I’m doing pattern research today for some mittens I’d like to knit. One source of inspiration: the Riga NATO Summit mitten catalog, which includes 4,500 pairs of mittens knit by two Latvian organizations for the summit.
Women from the rural association called “Akorande” will knit mittens with the ornamentation of the Kurzeme and Latgale regions, and the handiwork company “Ramid” will knit mittens from the regions of Vidzeme and Zemgale.
Many fans of baltic mittens have been looking at these. I downloaded and unpacked the complete photo file, which they conveniently provided, and will be trying to put these into a searchable, taggable catalog for easier reference. They’re such a great source of inspiration.
I’ve always been fond of beautiful, practical works of art. Textiles, especially knitting, hold a special place in my heart for this reason. You can enjoy working it, and then someone else can enjoy wearing it.
For beautiful design combined with practicality I love Baltic regional mittens, and the pattern and color variations just inspire me. Their braiding, gauntlets, scallops, and fringe add wonderful design elements that make them fun to work and fun to wear.
Donna Druchunas sez she’s going to work on a Lithuanian knitting book this year (her own blog is here) – I’m looking forward to its release. Some other Ravelers have purchased the Vilnius book Donna mentions in her blog: Gloves of Lithuania Minor off eBay; I’m considering doing the same. It looks like a good pattern resource.
