Nicki Chicki beanies, $35 each @ nickichicki.etsy.com
Photos by TJ Turner
From the Fair Isle sweaters of Scotland to the iconic Norwegian sweater—whose patterns are inspired by the decorative folk painting style known as rosemaling—knitwear is part of Minnesota’s heritage, a craft brought over by immigrants hailing from cold-weather countries. Embrace the chill with hand-knit goods by local knitters bringing the tradition into the 21st century.
Clockwise from top left: Made in Minnie beanie (mustard yellow), $30 @ madeinminnyshop.com, MAKWA Studio beanies (2), $56–$60 each, and cowl scarf, $84 @ makwastudio.com; Quimsy cowl scarf (cobalt blue), $49, and baby blanket, $50 @ quimsyco.etsy.com; Wool & Whiskey infinity scarf (cobalt) $64 @ thewoolandwhiskey.com; Nicki Chicki kid’s double-pom beanie, $26 @ nickichicki.etsy.com; Made in Minnie beanie (electric blue), $30; MAKWA Studio cowl scarf, $92; Nicki Chicki infinity scarf (purple), $37; Wool & Whiskey sweater, $275, and infinity scarf (orange spice) $64; Barbara Roitenberg for StevenBe shawl, $120 @ the Textile Center, 3000 University Ave. SE., Minneapolis, textilecentermn.org; Nicki Chicki infinity scarf (olive), $37; MAKWA Studio beanie, $56; and Danielle Everine fur-trimmed stockings, $245 @ danielleeverine.com
From marled cable knits to oversized, ribbed sweater dresses, fall’s runways were awash in coziness. Incorporated into apparel, sweaters, scarves, mittens, hats, and home goods, the textured style of an ultra-heavy weave not only feels fresh, it has an ultra-luxe look.
In Minnesota, knitwear is more than just a trend—it’s a relevant staple of our winter wardrobes, shielding us from 30-below windchills while keeping us looking chic. Unsurprisingly, our state is home to a whole lot of knitters. The Minnesota Knitters’ Guild boasts upwards of 300 members, and knitting supply stores—including the Yarnery in St. Paul and Linden Yarn and Textiles in Linden Hills—number in the dozens. The Textile Center regularly hosts exhibitions highlighting designs by fabric artists, and its shop sells handmade knitwear by Minnesota makers.
Minnesota artisans are making it easy to stay warm and on-trend this winter with modern, stylish options. Available in a variety of single- and double-pom styles, Montgomery-based Nicole Brown’s Nicki Chicki knit hats for adults and kids are an adorable twist on the classic pom beanie, and her double-looped cowls are super soft. MAKWA Studio by designer Maggie Thompson features hoodie scarves, cowls, and beanies in bold, bright patterns that offer a contemporary interpretation of the traditional textiles of her Ojibwe heritage. With so many stylish options for staying warm, winter can bring it on.