In Estonia, knitted gloves, mittens, and socks are traditional symbols, gifts, and dowries. American knitters can finally learn the traditions behind Estonian knitting and the techniques necessary to recreate it. Illustrated step-by-step instructions guide readers through unfamiliar techniques. Detailed instructions for 25 gloves, mittens, and socks plus charts for traditional lace and multicolored patterns are included. A brief history of Estonia itself and a section on the folk culture provide a background to the technical instructions.

Combining some of the oldest knitted artifacts in Northern Europe with authentic tips and expert advice, this distinctive guidebook demonstrates a wide range of knitting knowledge. Featuring 14 heirloom-quality projects, this savvy reference includes traditional lace-knitting techniques such as the starburst, twig, peacock, and lily of the valley patterns. Modern variations on classic methods and adding lace edges are also explored, and photographs from several Estonian museums beautifully illustrate various completed designs. With accessible graphed and written instructions, the projects include Estonian-style shawls, stoles, and scarves.

Clothing for the fingers receives special treatment in this collection of 48 mitten patterns from all over the world. In fact, Lewandowski attempted to find at least one representative pattern for every cold-weather region--and has, for the most part, succeeded (except for the Far East and northern Africa). Geography and history lessons are also in evidence; we learn about Scandinavian and northern islanders' occupations, hobbies, and peculiar knitting habits (the process of felting wool for additional warmth and the technique of tufting, among others). Plus, each of the four dozen designs, though not labeled by level of difficulty, includes graphs or charts and adequate text to follow and is accompanied by good color photographs. A handoff for intermediate and advanced knitters. - Barbara Jacobs; 120p-

In Northern Knits Gifts, knitwear and textile designer Lucinda Guy continues her exploration of folk-knitting traditions in this colorful volume of small projects and accessories. You'll learn some of the traditional knitting techniques of Scandinavia, Estonia, Iceland, and the Faroe and Shetland islands, through modern interpretations of such heritage techniques as twined knitting, two-color knitting, lace techniques, damask, fair isle, embroidery, and rya (knotted knitting similar to shag carpet). Accompanied by notes on the history and folk culture surrounding each technique, the projects in the book embrace the Danish notion of hygge--taking pleasure in comforting and cozy things, which is often associated with family and close friends. The 20 projects include mittens, socks, hats, scarves, and bags, and are perfect for wearing and gifting. Emphasizing pattern and color, these knitted designs also embody the Scandinavian aesthetic of making utilitarian objects beautiful as well as useful. Additionally, the book celebrates the specific wools traditionally used in each project. Immerse yourself in Lucinda's world as you enjoy thumbnail sketches of the history and folk culture surrounding each technique.

Originally published in 1994, Folk Socks taught knitters in North America all about how to knit socks with Nancy Bush's careful instructions, charts, and illustrations. Folk Socks offers a collection of 18 sock patterns pulled from European and British traditions, including boot socks, Birkenstock socks, lacy stockings, kilt hose, cabled and clocked socks, and more. There is also a chapter on essential sock knitting techniques for heel turns, toe shaping, and top ribbing for knitters of all skill levels. Folk Socks still contains the same in-depth history and the same step-by-step instruction from Nancy Bush that sock knitters have come to love and depend on. Now you can get this popular resource with updated information on new yarns as well as modifications that Nancy has learned since first writing this book. A classic reference, now updated, this is a must-have for any sock knitter.

Shetland Textiles: 800 BC to the Present traces the history of textiles in Shetland through fabrics and garments together with the fibres and tools used to craft them, and the people who made and wore them. It brings together in-depth research with personal memories of local people, lavishly illustrated by stunning images.-Back cover.

Shawls are currently making a huge comeback in the fashion world, but many people do not realize that the shawl has been worn for many centuries and in many cultures. This collection of patterns and traditions features shawls from around the world. From the Himalayas to Spain, from Iceland to Japan, and from Mexico to Norway, many of the shawls featured here have been taken from examples of historic knitted shawls. Other designs have been translated into knitwear from patterns for woven or lace shawls. Included are 25 patterns as well as historical and cultural information about shawls that have been used for prayer and mourning, as bridal veils, and as christening garments. Each design is presented with a full-page color photo, written instructions, and charts.

Presents patterns for twenty-five knitting projects inspired by traditional artifacts from the Textile Museum in Blèonduâos, Iceland, including ideas for such items as mittens, socks, sweaters, wristwarmers, and shoe inserts.

Create legwarmers, ankle socks, and knee-length socks from fifty beautiful Latvian designs. Knit yourself a pair of stunning Latvian socks with this collection of traditional Latvian sock knitting patterns. There are fifty different styles to choose from including simpler variations of the socks such as leg warmers and ankle socks so, even if you are an inexperienced knitter, you can create a beautiful traditional design. Knitted socks have always played an important role in traditional Latvian culture. Girls are taught to knit at a young age, and it is traditional for brides to give socks and mittens as a gift to guests on their wedding day. This collection captures the essence of these stunning folk patterns and shows how you can mix these traditional designs with your contemporary wardrobe.

Everything old is new again, and this collection of vintage sock patterns mines Weldon's Practical Needlework, a compilation of newsletters published more than 100 years ago, for some of the best. Twenty-four classic patterns are updated here for modern knitters with the inclusion of gauges, contemporary yarns, modern methods, and modern sizes. Filled with fascinating household and historic tidbits from the era, along with little-known tips such as an unconventional way to shape a heel, this historical and gracefully written book evokes a more genteel time while presenting a bevy of colorful socks not seen for nearly a hundred years. After an introduction to a few techniques from the original Weldon's, the patterns begin with an 1887 pair of Gentleman's Shooting Stockings with Fluted Pattern and end with a pair of Ladies' Silk Stockings with Clocks from 1914. Intended for knitters of all levels, this walk down memory lane revives some very classic patterns that may have been gone but are not forgotten.