Andean Knitted Figure Purses: Monederos for Your Money and
A Fish-Shaped Purse from Peru to Knit
Cynthia Le Count Samaké
At least since the late nineteenth century, Andean textile artists have been knitting complexly patterned headgear, ceremonial offering bags, and whimsical figure coin purses called monederos. Use the project instructions to knit your own vivid fish-shaped monederos.

Never Just Sit: Eleanor Roosevelt and a Life of Knitting
by Mary Ann Colopy
Eleanor Roosevelt, human rights champion, wife of President Franklin Roosevelt, mother of six, and political activist, was rarely without her knitting.

Capillifolium Baby Bonnet to Knit by Alice Starmore
and Scottish Rituals: Birth by Jade Starmore
Knit this colorful wee bonnet with its warm earflaps and a pattern inspired by a sphagnum moss (Sphagnum capillifolium). The article explores customs concerning childbirth in the Scottish Highlands and Islands.

Knitting Two Socks at Once—One Inside the Other
adapted by Jacqueline Fee
Updated instructions for Mrs. A. Reeder’s original instructions from a 1918 issue of Needlecraft magazine provide today’s knitters with all they need to delve into this expedited form of knitting.

An Unfinished Sweater: The Wartime Knitting of Wardi Keter Kalil and “Keep Them Warm” Wristlets to Knit
by Susan Strawn
In May 1945, Wardi Keter Kalil stopped knitting the sleeves for a khaki pullover sweater and laid down her needles. She would never finish the sweater for reasons both personal and political. Wristlets were a classic wartime knitting project designed to “keep [servicemen’s hands] warm” while leaving fingers free for work; follow the instructions to make a pair of your own.

Riina Tomberg: Preserving Estonia’s Knitting Traditions
and Marko’s Mittens to Knit
by Nancy Bush
Estonian designer and author Riina Tomberg focuses her work on the traditional knitted patterns of Estonia. Marko’s Mittens utilize some of these well-known Estonian patterns.

The Portuguese Style of Knitting and
Baby Booties to Knit in the Portuguese Style
by Andrea Wong
Tensioning the yarn through a pin or around the neck has been practiced since ancient times. The author, taught to knit this way, reveals the basics of this style of knitting;the project provides an opportunity to practice the technique.

ON THE WEB: Textile Travels: Part III: Cuenca, Ecuador, and Environs by Gwen Blakley Kinsler Part 3 of our online travel series continues Gwen’s account of her stay in Ecuador, which she began in Part 2.

Detail of one of the shawls purchased by author Gwen Blakely Kinsler. Maker unknown. Resist-dyed woven silk. Purchased in Bulzhum, Azuay Province, Ecuador. 1989. Collection of the author.

Coming Next Issue

Deadline: April 1, 2009