Selje Cloister Sweater
A 3D-knitted blend of History, local Norwegian Wool & Innovation.
In 2021, Julia was inspired to create a knitted sweater that paid homage to the historic Selje cloister, to be showcased at the STRIKKET! catwalk event in August of the same year. She discovered an 1867 drawing by the German-Norwegian painter and architect Franz Wilhelm Schiertz (1813–1887), depicting the decaying ruins of the Selja monastery and sanctuary. The drawing, made during early excavations led by Captain Otto Krefting and the Koren brothers, August and Wilhelm, shows the overgrown monastery, with its tower and west wing slowly being reclaimed by nature. This important historical record has also contributed to ongoing restoration efforts at the site.
Fast-forward 124 years, and two Germans, Julia Kröner of ONE NODE and Melanie Bröder of Atelier Öe in London, used Schiertz's drawing as inspiration to design a contemporary knitting pattern. Melanie's concept was to blend modern graphic design with traditional Norwegian knitting motifs, resulting in a simple yet striking pattern that echoes the region’s rich heritage.
To create a truly local product, they partnered with Inger Falkevik of Norfjordull, a local wool farmer. Inger’s sheep, of the old Norwegian Spælsau breed, graze freely year-round, with minimal need for concentrated feed. The wool is spun at the nearby Selbu Spinneri in Klæbu, which processes it into beautiful natural-colored yarn. The final sweaters are 3D-knitted in Sykkylven, completing a production chain that is entirely based in Norway.
The border at the sleeve and hem of the sweater features a timeless motif of people holding hands, inspired by a knitting book from 1894. This simple yet powerful design conveys the enduring message that we, as humans, must connect and support one another—an idea as relevant today as ever. A heart-shaped logo on the back of the sweater symbolizes the strong collaborative unity between history, local craftsmanship, and modern design, seamlessly bringing Norwegian heritage into the 21st century in both a meaningful and wearable way.