books

Estonian Mittens All Around the World

This wonderful book, written in Estonian and English, gathers Aino Praakli’s research on Estonian mittens under one cover. There are 175 color images of patterned Estonian mittens, a short description of each mitten from the museum archive notes with author’s comments, where the mitten came from, who made it (if known) and details about the construction. There is also a colored graph for each design, showing the pattern repeat. Included are instructions for special techniques, an interview with the author and some of her personal thoughts on her work and the mittens she has studied.

This book is a labor of love. Aino has spend countless hours in the Estonian National Museum collections, she has given her heart to these knitted treasures of her culture. Her dream is to see these patterns scattered around the world. We are confident that with the publication of Eesti Labakindad, her dream will become reality – as well it should.  Order your copy here.

The Haapsalu Shawl - A Knitted Lace Tradition from Estonia

It is truly rare that a book that is so beautifully presented is also filled with so very much that knitters want to know and learn. The Haapsalu Shawl exceeds every expectation I’ve come to have concerning wonderful knitting books.

• Here is a “coffee table book” that you’ll have more often in your lap because it has so much in it you’ll want to read and learn from.
• Here is a knitting book with the very best photos I’ve ever seen of over 100 lace patterns. If you’ve ever wanted to see nups up close and in their most radiant form, you’ll get your wish dozens of times over between the pages of this volume.
• If you’ve wished for a really clear tutorial on the art and craft of creating Estonian lace, you’ll find it here. Only you can make yourself a master knitter, but The Haapsalu Shawl will give you all the instruction, including clear, close-up photos of each bit of knitting technique.
• If you are an armchair traveller, you’ll find a glimpse of the life and history of Haapsalu that will make you long for more. Haapsalu may well become one of the most well-visited locales as a result of this vibrant book.

The Haapsalu Shawl a book-loving knitter’s dream come true.  Sheer joy, here.

Knitting in Art - Strikking I Billedkunsten

Wonderful! Journey with Annemor through paintings and photos of days gone by and discover how very many sweaters and other knit garments have found their way into the art of the world, particularly when created by Scandinavian artists.

Part of the treat of this book is the modern photos of sweaters knit based on antique photos and paintings — these are so inspiring I find my hands beginning to tingle with eager anticipation of knitting similar sweaters. You’ll find splendid patterns and construction details, too, along with history, color patterns and Annemor’s way of viewing in the human heart through knitting. In the end, it seems to me that there has also been a cultural transformation: sweaters that were originally mostly practical were knit with enough love and care to be also beautiful; these inspired and became part of artistic portrayals; and as time moved along, it is found that the knitting itself is art, art that one can live in.

Knitting in Art is pure joy – you’ll find it here.

Alice Starmore's Fair Isle Knitting

The book of Fair Isle knitting is at long, long last back in print! Dover Press deserves a nod of thanks (and maybe a Fair Isle scarf or two) for having produced Starmore’s keynote book with the same care and quality of the original. ALL the color photos and color drawings are there – in color, not as the black and white reproductions that grace far too many resurrected knitting classics. The cover is sturdier than the typical softbound book and paper quality is very high grade. This means that this classic book will do what a classic book ought to do – remain in beautiful condition for generations.

More importantly, of course, is that Alice Starmore’s incomparable unveiling of the art of Fair Isle knitting is not just the most complete resource on the subject that is available, but also a journey into the world of color and fiber and design that both inspires and enlightens. Her own designs are represented by the “Wardrobe of Patterns” that closes the book. Those sweaters (for all sizes and tastes) and accessories alone are worth the price of the book and will keep your needles clicking for years. What you’ll learn about color and pattern and technique along the way is simply priceless.

Alice Starmore’s Book of Fair Isle Knitting is treasure, not just a must-have.  Click here to see it and more.

The Brand New Knitter DVD

Lucy does it again – this time coming the the aid of anyone and everyone who has ever wanted to knit but not known how. So, get your yarn, your needles, pop the DVD into the player, sit back and follow along as Lucy shows you everthing (and then some!) you need to know to cast-on and knit with joy and success. Click here to see the table of contents and order your own copy.

Cables, Diamonds, Herringbone

The subtitle for Cables, Diamonds, Herringbone says it all: Sabine Domnick has delved more deeply into the history, mystery, patterns, techniques and lore of British fishermen’s sweaters than any other writer on this topic to date. This is the first book on the subject published in years that has actually contributed new material in the realm of historical techniques and design, as well as making some lovely contributions to modern renditions of Guernsey, Jersey and Aran sweaters.

In fact, Cables, Diamonds, Herringbone stands as the best handbook on this aspect of the knitter’s art and craft that has been published thus far. It is a slim volume, but packed with excellent photos detailing and showcasing construction techniques and embellishements, patterns, sweaters and more. Domnick’s step-by-step introduction is accompanied by the clearest combination of text and photos ever – whether you are familiar with the craft of fishermen’s sweaters or not, you will love knitting along with her. She will never lead you astray, either – “clarity” must be her middle name. In addition to exploring and explaining all the “parts” of these sweaters so that we can design our own, she also offers some full sweater patterns for men and women that are most enticing.

It is a joy to be able to offer this book, a beautiful “must have” for any knitter interested in this tradition. See it here.

Twisted-Stitch Knitting - Traditional Patterns & Garments from the Styrian Enns Valley

I feel as though we have all been gifted by the return of this collection – this time in English. For far, far too long this classic and unparalled collection of patterns from the countrysides of Bavaria and Austria has languished out of print. As knitter’s we owe a debt of gratitude to Schoolhouse Press for bringing it back to life and also for translating it into English.

Originally, Twisted-Stitch Knitting was a trio of Austrian books (Überlieferte Strickmuster) created by Maria Erlbacher to continue the preservation of folk knitting in Austria. Her three little books (now in this single volume) were always my favorite sources for this style of knitting. There is a warmth, a heart to them that no other such books convey in quite the same way. Read more about this treasure, here.

PS The perfect yarn for this style of knitting is Edelweiss - its spring and life are perfect for the tight knit of the twisted-stitch. We carry it here at www.euronaturayarn.com.