Irene Landeen, Scandinavian Costume Maker Extraordinaire:
(Irene at left, Tritia Tonn at right)
Showing off some of Irene's handiwork.
Showing off some of Irene's handiwork.
What got you started creating Folk costumes?
My son was invited into NORDLYS Scandinavian Folk Dance Group, so I did some research to find materials that would look authentic to make a costume for him. Then, I was invited into NORDLYS myself, so I needed a costume as well. It just sort of snowballed from there.
What countries do your costumes represent?
I have made Folk Wear from all Scandinavian countries except Iceland. Maybe that will be a project in the future.
Do you make costumes for men, as well as women?
Yes, I've made vests and/or shirts, as well as complete costumes for men.
How many years have you been making these costumes?
I have created Norwegian (Bunads), Swedish (Folkdrakts), Danish (Folkedragter), and Finnish (Pukus) costumes for 23 years.
Have you been to any Scandinavian countries?
Yes, I have traveled many times to Sweden, Norway, and Iceland. These travels were of great value in seeing many of the folk costumes being worn during Midsummer in these countries.
Do you make Folk Wear just for dancers?
No, I have created several costumes for non-dancers. Most of them are of Scandinavian descent and wanted a costume to represent their heritage.
How long does it take to create a complete costume?
Depending on how many pieces are needed, 3 to 6 months. Most ladies' costumes include a vest and skirt or jumper, blouse, apron and a shawl or scarf. For men, knickers, shirt, vest and at times, a scarf.
What keeps you going in this endeavor?
This is my passion! Other than performing Scandinavian dances, I can't think of anything I would rather be doing. It also maintains some level of sanity for me. (Ha!)
My son was invited into NORDLYS Scandinavian Folk Dance Group, so I did some research to find materials that would look authentic to make a costume for him. Then, I was invited into NORDLYS myself, so I needed a costume as well. It just sort of snowballed from there.
What countries do your costumes represent?
I have made Folk Wear from all Scandinavian countries except Iceland. Maybe that will be a project in the future.
Do you make costumes for men, as well as women?
Yes, I've made vests and/or shirts, as well as complete costumes for men.
How many years have you been making these costumes?
I have created Norwegian (Bunads), Swedish (Folkdrakts), Danish (Folkedragter), and Finnish (Pukus) costumes for 23 years.
Have you been to any Scandinavian countries?
Yes, I have traveled many times to Sweden, Norway, and Iceland. These travels were of great value in seeing many of the folk costumes being worn during Midsummer in these countries.
Do you make Folk Wear just for dancers?
No, I have created several costumes for non-dancers. Most of them are of Scandinavian descent and wanted a costume to represent their heritage.
How long does it take to create a complete costume?
Depending on how many pieces are needed, 3 to 6 months. Most ladies' costumes include a vest and skirt or jumper, blouse, apron and a shawl or scarf. For men, knickers, shirt, vest and at times, a scarf.
What keeps you going in this endeavor?
This is my passion! Other than performing Scandinavian dances, I can't think of anything I would rather be doing. It also maintains some level of sanity for me. (Ha!)
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