I am actually learning how to knit, with yarn. But that is not the knitting I am talking about. I have learned to do a method of creating chain called viking knit, which is hundreds of years old, back to 700 AD. It is an offshoot of chainmaille work, but it is wire that is looped together around a wooden dowel, or some other long stick, creating a lovely pattern with varying flexibilty depending on how much you “draw” your knit down at the very end, making smaller and smaller chain.
So far I have made two finished pieces with Viking knit, and am starting work on a matching set for a client, a necklace and a bracelet. The first one here was made with artistic wire, a good, inexpensive product for my first attempt, and the second was made with copper wire.
My first viking knit jewelry
This second piece is available on Etsy and it fits great! The piece rounds out when on the wrist and I have enjoyed wearing it around for a few days to see how it feels.
I should have a few of these ready for my large show at the Glass Gallery, which is the first weekend in May at the Convention Center in Portland. Admission is free!
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