Swedish designers Erika Åberg and Lotta H. Löthgren have worked together to create a book of twelve knitted designs that are both timeless and practical. The Island and the Forest: A Knitted Correspondence is an exchange of letters between the two designers, through which they reflect on life and present their designs in a book that flows through the elements and seasons.
“The book you’re holding is our attempt at interpreting our surroundings: the landscape, its atmosphere and the weather, in the shape of stitches,” – Erika and Lotta.
Erika Åberg lives on the island Gotland and Lotta H. Löthgren in the forest in the southeast. They both have a connection to the natural world and Scandinavian craft and you can see those inspirations through their designs. The chapters of the book flow through the four elements; earth, water, fire and air.
“Yarn and wool, the seasons and the elements; earth, water, fire and air. We have talked, written, met, knitted and sent photos, sketches, text messages, watercolours and thoughts between us. It has been an incredible journey.” – Erika and Lotta
This collection contains, jumpers, tank tops, gloves, a cardigans, a hat, a shawl and socks. Let’s take a closer look and I’ll recommend some yarns from the shelves of Knit with Attitude.
Aska by Erika Åberg. This delicate cowl is knit in a fine lace weight. Starting with a provisional cast on it is knit flat and then grafted together for a seamless construction. Working with two or even four colours that are striped in simple garter stitch or reverse garter stitch. This creates a defined or blurry striping between the colours depending on which side of the fabric you look at. Fyberspates Gleem Lace would be luscious to wear and you could have some fun with colour combos.
Bris by Lotta H Löthgren. This simple buttoned up waistcoat is knit from the top down. It features a deep v-neck and a simple texture repeat. I particularly like the rolled edge of the button band and armholes which are picked up and knitted at the end. Pickles Pure Wool would give you a nice texture.
Glöd by Lotta H Löthgren. Knit from the bottom up this cardigan has a real feature with large ribbing and buttonbands. It has a simple two colour pattern that has texture by purling the contrast colour. I would choose Hillesvåg Sølje for this.
Göl by Lotta H Löthgren. Starting from a point and knitting out to the straight edge. It is a subtle combination of three colours. Starting with garter stitch stripes and moving on to a solid colour lace section. You could go quite striking with your colour combos or quite subtle. I would choose the silk blend of Fyberspates Scrumptious both for its softness against the skin and its wonderful drape.
Haugvag by Erika Åberg. This yoked jumper is knit seamlessly from the top down. The colourwork features textured stitches which also gives it depth. I like that this is echoed at the arm edges with the ribbing at the cuffs also done in the same colour as the neck. I would choose Hillesvåg Tinde.
Martall by Erika Åberg. Knit from the bottom up this tank top has a simple colourwork repeat that covers the entire body. It also incorporates purl rows for texture and depth. I do like the subtle colour combo but you could also do something more contrasting and it would really change to the look of the piece. I’m thinking of the Hey Mama Wolf Beara Tweed.
Mulm by Lotta H Löthgren. Knit from the top down this seamless jumper features bands of a contrast colour. The ribbing is big and at the neckline it extends down deep into the yoke giving it a relaxed loose look. You can make it cropped with short sleeves or longer with long sleeves. Knit in a worsted weight yarn I think the soft and squishy Hey Mama Wolf Skadi would look great.
Stig by Erika Åberg. The combination of simple stitches with the different yarns makes this hat really special. Worked from the bottom up and decreased at the brim, the wide ribbing is folded up for extra warmth. I would choose a combo of the rich Hillesvåg Tinde.
Tistel by Erika Åberg. I really like that a lot of these designs feature texture in the colourwork. It adds a nice dimension, like in this one that looks like the motif is tipped with ice. Knit from the top down with a wide yoke. I would try this in a mixture of London Wool and Hillesvåg Tinde.
Tjelvar by Erika Åberg. These mittens have a colourwork design that runs over the back and the palm of the hand. It also utilises purl textures to blur the edges of the shapes. This gives it a more natural nature inspired look. I would definitely knit these in the Hey Mama Wolf Beara.
Våg by Lotta H Löthgren. These fingerless gloves have a selection of fun wavy and zig-zag colourwork designs on the back, front and thumb. A long ribbed cuff will also make them warm and easily tucked up a sleeve. They are knit in Garthenor Snowdonia.
Virvel by Lotta H Löthgren. These ribbed socks are worked from the top down and feature a fleegle heel. The heel construction combined with the ribbed design looks really neat. I also like the simple cable twists that appear around the back of the leg. I would also knit these in Garthenor Snowdonia as it’s perfect for socks.
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