Since 1999, the Norwegian-Swedish designer duo Arne and Carlos has re-designed ancient Norwegian knitting designs from being necessity based to becoming an urban and trend-setting phenomenon.

This is the first time the Scandinavian knitting tradition has got a really big international audience – thanks to traditional products being recreated in the designer duo’s unique way. Arne and Carlos turn out to be experts in creating a dualism in Norwegian handcrafts and the designers get their inspiration from sources like Dolly Parton, kitsch and feminism.

In the autumn of 2010, the duo launched a book with their very special Christmas tree balls, beautifully decorated with traditional Norwegian knitting patterns. This fall, the book was one of the best-sellers in Norway and there is no doubt that Norwegians have got “knitting on their brain”.

Young, urban people have resumed the old tradition, undoubtedly inspired by Arne and Carlos. In addition to Norway, the book is sold in England, France, Germany, the Netherlands and the United States. It has been well received and Arne and Carlos have established shops in major U.S. cities like Boston, Los Angeles and New York. It is clear that the talented designer duo has found a niche that the audience has been longing for.

Read more about Arne and Carlos and their products here.

Text by: Anette Broteng Christiansen, ThorNews

Photo: osloann /Flickr

Categories: Culture, Knitting

Tags: arne and carlos, Culture, knitting