“Knitting stitches many things together, far beyond the literal loops of yarn. In this book, it has stitched together generations of my family.”
Aleks Byrd’s Kindred Knits: Patterns from My Estonian Family Archives is a captivating collection of knitwear designs inspired by the old sketchbooks of her Estonian grandmother, Hilja, and some of her family’s heirloom crafts. The book features 15 patterns, ranging from socks and hats to sweaters and cardigans, worked in a variety of techniques — including lace, cables and colourwork, as well as Roosimine, the traditional Estonian inlay method. The designs are innovative and modern, yet rooted in tradition: an homage to previous generations and their shared love of craft.
The story of this book began while Aleks Byrd was clearing out her great-aunt Maret’s apartment in Tallinn, Estonia. She found countless sketchbooks filled with craft-related drawings and clippings by her grandmother, Hilja, which served as the starting point for Aleks’ designs.
Even though the book’s knits are rooted in tradition, they are worked in modern techniques. A beautiful mix of Aleks and the creative women in her family, with their styles and surprisingly similar tastes blending together!
Many patterns in the book feature Roosimine: the traditional Estonian inlay method Aleks is especially known for. But there are also some stunning colourwork patterns and beautiful textures – and an abundance of lace, as Hilja was known to love knitting lace!
Aleks Byrd is an illustrator and knitwear designer with Estonian, Canadian and American roots. She is particularly well-known as a moderniser of Estonian knitting traditions. Aleks has introduced techniques such as Roosimine and Vikkel to knitters around the world. Kindred Knits is her second knitting book.