The Troi is a traditional sweater design from Kihnu, a tiny island off the coast of Estonia. Kihnu is a treasure trove of textile history and culture. Many older examples of Troi sweaters are white patterns on a background of hand-dyed indigo blue. Madder red bands are believed to provide the wearer with protection and well-being.

More about the Estonian adventure that led Kate to write this pattern can be found on her website.

To learn more about knitting in Estonia, check out Nancy Bush’s wonderful book Folk Knitting in Estonia.