Set sail on a breathtaking knitting journey across the sea. In Island Knitting, best-selling author and celebrated Swedish knitwear designer Erika Åberg (@wynja) invites you to explore the rugged beauty, rich history, and vibrant textile traditions of four captivating islands: the Scottish gems of Shetland and the Hebrides, and the Swedish wonders of Gotland and Blidö.
Part travelogue, part pattern collection, this stunning book is an absolute treat for both active knitters and armchair travelers alike. Inside, you’ll discover 20 timeless hand-knitting patterns infused with coastal magic—from cozy, weather-ready sweaters and warm socks to elegantly draped shawls. Each design is a love letter to the sea, wind, and spirit of the islands that inspired them.
What’s Inside:
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4 Evocative Chapters: Each section opens with a personal, deeply moving introduction to one of the islands, exploring its unique history, culture, poetry, and landscape.
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20 Exquisite Patterns: 5 stunning patterns per island, featuring detailed written instructions and clear, easy-to-follow colorwork charts.
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Fiber Heritage & Provenance: A fascinating dive into native sheep breeds, the unique properties of wool, and the deep-rooted tradition of knitting in island life. Perfect for makers who care about where their yarn comes from!
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Essential Techniques Guide: A comprehensive reference section at the front covering crucial skills, including flawless increasing/decreasing, multi-color stranded knitting, and grafting.
Featured Destinations & Inspiration
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The Hebrides: Where poetry, history, and ancient stories are written right into the rugged landscape.
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Shetland: An world of shifting colors, ethereal light, and legendary wool heritage.
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Gotland & Blidö: The Baltic inspirations behind Erika’s signature Scandinavian aesthetic, celebrating crisp air and cozy layers.
About the Author
Erika Åberg is a master maker, author, and knitwear designer who lives her passion on the island of Gotland in the middle of the Baltic Sea. As she beautifully puts it: “I have this thing with islands. And wool.” With 12 acclaimed books to her name and a vibrant global community on Instagram (@wynja), Erika’s designs are celebrated for bringing traditional heritage into modern wardrobes.