Sandnes Uldvarefabrik was founded in 1888, and a red brick building was erected in the very heart of Sandnes, Norway. The factory bore witness to the industrial revolution before it burned down in 1978 and was rebuilt in a valley outside of town. The ownerships and names have changed throughout the years, until Sandnes got today’s name which also reflects that it is no longer just wool that goes through their spinning mill and out into the world.
Sandnes Garn contribute in a big way – to the joy of knitting in general, as no less than 8 million balls of yarn leave the premises every year! By the time the balls of Peer Gynt and Fritidsgarn – the most popular qualities – are picked up in a yarn shop in Oslo, Uppsala, Århus, Helsinki, Reykjavík, New York, Montréal or Tórshavn, they have already made quite a journey: these yarn types originate from the wool of Norwegian sheep, which is then transported to the factory for washing, carding, spinning, twirling, dyeing and balling. For all who are part of the process, be it animals or people, strict standards of welfare and general happiness apply.
Sandnes Garn's design department travels frequently and brings home the latest in colours, shapes and trends. Sometimes international fashion profiles are invited to develop designs. Sometimes designs developed here moves on as ripples, creating waves somewhere else in the world.
Sandnes Garn's collaboration with renowned designer, PetiteKnit, helped catapult them onto the international knitting scene. Now their yarns are sold worldwide and continue to grow in popularity as more knitters look towards more sustainable and long lasting materials like Norweigien wool.
Sandnes Garn also produce books, booklets and beautiful single patterns to go with their huge range of yarns and many of these designs draw on traditional Norwegian motifs and silhouettes.
Find out more about Sandnes Garn on their website.
