The exhibition presents original examples from Unn Søiland Dale's almost 60 years of handknit design and production. Unn Søiland Dale was born in Haugesund and has popularised traditional Norwegian knitting patterns around the world. She is recognised as one of Norway's greatest handknit designers and a pioneer in the history of Norwegian textiles. Her work has graced French catwalks and been worn by famous names such as Ingrid Bergman, Morten Harket and Jackie Kennedy.
Shown on the catwalks of major fashion houses such as Dior and Givenchy
Many people have proclaimed Unn Søiland Dale to be the greatest handknit designer in Norway. She developed her handknit designs and production using skilled hand knitters, to be able to show her designs on French catwalks.
In the 1970s, 80s and 90s, she went from designing jumpers to developing her knitwear designs to include suits and coats, and she delivered creations to famous French fashion houses such as Christian Dior, Castelbajac and Hubert Givenchy. They bought her works for several years in a row, and her designs were pictured in their publications and showcased on their catwalks. The French fashion houses wanted to buy her work because she worked with hand knitting. They had never before seen anything like it (machine knitting cannot produce the same results as hand knitting).
The woman behind the Norwegian icon: the ‘Marius sweater’
Unn Søiland Dale is the creator of the famous Marius pattern, which most people consider a Norwegian icon. Her knitting patterns remain some of the most popular patterns to this day.
Two weeks before she died in 2002, she was awarded the King's Medal of Merit in gold for her pioneering work advancing Norway’s knitting traditions, and for popularising Norwegian hand knitting internationally. The term ‘Norwegian Sweaters’ became a byword for quality after she began exporting handknits to Europe in the 1950s.
When is the exhibition open?
The exhibition is open throughout the year and has the same opening hours as Haugesund Tourist Information.
How much does it cost to visit the exhibition?
The exhibition is free of charge.
Universal design
There is a ramp into the exhibition, making it accessible for wheelchair users, people with pushchairs, and anyone else requiring mobility aids.
Sale of Hand-Knitted Wear at Haugesund Tourist Information
At the tourist information centre in Haraldsgata 131, you can purchase high-quality hand-knitted items. The garments feature original patterns by Unn Søiland Dale, the creator of the famous Marius pattern. Each piece is crafted by a skilled group from the ‘Unn From Haugesund, Handknit team’. With very few copies of each item available, you'll need to act quickly to secure your favourite.
