In Sweden, the days between Christmas and New Year are known as mellandagarna, or “in-between days.” With the bustle of holiday preparations over, it’s the perfect time to get together with friends. In our case, we enjoyed a cozy “UFO” gathering. (“UFO” stands for “Unfinished Object.”) Everyone brought projects that needed finishing, including weaving, knitting, embroidery, and felting, along with leftover holiday treats.

It’s much easier to put those last few stitches in when you’re chatting and laughing with friends! Here Beth works on finishing her Repp weave wall hanging while Robbie converts her tapestry into a pillow.

“This was the second tapestry I ever wove,” explains Robbie, “at Valdres Husflidsskole in Norway. The design is two abstracted blossoms. It was never great as a wall piece, so I am now attaching hand-made wool fringe and it will become a pillow.”

Mary finished an adorable pair of booties for a newborn family member!

Kits to make these fuzzy booties are available from Joe’s Toes in the UK.

During the Scandinavian Weavers upcoming exhibit “Vibrant Tradition” at Norway House in Minneapolis, we will host Family Weaving Days with weaving activities for all ages. (Follow this blog for dates and times.) Here, Holly practices one of the activities, weaving simple coasters on a frame loom.

The finished result! Holly says, “I think it looks like trees on the shore of a frozen lake with some snowmobile tracks running across.”

The gathering was also an opportunity to share tips and techniques. New member Amy learned how to twist coordinating cordage to adorn her twill weave pillow.

Phyllis finished a knitted scarf while Kelly felted colorful designs on wool dryer balls. (Wool for felting in the foreground.)

The Scandinavian Weavers have many exciting projects lined up for 2025, including the “Vibrant Tradition” exhibit at Norway House (January 31–April 6) and weaving demonstrations at Gammelgården (May 3). On the loom, we will tackle skillbragd as well as draw loom techniques. Stay tuned for all the details.

We extend our heartfelt thanks to all blog followers and hope you will continue to find both information and inspiration in the coming year!