin Cities area, with the official materials and basic instructions. It's been so much fun to dive into so far! I started my work with the blouse. Since this is an informal design, the blouse is very simple, without the embroidery found on many more formal styles. However, there is still a very long history behind these garments, and a very particular style of construction, The pattern is based on rectangles: bodice, sleeves, collar, cuffs, and shoulder and sleeve gussets. It's made of a plain white cotton, and all seams are either flat felled or finished by hand. This is a garment made to last!
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