The new “Knitted Kalevala II” book by Finnish designer Jenna Kostet @ihtiriekkoknits will be released on August 16 and is available for pre-order today!
This book contains 20 colourwork patterns inspired by poems from the Kalevala, which is considered a national epic in Finland. From sweaters and cardigans to cosy accessories, this collection offers a diverse array of designs, showcasing various shapes and constructions. The stories the poems tell come to life in colourwork featured at the yoke, hem or sleeves — all worked using only two colours at a time.
“Most knitters would agree that crafting increases your happiness. Even if we aren’t rune singers, we are still part of an endless chain of tradition.
This book is the continuation of my journey into the world of mythology, traditions and stories. I hope that you, the reader, will spend an unforgettable moment with it and that, accompanied by the clatter of needles, you will become part of the age-old chain of knitters and those who embrace tradition.”
Jenna Kostet
All the patterns are made using only two colors at a time, for spectacular and motivating knitting without being too complex!
We were lucky enough to be able to participate in this beautiful book! Jenna chose our Ulysse yarn to make the “Meren luo’olle lokiksi” sweater:
Pattern: « Meren luo’olle lokiksi » by Jenna Kostet, available in English in the book “Knitted Kalevala II” in 8 sizes.
SIZES
Chest Circumference: 34 (38, 41.5, 45.25, 48.75) (52.5, 56.5. 60.5)” / 86.5 (96.5, 105.5, 114.5, 123.5) (133.5, 143.5, 153.5) cm.
Sleeve Length: 5.75 (6.25, 6.25, 7, 7.75) (8.25, 8.5, 8.75)” / 14.5 (15.5, 15.5, 16, 18) (20.5, 21.5, 22.5) cm.
Body Length: 14.25 (14.5, 15, 15, 15.75) (15.75, 16.5, 17.25)” / 36 (37, 38, 38, 39) (40, 42, 44) cm.
Yoke Depth: 9.75 (10.25, 10.75, 11, 11.75) (12, 13, 14.25)” / 25 (26, 27, 28, 28) (30, 33, 36) cm.
The sweater has a loose fit. Choose a size with approx. 2″ / 5 cm of positive ease at chest.
YARN
De Rerum Natura Ulysse (100% French mérinos d’Arles and Portuguese black merino woolen spun, 203 yds / 185 m –50 g)
MC: 5 (5, 6, 6, 6) (7, 7, 7) balls of Ulysse or 869 (936, 1006, 1079, 1145) (1216, 1284, 1359) yds / 795 (856, 920, 987, 1047) (1112, 1174, 1243) m
CC: 2 (2, 2, 2, 2) (2, 3, 3) balls of Ulysse or 258 (282, 305, 328, 352) (375, 399, 425) yds / 236 (258, 279, 300, 322) (343, 365, 389) m.
Sample shown in colourways “bois de rose” (MC) and “quartz” (CC).
Skill level: Intermediate to advanced
Construction: Meren luo’olle lokiksi is a sweater with short sleeves. It is worked from the top down and has colourwork in the yoke. The hem is short and widens slightly towards the bottom. The neckline, cuffs and hem are worked in two-colour ribbing.
About the designer: Jenna Kostet is a writer and a knitwear designer known for enchanting colourwork patterns. She has studied ethnology and folklore and has published numerous historical novels and children’s books in Finland. In her knitwear designs, Jenna places importance on the stories, the continuation of traditions and the joy of creativity.
Her books, Knitted Kalevala and Knitted Kalevala II, are inspired by Kalevala that is considered a national epic in Finland.
The book « Knitted Kalevala II » is available here:
Photos credits : Laine publishing