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WORKSHOPS

Expert led workshops to demystify knitting techniques with a fun supportive group of knitters in person at local yarn shops and yarn festivals around the world as well as virtual options so you can learn from the comfort of your home. Each workshop is meticulously planned with detailed handouts and a display of a curated selection of knitwear. Be inspired by Aleks’ curation of her treasured collection of traditional Estonian knits and from her design portfolio for inspiration to start a new project based on what you learn in a workshop.

Featured
Lace Overlay at Knit City Calgary, Canada
Sept 25
Lace Overlay at Knit City Calgary, Canada

Explore lace knitting in a new graphic way. Aleks Byrd has given lace a new look by layering lace patterns made from yarn overs and decrease stitches seamlessly over top stockinette stitch. We will create a small lace overlay swatch to learn some lace knitting basics and how to seamlessly attach lace panels onto a planned Stockinette swatch.

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Steeking in Style workshop at Knit City Calgary, Canada
Sept 25
Steeking in Style workshop at Knit City Calgary, Canada

Tackle the scary steek and open a whole new world of possibilities with your knitting! Together we will explore two different styles of steek edges from the fun of a knotted fringe steek great for a shawl and the all round great reinforcement method with crochet. We will finish off with the perfect and super neat steek sandwich band that makes a great finishing touch hiding your steek on a cardigan.

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Vikkel Twisted Stitches & Braid at Knit City Calgary, Canada
Sept 26
Vikkel Twisted Stitches & Braid at Knit City Calgary, Canada

A vikkel is a twisted or traveling stitch pattern used in Estonian knitting that creates a narrow cable pattern without the use of a cable needle. These patterns create beautiful patterns and even braids that add dimension to your knitting.

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Ruhnu Estonian Braids at Knit City Calgary, Canada
Sept 27
Ruhnu Estonian Braids at Knit City Calgary, Canada

Knitted braids are the perfect embellishment for any project to make it just a little more special. In Estonian knitting, braids are used to embellish hems and cuffs for added interest as well as preventing curled edges. There are many different regional styles of braids in Estonian knitting to explore. We will delve into the special braids from the small Estonian island of Ruhnu, knitting 4 different braids. We will explore a braid cast-on, a 3 colour twisted Ruhnu braid, 2 colour twisted stitch Ruhnu vits braid and a braided bind-off. Each knitted braid creating some unique with just the use of knit and purl stitches.

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Roosimine - Estonian Inlay Knitting with Modern Daily Knitting [online]
Oct 2
Roosimine - Estonian Inlay Knitting with Modern Daily Knitting [online]

Roosimine is an Estonian inlay technique that creates the appearance of embroidery through intentional floats in contrasting yarn on the right side of your knitting.

It’s the perfect technique to add some embellishment to your knitting that is easier than intarsia. The name Roosimine translates to “decorating with roses”, which comes from a style of short stitch embroidery done on the Estonian island of Muhu.

Read more →
Roosimine - Estonian Inlay Knitting with Finnish American Folk School [online]
Oct 3
Roosimine - Estonian Inlay Knitting with Finnish American Folk School [online]

Roosimine is an Estonian inlay technique that creates the appearance of embroidery through intentional floats in contrasting yarn on the right side of your knitting.

It’s the perfect technique to add some embellishment to your knitting that is easier than intarsia. The name Roosimine translates to “decorating with roses”, which comes from a style of short stitch embroidery done on the Estonian island of Muhu.

Read more →
Steeking in Style workshop at Munich Knits, Germany
Nov 27
Steeking in Style workshop at Munich Knits, Germany

Tackle the scary steek and open a whole new world of possibilities with your knitting! Together we will explore two different styles of steek edges from the fun of a knotted fringe steek great for a shawl and the all round great reinforcement method with crochet. We will finish off with the perfect and super neat steek sandwich band that makes a great finishing touch hiding your steek on a cardigan.

Read more →
Lace Overlay at Munich Knits, Germany
Nov 28
Lace Overlay at Munich Knits, Germany

Explore lace knitting in a new graphic way. Aleks Byrd has given lace a new look by layering lace patterns made from yarn overs and decrease stitches seamlessly over top stockinette stitch. We will create a small lace overlay swatch to learn some lace knitting basics and how to seamlessly attach lace panels onto a planned Stockinette swatch.

Read more →
Roosimine - Estonian Inlay Knitting at Munich Knits
Nov 28
Roosimine - Estonian Inlay Knitting at Munich Knits

Roosimine is an Estonian inlay technique that creates the appearance of embroidery through intentional floats in contrasting yarn on the right side of your knitting.

It’s the perfect technique to add some embellishment to your knitting that is easier than intarsia. The name Roosimine translates to “decorating with roses”, which comes from a style of short stitch embroidery done on the Estonian island of Muhu.

Read more →
Steeking in Style workshop at Munich Knits, Germany
Nov 29
Steeking in Style workshop at Munich Knits, Germany

Tackle the scary steek and open a whole new world of possibilities with your knitting! Together we will explore two different styles of steek edges from the fun of a knotted fringe steek great for a shawl and the all round great reinforcement method with crochet. We will finish off with the perfect and super neat steek sandwich band that makes a great finishing touch hiding your steek on a cardigan.

Read more →
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Workshops
 

BOOK EVENTS

Book signings, meet & greets plus trunk shows

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Featured

RETREATS

Knitting retreats in Estonia and special events for knitting enthusiasts.

Featured
Northern Lights Knitting Cruise 2027
Dec 1
Northern Lights Knitting Cruise 2027

Join knitwear designer and illustrator Aleks Byrd on this 9-day knitting holiday. Experience the magical mix of colours that form in the Arctic sky, cruise among the Norwegian fjords and enjoy time ashore among the beautiful landscapes on our Northern Lights tour! On our journey aboard the ship we will learn new techniques in a fun exclusive pattern Aleks Byrd has designed for the trip as we journey amongst the islands, islets and skerries that make up a coastline considered one of the most beautiful in the world. Though days may be short, Norway’s remarkable landscapes take on a special beauty at this time of year. Each day you can step-ashore and explore, or relax and take in the snow-cloaked scenery and wintry lifestyle of Norway’s remotest coastal communities.

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Lovely words from knitters who’ve taken a workshop

  • I now understand the concept of braids and I need practice I loved the touches of Estonian culture she added to the class. Aleks's teaching style is perfect for the technique. I am going to take another class with her as soon as possible.

    — Ruhnu Braids student

  • Great class! First new knitting technique I’ve picked up entirely from a class and the support and patience was amazing.

    — Steeking in Style student

  • Loved it! Really fun technique, clearly explained. I now feel like I could tackle any pattern that included it, or add it to other projects.

    — Sophie a Baltic Braids student

  • I loved it!! Aleks is so engaging!! I learned a new technique and had fun doing it.

    — Linda, a Roosimine Estonian Inlay student

Are you a yarn shop or knitting festival organizer interested in scheduling workshops at your shop or event?

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