Folk Knitting in Estonia (Folk Knitting series) [Paperback]

Nancy Bush (Author)

Book Description

Series: Folk Knitting series | Publication Date: January 1, 2000

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.

Editorial Reviews

From Library Journal

The handknitted footwear of European folk cultures from Scotland to Greece to Estonia was the focus of Folk Socks, Bush's earlier book. To research her current book, she returned to Estonia to study its history, cultural traditions, and local knitting techniques and patterns. For centuries, the art of knitting played a significant part in the everyday life of Estonia, but as the country becomes more and more Westernized, knitting is in danger of dying out. Bush has done a great service in preserving the story of these traditions and teaching them to a new generation of knitters in the West. She pays particular attention to knitting techniques little known in the West such as the double-start cast-on, knitted-in braids, and the aptly named "Heart of a Blossom" toe finish. With 25 projects, all of them enchanting; highly recommended for large public and academic libraries and textile collections.
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.

About the Author

Nancy Bush teaches workshops for guilds, shops, and at conferences throughout the United States, Canada, and Northern Europe. She is the author of Folk Socks, Folk Knitting in Estonia, Knitting on the Road, Knitting Vintage Socks, and Knitted Lace of Estonia. Nancy lives in Salt Lake City, Utah.

Product Details

• Paperback: 120 pages
• Publisher: Interweave Press (January 1, 2000)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 1883010438
• ISBN-13: 978-1883010430
• Product Dimensions: 8.7 x 8.4 x 0.4 inches
• Shipping Weight: 13.4 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 5.0 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (8 customer reviews)
• Amazon Best Sellers Rank: #114,062 in Books (See Top 100 in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

14 of 16 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Folk Knitting in Estonia, July 11, 2000

By 

Linda S. Peterson (La Conner, WA United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Folk Knitting in Estonia (Folk Knitting series) (Paperback)

Nancy has done it again. Her book is a delight and a great "portable project" book. The illustrations, instructions, and patterns are very easy to follow and techniques are unique.

13 of 15 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Folk Knitting in Estonia:A Garland of Symbolism, July 11, 2000

By 

Linda S. Peterson (La Conner, WA United States) - See all my reviews

This review is from: Folk Knitting in Estonia (Folk Knitting series) (Paperback)

Nancy Bush has done it again. She makes you feel like you are a part of the knitter's families in Estonia. Her illustrations and technique explanations are flawless and the patterns are unique and very easy to follow.

7 of 7 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars This should be in your knitting library!, December 24, 2009

By 

Tina Morris "schultheiss" (Rockville, MD USA) - See all my reviews
(VINE VOICE)    (REAL NAME)   

This review is from: Folk Knitting in Estonia (Folk Knitting series) (Paperback)

First, and most importantly for a pattern book: the patterns work! After completing several of the delightful small projects in this book focused on mittens and socks, I am deeply impressed with the quality of the designs, the care that was put into the illustrations, especially for special stitches, and the reliability of the yarn recommendations.
The book also gives a delightful overview of Estonian culture and the history of knitting in this baltic Nation. The patters are a great balance of traditional pieces and some very fanciful adaptations. This is clearly not for complete beginners in knitting, but not all the projects are highly complicated, so there is no need to shy away, either.