This collection of patterns is inspired by the traditions of Ireland, the British Isles, Latvia, Iceland, the Faroe Islands and Sweden. Inspired is the key word here – they are not replicas of the traditions in either construction method, color or charts. I have rather tried to achieve an overall aesthetic that reflects the traditions in a contemporary way, using my favourite construction method, which is the top down seamless yoke or raglan sweater. At the beginning of each of the following patterns, you will find a few sentences about the knitting history and style of that particular region.

We live in a world focussed on the here and now, and yet there is a huge rich heritage left by those in the last centuries who have forged knitting construction methods as well as beautifully creative aesthetics.

Knitting is historically fascinating. It was in most instances closely interconnected with culture and lifestyle, and was often a means to survive cold climes or to eke out a living and provide the bare essentials for food and other necessities. Styles often developed through practical necessity and at other times purely out of commercial enterprise.

Recently, much historical research has gone into many of the knitting traditions of Europe, and I find myself getting heady with excitement as I page through the fascinating historical pages and the charts and color combinations with anticipation of the potential they provide.