In Scandinavia it’s still quite common for the children to wear home knitted sweaters and cardigans. “Mariusgenser”, Marius Sweater is something most true norwegians own. Designed in 1953 by Unn Soiland (later Dale), founder of Lillunn Design of Norway. She made textile history by designing new patterns, using coloured wool for thick sweaters, very unusual for the time,- making “Norwegian Sweaters” an Internationally famous word.
Marius sweater has it’s name after Marius Eriksen, a famous Norwegian war hero, actor and skier.
Today, more than 50 years later known as the most sold and knitted hand knit pattern in the world. Regarded as the Norwegian National Sweater, a Norwegian Icon.
Unn Soiland Dale received the Royal Medal of Merit in Gold 2002, for her lifelong pioneer work of developing Norwegian hand knit traditions and wool designs, and for making Norwegian wool-textiles famous internationally. And the Marius Sweater is as popular as ever.
I remembered loving my Marius sweater and matching hat as a little girl. The Scandinavian Dad loved his too, of course.
Our girls are no exception, and love their Norwegian sweaters, knitted with love and care by granny. In the softest wool, warm and cozy. Picture shows Beatrice aged 4, very happy in her Marius sweater.

If you don’t have a granny sitting next to the phone waiting for your knit requests to arrive and you have 10 thumbs yourself, you can always buy beautiful hand knitted sweaters and cardigans online.
The Butik has a Winter Sale on now, with up to 40% off. And I spotted a true bargain there today, from danish label Shirley Bredal.
The classic icelandic sweater, perfect for any little boy or girl, hand knitted in 100% pure merino wool. Used to be £40, on sale now for £24