Norway has been producing some of the world's finest wool knitwear for centuries, and Norlender Knitwear has been part of that tradition since 1927 — making it one of the few remaining textile factories in Norway still operating today. Founded by Ola Tveiten on the island of Osterøy on Norway's west coast, the brand has been family-owned across four generations, producing traditional Norwegian sweaters, cardigans, and accessories from wool that is itself Norwegian in origin. At Parkinson's Lifestyle, our Norlender range brings some of Norway's finest heritage knitwear to our stores.
The Norlender Story
Ola Tveiten bought his first knitting machine in 1927, installing it in the basement of his mountain farmhouse on Osterøy — an island accessible only by boat at the time. The machine was carried up to the farm on a horse sledge with the help of neighbours. His teenage sons were left to make it work. From those resourceful beginnings, the business grew through the war years — when yarn was scarce and every garment had to be carefully rationed — into a full factory operation. In 1989, the third generation of the Tveiten family launched the Norlender label, focusing on the traditional cardigans and pullovers that draw on Norway's deep heritage of multicoloured folk patterns: Setesdal lice patterns, Selbu stars, pewter clasps, and woven braid trims that echo the national folk costume.
The Norlender Range
Our Norlender collection showcases the brand's traditional Norwegian sweaters, cardigans, and accessories — each knitted at the factory in Hosanger from 100% Norwegian wool or fine merino, depending on the style. The patterns are rooted in Norwegian heritage but feel entirely relevant today: bold, distinctive, and built to last decades rather than seasons. Hats, beanies, scarves, mittens, and gloves in coordinating designs complete the range, making them some of the most considered gift options we carry.
Norwegian Wool — Why It Matters
Norwegian sheep have evolved over centuries to produce wool with long, strong fibres and high thermal properties — the result of adapting to one of Europe's most demanding climates. Norlender uses Norwegian wool in over 70% of its knitwear range, with the yarn spun in Norway and the garments knitted and finished at the Osterøy factory. This level of traceability — from sheep to finished garment, in a single country — is genuinely rare, and it produces knitwear of exceptional quality and character.
Visit Us In Store
You'll find our full range in store at our Stratford-upon-Avon store or at The Boot Room in Leamington Spa, where our team are always happy to help.
