Products - Books from Estonia

Eesti labakindad ilma laande laiali
Estonian Mittens Around the World
By Aino Praakli

This substantial book contains the research done by mitten master Aino Praakli at the Estonian National Museum. It includes and expands upon her previous works; booklets titled Kirikindad I and Kirikindad II (Patterned Mittens vol I and Patterned Mittens vol II) as well as leaflets she published on Patterned Mittens from Seto County and Patterned Mittens from Viru County.

There are 175 color images of patterned Estonian mittens, a short description of each mitten from the museum archive notes with author’s comments, where the mitten came from, who made it (if known) and details about the construction. There is also a colored graph for each design, showing the pattern repeat. Included are instructions for special techniques, an interview with the author and some of her personal thoughts on her work and the mittens she has studied. The text is in Estonian with a wonderful translation in English.

This book is a labor of love. Aino has spend countless hours in the Estonian National Museum collections, she has given her heart to these knitted reminders of her culture. Her dream is to see these patterns scattered around the world.

Hard cover....$40.00

Kihnu Roosi Kindakirjad
(Kihnu Roosi's Mittens & Gloves)
By Rosaali Karjam and Kärt Summatavet

This lavishly illustrated book from Estonia looks at the life and knitting of Roosi Karm, a woman who has lived on Kihnu Island all her life and who has spent that life collecting the handcrafts of her home. The book focuses on mittens and gloves, with the unique patterns of Kihnu Island as the centerpiece. With over 70 color images of Kihnu mittens and gloves, accompanied by charts for each pattern, this book will delight any knitter with an interest in tradition. Limited quantities.

English translation by Tiina Ets included with each copy.
Hard cover....$48.00

The Haapsalu Shawl
A Knitted Lace Tradition from Estonia
By Siiri Reimann and Aime Edasi

In 2009, a wonderful thing happened in Estonia. The knitting masters in Haapsalu, home to an exquisite lace tradition, saw the publication of their own book. This new, beautiful book, by Siiri Reimann and Aime Edasi, now translated to English, covers the history of the town of Haapsalu, the history of the lace knitting tradition and, perhaps the best part of all, are the over 100 center patterns collected during a lifetime of knitting.

These patterns, along with nine more for lace edges, are clearly photographed in color, as well as graphed, with easy to read symbols. Included as well are detailed instructions for making a traditional Haapsalu sall (shawl), with all the technical aspects well described and illustrated. While there are no actual patterns for individual shawls, the instructions will allow any knitter who loves lace to create their own Haapsalu shawl.

Beyond being a book to learn from, it is also a coffee table book, with color photographs which illustrate the text and help to tell the story of this wonderful tradition.

Hard cover.......$60.00

Vatid, Troid, Vamsad
- Knitted Jackets from the Western Estonian Islands,
by Riina Tomberg

This charming book, the result of Riina’s master’s thesis, is a look into the special knitting traditions of the islands off the westcoast of Estonia. Inspired by many different customs and ethnic backgrounds, a unique sense of fashion, necessity and imagination,the story of these knitted garments is fascinating to read.

Historic photos as well as recent photos of some of the preserved garments illustrate the English and Estonian text.

Soft cover.....$50.00