Sverigedräkt

NameApron

Maker Heidi Mattsson (Swedish)

CultureSwedish

Date2018

Place madeLerum, Sweden, Europe

MediumRecycled plastic and nylon shopping bags (IKEA bags, Frakta), cotton, felt

Dimensions34 13/16 × 28 7/16 in. (88.5 × 72.3 cm)

Credit LineMuseum of International Folk Art, Museum Purchase with special funds donated by Elisabeth Alley, A.2019.40.5

Object numberA.2019.42.5

ProvenanceThis ensemble was commissioned for the Dressing with Purpose exhibition after Heidi Mattsson’s Facebook post about making a Sverigedräkt from IKEA shopping bags and recycled materials went viral in international media. After contacting her, I visited her home in 2018 to pick up a copy for the museum. Long-time docent Elisabeth Alley donated the funds to purchase the outfit.

DescriptionThis apron is made of a yellow IKEA bag, with the bags strap used for the waistband and ties. A piece of blue IKEA bag with stylized white cotton flowers with yellow centers, and two felt leave each, is place in th apron's lower area. The attached pocket in blue with yellow backing has a U-shaped opening, bordered with an IKEA strap. Three more white flowers are placed at its lower edge.