The Big Book of Latvian Mittens - 100 knitting patterns and charts for colourwork mittens and more

Incredible value - individual patterns sell for around £5 each.
This is the ultimate collection of knitting patterns for Latvian mittens with 100 knitting patterns and charts.

This is the ultimate collection of knitting patterns for colourful Latvian mittens, featuring 100 knitting patterns and charts.Author Ieva Ozolina has designed 33 new patterns for traditional Latvian mittens and gloves. This collection of stranded colourwork knitting patterns features these all new designs with additional patterns that were previously published in her books: Knit Like a Latvian and Knit Like a Latvian Accessories, in order to create this bumper edition of knitting patterns.Traditionally, knitting in Latvia has been very important with children being taught how to knit from an early age at school. Brides were expected to gift hand knitted mittens to guests at their wedding and the designs and colours used in Latvian mitten knitting are steeped in tradition and folk lore.The traditional pointed design of Latvian mittens is very distinctive, along with the beautiful Latvian braid which is often featured in Latvian knitting designs, particularly around the cuff of mit tens.The collection features 100 different patterns with large colour charts for each design so you can easily follow even the most elaborate patterns. There are instructions for the basic mitten, glove and fingerless glove patterns as well as step-by-step instructions and artworks for techniques such as forming the thumb, Latvian braids and other cuff finishing techniques including fringing and notches.All of the designs are made using stranded colourwork techniques and the same tools and materials - 2 ply 100% wool and double pointed needles - so it's perfect for using up scraps of colourful yarn you have in your stash.This bumper collection of Latvian mittens, gloves, fingerless mittens and more will be the perfect reference for mitten knitters, providing inspiration and support so you can create beautiful gifts for friends and family.

Leseprobe:

Mittens play an important role in Latvia's culture and history. For several centuries they were the most common type of gift in the country, and are thought by some to have magical qualities.Mittens were most often given as wedding gifts and the act of making them for special occasions still continues today. Traditionally, every bride-to-be was expected to fill a "hope chest", and the most lavish chests contained several hundred pairs of handmade mittens. Mittens were also given to the family of the couple and anyone involved in organising the wedding. Nowadays, Latvian mittens, with their distinctive shape and diverse range of colours and patterns, are still a winter essential.Most of the patterns are derived from Latvian mythology and incorporate various folk symbols. Each knitted design has a different meaning and therefore every mitten has its own special story. Choose your favourites from this collection of 100 stylish patterns, and learn how to create your own beautiful mitt ens, along with gloves, fingerless mittens, fingerless gloves and wrist warmers.I have been looking for samples of authentic gloves and mittens all over Latvia and have had help from the C_sis History and Art Museum and the Liepaja Museum, who both kindly agreed to share their carefully preserved historical collections with me.