“Stitching for Syttende Mai” November 2 @ 1:00 pm - 2:00 pm FREE Please join us in the Livsreise auditorium for this presentation given by Stoughton native Carolyn Pieper Benforado. During the weekend celebration of Syttende Mai, beautiful folk costumes abound in Stoughton WI. These special garments have their roots in Norway, and have migrated into this community with the intended purpose of celebrating folk traditions from Norway. In the early days, dedicated women brought this needle art to life. Many of the garments can take months to make and are cherished for life by the owner. The wearing and display of bunads have become an integral part of the celebration in Norway and right here in the Stoughton community. The making of bunads continues from one maker to another, keeping the folk tradition alive. Attendees will learn something about the early days of bunad making, how the tradition continues in Stoughton and how growing up surrounded by all things Norwegian can truly take root and follow you anywhere. Carolyn grew up surrounded by Norwegian folk arts. She has enjoyed a life- long interest in sewing and design. With her degrees from the University of Wisconsin, Madison, she worked in custom clothing while continuing her studies at the University, including study abroad one summer in Norway. She has also taught at Madison College and the University of Wisconsin-Madison in Textiles and Design Studies.