The queen of patterns from Gothenburg

The West coast knitting

We met Kerstin Olsson, the queen of patterns from Gothenburg, who has created many of Bohus Knittings iconic patterns.

KERSTIN OLSSON

The first time we met the pattern maker Kerstin Olsson, was in her atelier in 2004 in central Gothenburg. The topic of conversation was patterns, more specific knitting patterns. During the 50s and 60s, she created several patterns for Bohus Knitting. The wild apple, the watermelon, the egg and the stars to name a few. Since our hearts really beat for the West coast legacy, it was extremely exciting to look through her archive of patterns. The meeting ended up with a collaboration between us and Kerstin and she created a pattern for us. We are now starting to look at and create new patterns together again.

1 / 3

Then what is Bohus Knitting?

In 1939, the governor Emma Jacobsson formed the association Bohus Knitting to create work opportunities for the women in Bohuslän. They knitted sweaters that they then would sell as finished garments. Emma Jacobsson designed several patterns her self, as well as hired artistic designers, such as Kerstin Olsson.

Work opportunities for the women in Bohuslän.

The management was stationed in Gothenburg and the majority of the knitters in small fisherman cottages in Bohuslän. Knitting courses was a necessity to make the cottage industry a success. One weeks holiday was included in the benefits. Bohus Knitting became a success worldwide.

1 / 2

They were knitting like never before along the Weast coast. Kerstin visited Bohus Knitting on a school trip while studying her senior year at Valand, formerly named The School of handicraft association. The premises of the company was set in Guldheden, Gothenburg, and the founder Emma Jacobsson was showing them around. After the tour, she asked if someone wanted to make patterns.

Kerstin got to pick her own colours and then went home to start knitting. When Emma Jacobsson saw the final results, she made her mind up straight away.

- It came out really nice, when can you start? she asked.

One of the first patterns Kerstin created was "the wild apple" - one of the most popular today.

1 / 2