Aleks Byrd

“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.

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: her innovative debut, Traditions Revisited, was published by Laine Publishing in 2022.

5 patterns: 4 sweaters, 4 cardigans, 1 vest, 1 shawl, 2 hats, 1 pair of socks, 1 pair of slippers and 1 pair of mitts.