Selbuvotter are patterns from Selbu, Norway. This region of Norway, though near the Arctic Circle, enjoys a milder climate than one would expect due to the Gulf Stream nearby and is home to a tradition of folk knitting. Terri Shea takes us through a quick run of Norway's history (first a country under Danish rule, then Swedish) and shows how home-knit items supplemented farm income, as in so many parts of the world. Selbu patterns, including the famous Selbu Rose, are familiar to anyone who watched the Olympics in Lillehammer or who loves skiwear.
Through the magic of knitting, the 5 stitch-7 row proportion transforms itself into a perfect diamond when you knit a snowflake or a rose on the diagonal. This magic is the heart of Selbu patterns, though there are a lot more motifs, including grids, leaves, ravens, dogs, and reindeer, of course. The author includes a method for knitting dates and initials into the knitting as well--handy for knitting MITTENS for SCHOOLKIDS who LEAVE THEM ON THE BUS--you know what I mean.
The book has many clear charts for making folk knit style mittens and absolutely beautiful gloves; the "Annemor #17" -- a snowflake and arrow design is good for beginners to knitting gloves. The book is only mittens and gloves, but if you are determined to make something else, the patterns are easily usable for stocking, hats or sweaters. I plan to make the Annemor #17 first (a beautiful glove) and then try some mittens with initials for a few youngsters. There are some interesting cuffs--not as elaborate as the fringed and braided Latvian cuffs, but still more interesting than simple 2x2 knitted rib.
There are a few errata in the book--in fact, more than a few, but you can go to the author's site and download a complete list of errors, corrections including corrected charts. I did find an error not listed in the errata--there is a duplicate chart "C" in the Annemor #15 gloves--simply use the FIRST chart C for the pinky finger (it has a double line to line up with the same double line on the hand) and then the second chart "C" for the rest of the fingers.
This is a great addition to your library of folk patterns and the history of knitting, but has useful glove patterns as well. Recommended for all knitters who love colorwork.