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.
Copyright 1999 Reed Business Information, Inc.
Book Description
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.
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.
