coastal mesh

A knitting trip to the islands of Scotland and Sweden.
Knitting patterns from the far north, from checkerboard patterns to Fair Isle.
Knit socks, hats, sweaters & more!
By Erika Åberg
Translated by Christina Heinzius

144 pages, fully illustrated in color. Hardcover. 26 cm.

The SPIEGEL bestseller »Coastal Stitches«: Of Sheep and the Sea - a Knitting Journey in Book Form

"Coastal Stitches" is more than just a knitting book: It's a declaration of love for the landscapes of the lonely islands off the coasts of Sweden and Scotland. Places accessible only by ferry, where more sheep than people live, and where nature is wild and unpredictable: the Outer Hebrides and the Shetland Islands in Scotland, and Gotland and Bilbö in Sweden.

Designer Erika Åberg drew inspiration from these places to create 20 different knitting patterns. The result is four collections (one for each archipelago) with different knitting patterns that reflect the respective landscapes, atmospheres, and handcrafting traditions.

Each collection is introduced by a lovingly illustrated portrait of the region. Did you know, for example, that the famous "Fair Isle" knitting technique was invented on the Shetland Islands? Following the atmospheric introduction, Erika Åberg's knitting patterns evoke the atmosphere and feeling she associates with each location.

- Whether you prefer knitting a hat or a sweater, whether you prefer large projects or small ones: each collection offers a wide range of knitting projects and always includes a sweater as well as several accessories such as a hat, loop, mittens or socks.
- Knitting for beginners and advanced knitters: The knitting instructions vary in difficulty, making them suitable for both ambitious beginners and advanced knitters.
- An extra chapter on sheep breeds and wool types helps you choose the right yarn - if the original Shetland wool is hard to come by, this chapter helps you find alternatives.

From Fair Isle to monochrome: Most projects are unisex

The knitting traditions of the northern coastal regions are characterized by single-color patterns – but Erika Åberg has taken care to also incorporate solid-color patterns into "Coastal Stitches." Best of all, the knitting patterns for sweaters and pullovers are available in sizes S to 3XL, making them ideal for unisex wear. From raglan knitting to round yokes, a variety of knitting techniques are also featured here.

Let this special knitting book take you away to the unique coastal landscapes of Sweden and Scotland!

Erika Åberg lives and works on the Swedish island of Gotland. She is a passionate knitter but also experiments with a wide variety of handcrafting techniques. She sews, dyes her own wool and fabrics, enjoys embroidery, and has recently started experimenting with paper techniques. Erika teaches knitting classes, gives lectures, and regularly publishes new knitting patterns. She wants to encourage her students and followers to bring more creativity into their everyday lives and find joy in experimentation.

Here you can find out more about knitting and Gotland .