Textile Traditions of Norway with Sara Bixler, Red Stone Glen

Tour Info

OVERVIEW 

Enjoy Norway from the very best perspective--with a view of textiles! Tours of three woolen mills let you discover each one’s unique approach to processing wool from yarn to stylish finished goods. Norwegian textile traditions also come to life with visits to cultural attractions, such as the Norsk Trikotasjemuseum (Knitting Museum of Norway), located in Bergen. Shopping opportunities include renowned retailers.
Norwegian textile traditions also come to life with visits to cultural attractions, such as the Norsk Trikotasjemuseum (Knitting Museum of Norway), located in Bergen. Shopping opportunities include renowned retailers. At the duty-free Heimen Husfliden in Oslo, peruse the country’s largest selection of knitting and weaving yarns and needlework accessories.
The natural beauty of Norway is also very much a part of this tour. Enjoy a fjord cruise and a train ride aboard the Flåm Railway. Take in the picture-perfect mountain settings seen at every turn. Marvel at the centuries of history found at sites such as the Norsk Folkemuseum, which includes 160 buildings from throughout Norway spanning centuries.  

START & FINISH

The tour begins at 6.00 pm at group hotel in Oslo on Day 1, Sunday August 4. The tour concludes after breakfast at group hotel in Oslo on Day 13, Friday August 16.

Itinerary

DETAILED ITINERARY

Day 1   Sun Aug 4              Arrive Oslo

Make your own way to hotel in Oslo for check-in. Tonight gather together for dinner and meet your fellow travelers. (D)

Day 2   Mon Aug 5            Oslo

Enjoy a city tour including Opera House and Oslo Old Town.            Visit the iconic shopping center GlasMagasinet at Stortorvet square in the city center, where its history dates back to the 1700s. Visit the Yarn Department at Glasmagasinet, where we find a large and varied selection of yarn, recipes, inspiration books, knitting needles, buttons, weaving yarn, embroidery yarn and equipment for embroidery and more. (B)

Day 3   Tue Aug 6              Oslo

Today we shop at Heimen Husfliden, which has the city's largest selection of Noregian knitting and weaving yarns and needlework accessories. The Norwegian folk costume, or bunad, is the outfit Norwegians wear on life's special occasions. There are more than 450 bunads in Norway, each with its own unique design that varies depending on where the bunad (and the person wearing it) come from. (B)

Day 4   Wed Aug 7           Oslo-Brandbu-Lillehammer

Grinakervev was established in 1989 by Elin and Kåre Lyngstad. Grinakervev is one of the few remaining damask weavers in Europe that the knowledge of weaving of the best qualities has been kept the same and passed on. Visit Gudbrandsdalens Uldvarefabrik AS, est. 1887. It is an award-winning and innovative textile manufacturer that specializes in wool, and is currently one of Europe's leading suppliers of furniture fabric. (B, D)

Day 5   Thu Aug 8              Lillehammer-Flam

After breakfast, enjoy a 4-hour workshop at hotel. Leisure time in the afternoon. (B D)

Day 6   Fri Aug 9 Flam

Experience the spectacular Stegastein viewing platform, 2000ft above Aurlandsfjord. An unmissable sightseeing trip for any visitor to Flåm. We experience a ride aboard Flåmsbana (the Flåm Railway). This spectacular train journey offers a panoramic view of some of the wildest and most magnificent nature in the Norwegian fjord landscape. Together with the Nærøyfjord, the Aurlandsfjord is one of the most picturesque fjords in the world. Next take a Fjord cruise through the magnificent Aurlandsfjord into Nærøyfjord, a World Heritage site that is Europe's narrowest fjord. (B, L)

Day 7   Sat Aug 10            Flam-Bergen

The Viking village of Njardarheimr consists of more than 20 buildings and more are being planned. The houses were built and reconstructed by using the knowledge and experience of how they were built in the Viking Age. We will be able to wander around freely and experience the various buildings and activities that Viking Valley has to offer and learn more about construction traditions, religion, food and crafts. (B, D)

Day 8   Sun Aug 11            Bergen

Morning visit to Hillesvåg Ullvarefabrikk (Hillesvåg Wool Spinning Mill), a fourth generation family firm recently designated an Economusée--a network of artisans renowned for their excellence. We will visit Ase Eriksen, Visual Artist, researcher and teacher and have a workshop at the studio. (B)

Day 9   Mon Aug 12          Bergen

Today we visit Osteroy Museum. The museum has special knowledge about the history of textiles and costumes and the fabric of origin. Head to the Norsk Trikotasjemuseum (Knitting Museum of Norway), located in a former textile mill that was active from 1858-1989. The museum traces the production of its former occupant from wool spinning to finished product. Then ride the Fløibanen funicular for panoramic views of the fjord, mountains, skerries, and the bustling life along the coast.         (B, D)

Day 10   Tue Aug 13          Bergen-Setesdal

Visit Hardanger Fartøyvernsenter and see how different kinds of rope are made by hand. Depart for Setesdal and check in to hotel upon arrival. (B, D)

Day 11   Wed Aug 14        Setesdal

The Setesdal valley is known for its rich cultural heritage. The Setesdal Museum in Rysstad is a journey through the culture, history and traditions of Setesdal. Visit Gomes Hus, grandma’s house, a cozy place where everyone is welcome! Liv Stormo shows us how she dyes yarns with local plants. We tour her lovely farm shop and enjoy some delicious baked goods. Then visit Setesdal Husflid, a cooperative that was founded in 1966. In its nearly 50-year history, Husfliden has been an important competence center for the Setesdals bunade. (B, D)

Day 12   Thu Aug 15          Setesdal-Moss-Oslo

Today visit Digital Weaving Norway and attend a workshop. Visit Heddal Stave Church before travelling to Oslo. Enjoy farewell dinner at hotel. (B, D)

Day 13   Fri Aug 16            Depart Oslo

Our tour concludes today after breakfast at the hotel. (B)

Tour Leader

SARA BIXLER

Sara Bixler is the owner and resident instructor of Red Stone Glen Fiber Arts Center in York Haven, Pennsylvania. Her love of travel and different cultures inspire her work and the curriculum offered at Red Stone Glen, set on an idyllic 50-acre property in south central Pennsylvania. There, students enjoy a unique opportunity to study a diverse range of fiber-arts courses, ranging from weaving to tatting. The center also presents informative lectures on relevant topics. Sara has devoted years to experimenting with color in weaving. She has focused on how color relationships are affected by yarn size, luster, sett, and weave structure. She is known for her ability to guide students through the challenging world of color theory, specifically as it relates to weaving. She is passionate about sustainability and the natural world, and that dedication is reflected in her work.

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Inclusions

TOUR INCLUSIONS

What is included in the tour price?

• 12 nights' twin-share accommodation at well-appointed hotels with private bath or shower
• Daily breakfast, lunch, and dinner as stated in the itinerary
• Transportation including coach, funicular and cruise, as stated in the itinerary
• Admissions and experiences as stated in the itinerary
• An English-speaking guide to accompany the group throughout the trip

What is not included in the tour price?

• International airfares 
• Individual transfers between airport & hotel
• Travel insurance
• Gratuities
• Porterage at hotels & personal expenses

Hotels

HOTELS

Pleae contact us for hotel details.