Folky Fun Knitwear Made by Hand!
Elmina Fors Knitwear (EFK) was founded in 2014 in Brighton, Great Britain, by me (Elmina Fors) when I graduated from University of Brighton with a Bachelor degree in Textile Design for Fashion specializing in knitted textiles. Nowadays I live in the village Bollnäs in the Northern part of Sweden. Here we get snowy winters and warm summers – perfect for snowboarding and hiking and very inspiring when it comes to creating knitted garments!
Elmina Fors Knitwear is now based both in the Northern part of Sweden, in Hälsingland, and during the summetime on the small island Fjäderholmarna just outside Stockholm City. Here I have a studio and shop selling my hand made knitwear as well as works by other local artists. You can read more about the shop Elmina & CO. here. You can visit me and the shop during the summer months May – September each year.
Since 2014 I have exhibited my knitted clothing and accessoaries all around the UK and Sweden at different design shows and exhibitions. My inspiration comes from my interest in folk imagery and patterning in woven, printed and knitted textiles.
The Making
All knitwear is made using domestic hand operated electronic and punchcard knitting machines. All products are made in 100% natural fibres such as wool, linen, cotton and silk, intricate patterns and a wide range of colours – all inspired by traditional folk patterns from Elmina’s background in the very North of Sweden.
Before a pattern or garment becomes reality, Elmina gathers inspiration from traditional folk imagery – woven & knitted patterns and structures, folk costumes, wall hangings etc. The pattern is then planned out to technically work with the knitting machine and the technique used, such as 2 colour jacquard, tuck or slip stitch or plain stockinette knittig.
Elmina & CO. on Fjäderholmarna
From May-September you find Elmina Fors on Fjäderholmarna – Stockholm’s closest archipelago island! This is a tiny island full of things to explore – a chocolatiers, brewery, several great restaurants and the Fjäderholmarna Art Village. Fjäderhomarna Art Village consists of a silversmith forge, glass blowing, art and design – here is Elmina’s studio and shop Elmina & CO.