The Island and the Forest: A Knitted Correspondence

The Island and the Forest: A Knitted Correspondence is an exchange of letters and knitwear patterns between two Swedish designers: Erika Åberg and Lotta H. Löthgren. The chapters in the book flow through the four elements and the shifting seasons.

12 patterns: 3 sweaters, 2 vests, 1 cardigan, 1 shawl, 1 hat, 1 pair of fingerless mitts, 1 cowl, 1 pair of socks and 1 pair of mittens.
The size range for the garments is approx. 29″ to 61″ / 75 to 155 cm chest measurements.

The Island and the Forest includes 12 knitting patterns designed to be timeless and practical. “The book you’re holding is our attempt at interpreting our surroundings: the landscape, its atmosphere and the weather, in the shape of stitches” say Erika and Lotta.

The Island and the Forest: A Knitted Correspondence is an exchange of letters and knitwear patterns between two Swedish designers: Erika Åberg on the island of Gotland and Lotta H. Löthgren in the forest in the southeast. The chapters in the book flow through the four elements — earth, water, fire and air — the shifting seasons and the natural world. In their letters, Erika and Lotta reflect on the little things in their life and how they draw out the big questions: meaning, creativity and belonging.

Erika Åberg is a knitwear designer and writer living with her family and dog on Gotland, an island off the east coast of Sweden. Erika is deeply rooted in Scandinavian craft and her designs are based on the love of nature, wool and island life. She leads wool and walking tours to destinations such as Gotland, Shetland and Iceland. The Island and the Forest is her eleventh book.

Lotta H. Löthgren is a knitwear designer, writer and yarn-dyer living with her family, dogs and chickens in a village in southeast Sweden, where she also has a yarn shop. As a designer, she loves to translate the natural world into wearable garments.

“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 & Lotta

”We hope that the texts and garments will land softly with you and inspire you to knit, to reflect over and wonder at the places we live in; the island and the forest.” – Erika & Lotta

”We do what knitters always do: use two thin sticks and a long thread to create a garment that didn’t exist before. From the earth to our hands.” – Lotta