Ullogsilke: Every shawl tells a story

For over 30 years, Janne Rosenberg Olsen has made textiles according to age-old Indian craft traditions. With a focus on finding the right piece for every customer, her all-natural products are a hit on the market and the festival scene.

After travelling to India at the age of 19, Janne Rosenberg Olsen fell in love with the country’s rich textiles and craft culture. “It was like stepping into a different world of colours, patterns and traditions – I was smitten,” she says.

Natural dyes and block printing are ancient traditions in India, representing knowledge and skills developed over a long period of time. After learning printing techniques while living with a local family, Janne began making textiles of her own. “Developing my own patterns and watching them come to life on the fabric felt like magic,” she says. She later developed an interest in wool and silk and has focused on scarves and shawls for the last 17 years.

Janne offers a wide range of patterns and designs, and her creative process is dynamic; “I create a lot of patterns myself, borrowing and drawing inspiration from other textiles that I may use elements of and reconstruct. Every shawl is like a story.”

For the past 30 years, Janne has been travelling around Norway’s markets and festivals selling her handcrafted items. Her products are first-rate quality, made with all-natural and organic fibres. “I value the quality of my products above everything. My main material is wool, and I sometimes add silk for softness – I never use any synthetic materials.”

Janne values providing great service and making sure her customers are satisfied. “Pleasant sales interactions and high-quality products make people remember you and tell others about your work. I love speaking to customers and helping them find the right piece,” she says. “Years of experience has taught me what will suit people depending on their complexion, hair and eye colour. It’s so rewarding to see how flattering a scarf can be when you find the right fit for somebody.”

During the Covid-19 pandemic, Janne launched her website with products modelled by friends and family – normal people who aren’t perfectly posed and airbrushed. “It’s important to me that customers see themselves in my models,” she adds.

Next, Janne is looking forward to an exciting season at Bergen’s popular Christmas market at Festplassen in the heart of the city. “I’ll be at the market all month, and I can’t wait to meet clients, old and new!”

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