Author Description

Muhu handicraft may truly be considered one of the brightest chapters in the great treasury of Estonian folk art. At all times there have been maidens and women on this small plot of land, overgrown with junipers, who have knitted incredibly fine-textured mittens and socks; they have been fond of wild color combinations, embroidered floral beauty and rather sharp-tongued humor. This book introduces the essential principles of making and wearing Muhu traditional costumes, ornaments and textiles. It contains valuable instructions and a wealth of patterns for knitting, crochet and embroidery. The island of Muhu in Estonia may be small in area but it is certainly huge in its magnificent handicraft. A mere hundred years ago, this island in the Baltic Sea considered traditional arts and crafts and ancient traditions as an obvious part of life. All through the ages there have been girls and women who have been able to knit unbelievably fine-patterned gloves, mittens and stockings. They have loved crazy colors, the beauty of embroidered flowers and also rather sharp humour. Pride in one's handicraft abilities has endured throughout Muhu's history; from the traditional way of life of past centuries into modern times. Authentic garments from Muhu are unique in their pattern and color combinations. One discovers inexhaustible riches when researching Muhu traditional clothing. This richness was fueled by the wish of every maker to have the most beautiful clothing, and even a bit more, in the village. This substantial, nearly 400-page book will reveal the sense of beauty and joy of color cherished by the people of Muhu. Here one can find essential principles of how the various textiles and ornaments were made and what is the correct way to wear the traditional clothing. The reader will also discover a whole wealth of invaluable tips and patterns for knitting, crochet, embroidery, and more. Thus, this publication should provide a foundation for new Muhu-inspired...