Meet Me In Estonia
My book review du jour is of Nancy Bush’s, Folk Knitting in Estonia.
The book was published in 1999 and I believe it was the third of Interweave’s “Folk Knitting” series. (I could be wrong, but I think Folk Socks by Nancy Bush was the first and Folk Mittens by Marcia Lewandowski was the second.)
The book is full of interesting patterns for socks, mittens, and gloves and the difficulty range runs the gamut.
The mittens I finished last week were based on the Meida’s Mittens pattern:
That’s a fairly simple pattern, but I’ve had my eye on this more complicated mitten pattern for a while:
There are also some excellent sock patterns. My favorite are Ellen’s Stockings:
But, really, the patterns pale in comparison to the fascinating historical information at the beginning of the book and the comprehensive discussion of little-known Estonian knitting techniques. There are illustrated instructions on how to work several braids, different methods of decreasing the top of a mitten and when to use each, and an archaic and beautiful technique called roositud which resembles embroidery. Each pattern incorporates one or two of the techniques; a simple-but-brilliant concept that is sadly lacking in many knitting books.
In sum, I consider this a must-have book even if you never knit a single pattern from it.
Next week . . . some less well-known Estonian books . . . and maybe a finished sweater!!
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Susan | knitting, books
11 Responses to “Meet Me In Estonia”
I will put that on my list, then. It sounds fascinating.
I completely agree. That book is a must have for any real knitter. I’ve knit Ellen’s sock a couple of times and just love that pattern.
I agree….and I took a class with Nancy on Estonian knitting which was the icing on the cake for this book. Can hardly wait for her new lace book!
Oh, I can’t wait for the lesser known books. I am really enjoying this book thread–great stuff!
New commenter here, if thats what I’m called. I love this book, I haven’t knitted mittens yet but it’s one thing thats in the future. I’ve been a little afraid to start I really don’t know why, I knit socks just fine. But I don’t know if you can compare socks to mittens????
I have made Tiits socks from that book — great pattern
Note to self: start Christmas list today; Add this book.
I’m going to have to get a closer look at that book!
I have a boatload of books, but not that one! Will keep an eye out for it. I do love the patterns.
I am an Estonian and a big enthusiast of folk art (have also finished a course that allows me to teach folk art).
I also have the book Nancy Bush wrote. And I love it and the way she gives quite a fair overview of Estonian knitting and history. I like the way she gets the inspiration without harming the traditsions and most of all - how she has personalized all of her designs!
Hey gurl! I just wanted to tell you how much I enjoyed knitting those mittens. (I test-knit 7 of the projects, including the cover mittens and the ones you’re contemplating) I learned so much and enjoyed every assignment Nancy gave me, it’s a great book! Did you ever get your witch hat done?