Latvian Mittens
The author of the book ‘Knit like a Latvian’ is present in Zwolle!
Author and knitting designer Ieva Ozolina from Latvia is present at the fair with her company ‘Hobbywool‘.
You’ve probably already seen them, those beautiful boxes with knitting kits for making traditional gloves/mittens.
For some centuries the mittens were the most important form of gift and endowed with magical meaning.
Nowadays, Latvian mittens, diverse in their colors and patterns, are still an essential part of Latvian winter clothing.
Every glove has its own story, because every pattern that is knitted has its own meaning and brings with it its own wish. Most of these patterns are derived from the Latvian tradition of deities and gods. Every deity and god had its own tasks and mission and it was represented by one or more symbols that characterized it.
You can meet Ieva, buy her book and have it signed (or bring your own copy) at the booth of Hobbywool (83), where the mitten-kits are also available.