Hüvasti, Estonia!

The trip to Estonia was a huge success. I hope to share the beautiful fibers I found there with all of you very soon. I learned so much on this trip! I drank it in like cool water. I can't wait to share all of the great knitting techniques and projects I have spinning around in my head. I've taken copious notes to be sure I don't forget to tell you even the smallest detail about the knitting and other arts of Estonia.  I'm working on classes now and hope to have them listed soon. I hope you'll join me!

I couldn't have enjoyed learning about Estonian traditional arts more, but it turns out, this was more than a "Knitting Trip."  It was more than I could have imagined. It was an experience I will never forget.  

Travel invites us to take a front row seat and immerse ourselves in culture, art, and history. This, was just such an opportunity. I had the great privilege of talking with people I would never have met otherwise. My appreciation for the remarkable people of Estonia has forever changed my perspective about what it means to be resilient and strong and creative. When enveloped in darkness and oppression, they create beauty.


They are also profoundly generous people. This was evident as they welcomed us into their homes, shared their food, and discussed their hopes and fears for the future. They didn't hesitate to share their art, their expertise, and their culture with complete strangers. The teachers were patient and delighted when we mastered a skill.  Each region has a specific motif or color palette or craft unique to them, they are distinct and identifiable. To say the teachers taught us techniques is too superficial. They taught us their culture and their art. They shared with us what has been lovingly passed down through generations.

The Estonians are a remarkable people. They are a strong, but gentle people who rise above crushing adversity to create beauty everyday, and in everything they do. They embrace their uniqueness as proudly as they respect and honor their differences. At the end of the day, they are all proud to stand together and call themselves Estonians. 

I am honored to have met them.

Happy knitting,

KayeLynn


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