Jenny Fennell - Knits from Northern Lands: 20 Projects Inspired by Traditional Knitting Techniques from the Scottish Isles to Scandanavia

My name is Jenny Fennell and I live in the countryside of Middle Musquodoboit, Nova Scotia, with my partner Ryan and our two children, Jimmy and Lily.

Most days are spent taking walks through the surrounding Acadian forest on our property, which is home to black bears, bobcats, coyotes, and white-tail deer, or cuddled up with some fiber finishing a project from my never-ending to knit pile.

I have grown up seeing my mother and grandmother knit countless pieces but hadnt picked up any needles myself until 2013.

I had traveled to Scotland to visit family, and seeing inside woollen mills during my visit sparked something in me. My love and fascination for knitting and natural fiber really blossomed. I had no idea something so intricate and beautiful could be created with what was shorn from a sheeps back.

Fast-forward, having dipped my toes in everything from fashion design and textile studies to sewing and dressmaking, and I can easily say it is an obsession of mine to craft knitted garments of any and all types. I am drawn to the romantic tales that detailed cable and colourwork can tell, having been inspired by folklore tales of Scottish history. I am determined to create pieces that will be cherished, and when the time comes, a piece that can withstand generations and be passed on to loved ones to be cherished once more.

What I want people to take away from this book is that no one is a natural knitter; everyone learns with practice and patience. I was once an awful knitter who couldnt get past a simple coaster. You just need to stick with it. Whatever project you want to complete, no matter how difficult, just start and go easy on yourself; youre learning something new. Dont unravel, and just keep going. The wonderful thing about the knitting community is that there is always someone willing to help if you are stuck.

When you craft something that takes so much effort, you are more likely to be a little more gentle with it, and mend it if need be. You wont be so quick to replace it and in turn consume more. Once you start treating your clothing in this manner, it overflows into other areas of your life, creating a slower, gentler pace. Wearing a piece you have put so much into means a little more than mass-produced clothing items, and you can feel it when you wear it.

This book is a reminder to slow down, be gentle, and appreciate what you have.

Working with your hands is good for your soul.

In order to knit your first piece, all you need is a pair of knitting needles, yarn, a tape measure, and a pair of scissors. On the following pages you will find out which tools and materials are used in this book and gain inspiration.

Various types of knitting needles are available, and the project you are creating determines the type of needles you should use.

Single-pointed needles Widely available and commonly used, single-pointed needles are sold in pairs and have a point at one end and a knurl, knob, or other stopper at the other end to prevent the stitches sliding off. You can use these needles for knitting flat fabrics.

Double-pointed needles These needles have points at both ends and are sold in sets of four or five needles. Often referred to as dpn, they are used for knitting tubular fabrics such as socks, sweater sleeves, and seamless sweaters (also called knitting in the round).

Circular needles A circular needle comprises two short, single-pointed needles, joined to each other by a flexible cord. The cord may be permanently attached, but there are also sets available with interchangeable needles (tips) and cords of different lengths. My preferred needles would be a set of interchangeable circular needles.

Cable needles Cable needles are short, double-pointed needles that are straight, hook-shaped, or with a kink in the middle. They are used when creating cables as a means of temporarily holding a small number of stitches. Choose a size that is the same as, or slightly smaller than, your main knitting to avoid stretching your cable stitches.

Knitting needles are available in a wide variety of materials, and you will be sure to find a pair that works for you within your budget. You can often pick up needles from thrift stores or upcycling websites such as Freecycle or Craigs List.

Bamboo Bamboo needles are flexible, lightweight, and warm to the touch, making them popular with knitters who have arthritis or rheumatism. Budget bamboo needles can split with use, so buy the best pair within your budget. They can be lightly sanded with sandpaper if rough spots appear.

Wood There are many beautiful wooden needles on the market and many knitters find these the most comfortable to work with because they are warm, light, and easy on the hands. Like bamboo they may break, but can be sanded with care.

Metal Many knitters prefer metal needles because they are virtually indestructible. They are the needles of choice for many lace knitters because they have the sharpest points for fine work. The smooth finish also makes them a popular choice for knitting at speed. Prices vary significantly for metal needles.