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, a 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 is an illustrator and knitwear designer with Estonian, Canadian and American roots, whose debut book, Traditions Revisited, was published in 2022. The story of her second book, Kindred Knits, began while Aleks was clearing out her great-aunt Maret's apartment in Tallinn, Estonia. She found countless sketchbooks filled with craft-related drawings and clippings that served as the starting point for her designs.

PATTERNS