I hope everyone is continuing to stay safe, and keeping making at home. Perhaps you're taking this time to finish projects, or try a new technique which you’ve never done before. Exciting news here at Koigu, we received a shipment of white yarn last week, including our newest Koigu Origins yarn which were super excited to share with you soon!
I want to send out a reminder that we are “skeleton staff”, and currently running Koigu as both Taiu and I. In terms of the travelling yarn, the colours are small run, many just being a single dyelot which is 20 skeins of KPPPM. We are a small business, and many of the stores we sell to are small businesses.
Looking at our final three KPPPM colours, we also take a look at some of the custom pencil boxes, inspired by traditional costumes from Estonia. Travel with us as we complete our trip, and learn a little more behind Koigu’s heritage.
Myrtle Beach, South Carolina
Photo from Forbes
I’m sure that I am not alone in desiring a bit of warm weather, and an adventure. While the beach might not be everyones cup of tea, there is something to be said of the imagery of being by the water. Many childhood memories of sand castles, seagulls and ice cream… sometimes all at the same time. We chose Myrtle Beach, as its a destination for fun and the beach, however this colour could resemble your favourite beach or lake that you enjoy travelling to in the summer. For now will continue to social distance and quarantine, so that this summer we might be able to enjoy these memories.
You can find Myrtle Beach at Hand Knit Yarn Studio
Ireland:
Photo from CN traveller.
High on Joanna’s bucket list is a trip to Ireland. The hiking locations, castle destinations and small villages are stunning enough to bring on the trip, without accounting for the historic cities, some whiskey and beer. Since we’ve never been, we of course want to visit all that we can. The government of Ireland, puts together great travel itineraries for all interest. We’re eyeing the literary life and whiskey trail travel plans! For some Irish knitspiration, uncover Kieran Foley and try your hand at one of his beautiful designs. Continue your travels through the following links.
Shop Ireland at Marji’s Yarncrafts.
Tallin, Estonia
Photo from TripSaavy
A fitting end to our travel journey is Estonia, the birth place of Maie Landra, and the basis for much of the Landra creativity. For Taiu, a return to her parents’ homeland would be a wonderful trip. Starting in Tallinn and after seeing the town, it’s about a 2 hour drive south to Tartu and area where the original Koigu family farm is located.
You can purchase both the speckled and the striped versions of Estonia from Soper Creek Yarn.
Photo from Paradise of the North Blog
The final products of our travelling with Koigu blog series is our pencil boxes which were inspired by traditional Estonian costumes. The costumes each historically resemble a different region in Estonia, these costumes represent a huge sense of pride for ones country, and as such were not able to be worn during the Soviet Era. Now at any special gathering, especially that of the Estonian Song Festival, Estonians take any chance to wear their costumes. The costumes incorporate many areas of Estonian handicrafts, from beading to weaving. Read more here >>>
Muhu
This palette is probably the most popular shirt in present day. The brightness, and boldness of the skirt is known worldwide amongst Estonians. This article, includes further information on the traditional Muhu costume.
Shop this box from Sheeps Clothing
Photo from Paradise of the North blog
We have an extensive library of Estonian handicraft books, and as such will be sharing some of them with each box.
The Meite Muhu Mustrid book, is a stunning book filled with the history and culture of many regions. As well it features the graphs which correspond to many of the costumes. We can only describe it as a bible to Estonian craft history. This book is sadly not easy to find, and our copy is in Estonian, though for non Estonian speakers there are many photos. Try checking your local library. For those looking, the English version is called Designs and Patterns From Muhu Island: A Needlework Tradition From Estonia.
Kihnu
Kihnu, another island in the baltic, is well known for its matriarchal society. As men are often at sea, women are responsible for the island, and as well the preservation of their culture. Read more here >>> And here>>> Different skirts colours or stripe width depend according to the age and status of the woman or the occasion. Red is connected with protective magic against evil. Watch this video to see more on the Island. And Visit Kihnu.
Shop this box from Sheeps Clothing
Photo from NYT
Estonian Knitting 1: Traditions and Techniques, is another great book to learn more about Estonian handicraft culture. It also teaches you basic knitting techniques, and has lace graphs. With stunning imagery, we love having this book in our library.
Mulgi
Mulgimaa, beautiful nature and fertile ground everywhere. There are great woods, large Estonian farms. The folk costume vibrant colours are reds and orange reflecting the surroundings. You can learn more about Mugimaa here >>>
Not specifically Estonian, but this book is still fascinating for Northern Europe craft heritage. It’s again a large stunning book, filled with fascinating histories and hundreds of charts to play with!
Kuusalu
Region in Northern Estonia. A more modern palette as chosen for this region. Aqua greens, with dark navy and white with influences of the sea.
Shop this box from Sheeps Clothing
Continuing on from Estonian Kitting 1, this book focuses on Estonian traditional socks and stockings , with many patterns and traditional charts to look through.
