Knitted Lace Of Estonia: Techniques, Patterns, and Traditions

Deepen your knowledge of lace knitting in Estonia with Nancy Bush's newest book, Knitted Lace of Estonia.

Learn about traditional lace-knitting techniques, such as:

• Traditional twig, peacock, and lily of the valley patterns and their variations
• Different ways to make the distinctive nupp, or subdued bobble
• Modern adaptations of the classic ways of constructing shawls and scarves and adding lace edges

Knitted Lace of Estonia includes dozens of Estonian, heirloom-quality lace patterns: scarves and shawls in square, rectangular, and triangular shapes; some with added edgings, some without. Plus, the book covers instructions for interchanging patterns and designing an Estonian-style shawl, stole or scarf from beginning to end. And, tips and techniques used in Estonia are included and augmented with expert advice from popular author Nancy Bush.

Reviews: "This is a beautiful book for any knitter... and if you are already a lace lover you definitely need to have this book in your collection."-About.com Guide to Knitting

"Everything you need to know to create an authentic lace shawl is included, from knitting a center to knitting a frame; how to connect the two; special techniques for cast-on, bind-off, joining, and more."-Blogcritics.org, Alyse Wax

"If you love fine lace, you certainly will enjoy this new book. The history and patterns are wonderful."-Knitting News

"How can you not love a book like this? It’s got everything. History. Beautiful patterns. Great stitches. Lovely pictures. Good writing."-KnittingScholar.com

"Just like every other knitter, I've been bitten by the lace bug and this book is giving me the fever."-Knitty.com

"For knitters who love lace, Nancy Bush, really skinny yarns and/or eastern Europe, the only logical choice is Knitted Lace of Estonia."-knotions online magazine

"beautifully in-depth"-Yarn Market News

Introduction

The Lace Knitting of Haapsalu- Haapsalu, a resort town on the west coast of Estonia, has a long history in the tradition of lace knitting. As Haapsalu flourished in the late nineteenth century, tourists bought Haapsalu shawls to take home as gifts and the shawls became well-known throughout Europe. Various patterns for the traditional shawl have been passed down by generations of knitters, and today in Estonia, Haapsalu shawl- refers to any knitted lacy shawl or scarf regardless of where in Estonia it was knitted.

How to Knit a Haapsalu Sall- A true Haapsalu shawl or scarf is square, while rectangular shawls or scarves are known as sall. All are made with openwork lace patterns. If there is a traditional lacy edge it is always knitted separately and sewn to the completed center section by hand. Instructions for the contemporary construction style of picking up the lace edge are also given.

• Queen Silvia Shawl- This classic pattern was named for Queen Silvia of Sweden. The delicate details of the pattern are a variation on the Lily of the Valley motif and include an openwork flower design. This shawl is the picture of royal elegance.
• Triangular Scarf in Leaf Pattern- This scarf was adapted from one Nancy purchased in Estonia and is perfect when you need just a little extra warmth around your shoulders. The cute leaf pattern begins with a few stitches at the point, then increases steadily to reach the final width across the top edge.
• Peacock Tail and Leaf Scarf- The design that inspired this pattern was a shawl in the collection of the Estonian National Museum. The original knitter emigrated to Canada and this scarf is a beautiful example of the lace tradition carried on outside Estonia.
• Lehe Square Shawl- This square shawl is beautifully traditional, and highlights the authentic Estonian border pattern. It is complimented nicely with a contemporary lace edge that is commonly found on shawls and scarves made in Estonia today.
• Raha Scarf- This fun scarf uses a repeat of only one pattern for the width. The Rahakiri, or Money, pattern is one of the oldest Haapsalu patterns mentioned in any Estonian literature.
• Leaf and Nupp Shawl- This delightful shawl is mix of garter stripes embellished with nupps and a double leaf motif, and bordered with a fabulous openwork zigzag at the top and bottom.
• Maikell Shawl- This shawl is made with the traditional Haapsalu construction method. After many lessons during Nancy's visits, she eagerly learned the details of this type of construction in order to bring it to you.
• Madli's Shawl- This shawl was named for Madli Puhvel, who provided Nancy valuable support and friendship as this book was researched. The pattern of the main section of this shawl is a version of Haga (twig or small branch), and nupps were added to provide a lovely texture.
• Triangular Summer Shawl- This light shawl is perfect for a breezy, summer night. It is a slightly modified version of one published in Triinu magazine, a twentieth-century Estonian language publication. It has a beautiful lace edge that is sewn onto the two lower sides to give a more rounded shape to the three corners.
• Lily of the Valley Scarf- This soft and interesting-to-knit scarf has the familiar Lily of the Valley motif, along with small flower figures in the center of the scarf. The ends give the scarf a nice look with scalloped lace borders and garter-stitch bands punctuated with eyelets.
• Lilac Leaf Shawl- The lovely shawl was inspired by the lilacs that bloom throughout Estonia in June, as well as the special lilac wood knitting needles used by the knitters of Haapsalu. Its delicate lace edge creates a timeless piece you will be proud to have accomplished.
• Miralda's Triangular Shawl- This triangular shawl is modeled after the ones knitted in Haapsalu today. The smaller version is ideal for wearing with a coat or jacket, but its traditional motifs and unique construction follow those made in Haapsalu.
• Triinu Scarf- This scarf pattern was inspired by an article written in an issue of the Estonian Triinu magazine. Everyone wanted to knit the popular pattern and the types of wool and colors used inspired many different Haapsalu shawls, including this darling scarf.
• Crown Prince Square Shawl- This lovely square shawl pattern is not a duplication of the original given to Swedish Crown Prince Gustav-Adolph in 1936, but was charted from a photograph of a similar patterned shawl knitted by the family of the original. The details and delicate lace of this project are absolutely stunning.