Island Knitting

This book invites you to explore the rugged charm of island landscapes while knitting beautifully designed items inspired by coastal heritage. With 20 patterns and rich storytelling about wool, place, and tradition, it's ideal for knitters who care about both craft and context.

* Knit Nation Issue 9 *

This is a beautifully presented book and I really like the stories that accompany the projects and the introduction to the four islands where the author has visited. The photography brings the book to life and is inspirational.

The book is aimed for a confident knitter who likes working in the round. At the front of the book there is a good section on techniques which will help knitters to make a perfect project as long as they are aware of how to knit fair isle, lace and cable.

There are some interesting items to knit such as a cafetiere cover knitted in fair isle and some quirky socks. For someone new to knitting in the round a cowl or the seaweed jumper could be a good option. 

-- Monica Russel

A knitting journey (no passport required)

Island Knitting is beautifully produced, thoughtfully designed and full of projects that feel meaningful rather than disposable. It celebrates place, fibre and tradition without feeling dusty or old-fashioned.

It’s the sort of book that reminds you why knitting isn’t just making garments — it’s storytelling in stitches. And if it accidentally inspires a yarn purchase… well… I’m calling that cultural immersion.

See full review here: Book Review: Island Knitting by Erika Åberg (Search Press) | Cool Wool School

* Carol Ibbetson *

In this delightful book, designer Erika Aberg presents 20 knitting patterns which have been inspired by islands that are particularly special to her - Shetland and the Outer Hebrides, and the Swedish islands of Gotland and Blido. Her designs really capture the spirit of these isles, reflecting their textures and colours, history and unique spirit. 

Each of the four sections in the book is dedicated to a particular island or group of islands, and Erika provides an introduction to their history and geography, along with stunning photographs of their landscapes (and sheep!). Garments are typically written for finished chests/busts of 35in to 55in or 57in, and instructions are better suited to more confident knitters.

The Outer Hebrides section includes a colourwork cowl knitted in natural shades of Hebridean wool, which is given a twist before the ends are grafted together. Like many of the projects in the book, Erika suggests two different colourways for the project. Her 'Seaweed Sweater' is a ribbed raglan design in a rustic yarn, and the 'Peat Vest' has small blocks of textured colourwork on a dark peaty background.

Blido, north east of Stockholm, is where Erika grew up. It's traditional fishermen's knits have inspired the 'Rospigg Sweater', a raglan pullover with colourwork in silver, brown and blue; there's a pair of mittens with the same pattern. The 'Helmi Shawl' is knitted in garter stitch with a lace edging, and the 'Sjoblom' cowl and knee-high socks feature a simple colourwork pattern. 

The Shetland section was influenced by traditional Fair Isle patterns, but introduces modern touches including textured details. 'Eshaness Sweater' is an update on the classic 'OXO' pattern, and is a top-down yoked design. There's a hat and mittens with the same motif, while the lovely 'Homin Lace Collar' is a mini poncho using the Old Shale lace pattern. 

Erika now lives on Gotland, and pieces from the Gotland Museum provided inspiration for her designs, such as the 'Stainbodi Sweater', a sturdy fisherman's pullover. The 'Eksta' raglan cardigan has columns of slanting black and white stripes with garter stitch striped sleeves, the 'Eksta Socks' use the same patterning worked in silver and blue.

* The Knitter - Issue 2