Exhibition of Kudujate Koopiaklubi (The Knitters’ Copy Club) "Ruhnu Roses – Runö Rosor"
The exhibition is open in the Estonian National Museum (Osalussaal) from 25.05.2025 to 31.08.2025In the middle of the Gulf of Riga lies the small island - Ruhnu, where a very unique knitting tradition has survived for centuries. Knitting was a part of the way of life for the women of this island – this is how gloves, socks, stockings and sweaters with patterns unique to Ruhnu were born. The cultural traditions of this ethnic group were unexpectedly interrupted when almost all the inhabitants of Ruhnu were relocated to Sweden during the difficult times of 1944. However, the patterns that were once created remained, as if a memory of life on the island of Ruhnu in bygone times.
We admire the special and rich knitting culture, restrained colours, intricate travelling stitches and festive roses. The Ruhnu rose or roso, which looks like a star and that Estonians rather call the eight-pointed star (kaheksakand), adorned stockings, mittens and sweaters.
We revere you, the women of ancient Ruhnu who invented these knitting techniques and complex systems of the patterns, the women of ancient Ruhnu who knitted their artistic mind and traditions of the local traditional life into these woolen masterpieces. We promise to keep your skills alive by knitting like women of Ruhnu.
Based on old knitted items of Ruhnu, we have made copies of almost all gloves, socks, stockings and sweaters preserved in various museums, as well as in private collections. Looking at all these objects together at the exhibition, a picture of the knitting traditions of the ancient Ruhnu unfolds in waves.
In addition to knitwear, the exhibition includes the modern collection "r u : n" created by Kristi Everst, a member of the Kudujate Koopiaklubi. Kristi, the author, has been inspired by Ruhnu island’s nature and folk costumes, especially the skirts with woven striped panels that accompanied the Ruhnu woman almost all her life.
Kudujate Koopiaklubi is a closed Facebook group founded in 2013 that currently has 288 members. We are connected by a love for old knitwear, as well as a thirst for knowledge and a desire to use and re-introduce traditional knitting techniques.
All the items presented in this exhibition have been made by:
Aet Treial, Algi Karits, Anneli Aasna, Anneli Ahven, Anneli Kundla, Anneli Tender, Anu Pink, Anu Tammann, Ene Koppelmann, Eve Toiger, Evelin Lappalainen, Gerly Karu, Gundega Agar, Heleri Jürisson, Heli Kiverik, Hiie Kukk, Inga Veskimägi, Inna-Inga Kalmus, Ivi Suurekivi, Inga Sõelsepp, Jaana Hukov, Jana Hindrikson, Jana Kuningas, Jana Punder, Kaia Malõh, Kaidy Matveus, Kaili Truu, Kaiti Pilk, Karen-Gertu Toome, Katrin Kolnes, Kersti Elhi, Kersti Mäe, Kristi Everst, Kristiina Jõgi, Laura Otsus, Leila Eensalu, Leili Karu, Lembe Rätsep, Lemmi Orav, Lia Bergmann, Liina Orle, Maili Lootus, Margit Alesmaa, Margit Pinna-Valge, Marge Kuura, Merle Norit, Piret Jürman, Piret Tago, Piret Tiismaa, Piret-Olivia Ütt, Reet Margaret Reidak, Regina Vaske, Riikka Horn, Saale Kaing, Salme Ruberg, Signe Pärt, Siiri Reimann, Sirje Rohtla, Taimi Laus, Tea Saar, Tiina Arusoo, Tiina Laiva, Tiina Seppenen, Tiina Lippant, Tiina Lääne, Triin Labi, Triin Mihkelson, Urve Kakko, Viivi Saar and Ülle Muzakko from the Knitters' Copy Club and Saara Kirjastus interns Heli Käsper, Kaja Arpo, Marju Roosileht and Merike Lifländer.
Collection of clothing "r u : n": Kristi Everst
Additional display clothing: Anu Pink
Curators: Anu Pink, Heli Kiverik
Designers: Anneli Kenk, Anu Pink
Photos: Romet Vaino, Anu Pink, Kristi Everst
Technical support: Estonian National Museum (ERM)
Special thank you to members of Kudujate Koopiaklubi and Saara Publishing House who financially supported the preparation of the exhibition.