Many knitters enjoy discovering a treasure in a yarn shop as a remembrance of their vacation. In the days before a LYS in Baton Rouge, I traveled with a yarn list so that I could purchase a year’s worth of knitting. But what’s a knitter to buy in a place like Walt Disney World? Never fear, gentle reader: there are knitter’s souvenirs to be found!
Elizabeth Zimmermann named her Tomten Jacket for “the small Swedish elf who specializes in good deeds”. I was in the Norway pavilion of Epcot, drooling on, shopping for, looking at Dale of Norway sweaters, when I spotted this fellow.
It was his red sweater and cap that got my attention, actually. His hang tag said he is a Farm Nisse, a “small humanlike creature, which lives on farms in Norway. He is not exactly an elf or dwarf. He is simply a Farm Nisse. He dwells mainly in barns, stables and stalls, but he also inhabits lofts and attics – so long as they are not too tidy.” (Oh, he would be right at home in my studio!) “The Farm Nisse is kind and helpful. He takes care of people and animals all year round. It is very important to be on good terms with the Farm Nisse, otherwise strange incidents can occur on the farm. It is wise to remember the Nisse during Christmas and to put out a bowl of porridge for him.” (Porridge, eh? Some things just won’t translate well to Louisiana, I can see.)
Well, this Nisse must be the Norwegian cousin of Elizabeth’s Tomtem. Clearly he needed to come home to my studio, and here he is, proudly residing on the shelves my Grandfather Z. built. 
There was another knitter’s souvenir to be found in the United Kingdom pavilion. This tote, a generous 12″ x 16″, is made of heavy-duty vinyl (shiny!), and lined with a silky fabric, complete with zippered pocket and magnetic bag closure.
Its tag says it was inspired by “the famous paintings of Thomas Joseph, who lives in Carrickfergus on the shores of Belfast Lough. Thomas loves to paint silly sheep and landscapes”. Why, yes he does. I love the red sheep print, too. It is clearly a knitter’s bag.
