My bookshelf: Estonian Knitting 1

It is probably not a big surprise, that I love knitting books just as much as yanrn, especially the ones about knitting history, techniques, stitch pattern.  So when I read in a newsletter about Estonian Knitting, Traditions and Techniques by Anu Pink, Siiri Reimann and Kristi Joeste, I knew it'll find its way on my bookshelf eventually. And a short while back I finally ordered my copy in Estonia... and boy, was in in for a treat.

The first part of the book covers the rich knitting history of Estonia, complete with lots of pictures of samples from different times and information about regional differences.

Next is a chapter about Tools and Materials, from needles to bags to yarns, complete with explanations of the colours used in Estonian knitting and the different colour palettes used in different regions.

The biggest part of the book is of course about the techniques used in Estonian Knitting. It covers the basics like cast-ons and bind-offs and gives examples of all kind of stitch patterns from cables, to stranded colourwork to entrelac. They always come with charts or instructions and are accompanied by sample picutes. So beautiful. Some stitch pattern look familiar since you can find them in on or the other knitting stitch collection...

... but there's also many things special to Estonian knitting I haven't seen in this variety in any book before such as braids or inlay patterns. I'm thrilled!

A couple of pages on fringes, borders, edgings and embellishments rounds up this wonderful book.

I've only had a few hours to to skim through the book and I can't wait for the first winter weekend with no plans at all. It isn't hard to guess what will keep me busy, is it?

So glad I got this and I recommend it to anyone interested in knitting traditions. So excited to hear that there are two more books in the planning stage...

Estonian knitting 1 - Traditions and techniques 
by Anu Pink, Siiri Reimann and Kristi Jõeste
Saara Publishing House 2016, Türi Estonia