Valija Evalds

Valija began her career as a museum assistant, gaining extensive experience at Historic Deerfield, Hancock Shaker Village, and Historic Northampton in Massachusetts. She specialized in the care and preservation of historic clothing and textiles, helped research and mount exhibitions, and lectured on Shaker life and craft.

She holds a PhD in Art History from Yale University, and has lectured at several American Universities in topics that include the history of fashion and textiles; the history of the home; medieval art and architecture; and the history of illustrated books. Her academic research has explored diverse topics, such as the history of the apron, headdresses in medieval sculpture, the clothing of college students in the early 20th century, and the wardrobe of First Lady Grace Coolidge.

In addition to her scholarly work, Valija received an MA in Creative Writing For Children at Bath Spa University in 2016. Her first children’s book, Granny Magic, tells the story of a gang of grandmas who make magical knitting, and what happens when an evil rogue knitter tries steal their secrets. It was published by Chicken House Books in 2019 and has been translated into three languages.