PLACE: Agora hall at Muntpunt library, Place de la Monnaie 6
ENTRANCE: 10 EUR
1). Lection and presentation
“An Insight into the Development of Patterned Knitting in Latvia”
Knitting is an ancient technique of creating and decorating clothing which performs both practical and ornamental functions. Until today creation of knitwear at home has remained both as a necessity of life and a tradition in Latvia.
Historically on the territory of Latvia, the knitting of patterned mittens and gloves was determined by the Nordic climatic conditions, therefore a wide range of patterns were knitted not only for beauty, but also for keeping warmth. When they are worn out, new, but different ones are knitted instead, as each successive generation brings in changes in the knitting ornaments and material.
Cultural history researchers have stated that the development of knitting has been influenced by two factors: tradition and fashion. Here trade relations, determined by economic, historic and social conditions are of great importance, but they in different periods of time take a unique path of development. Each condition in this line of progression has a role to play in the regional development and spread of the knittings.
The pattern of development of knitting skills in Latvia during the second half of the 20th and early 21st century is revealed in the material collected in the course of ethnographic fieldwork in various cultural regions of Latvia. This material has provided the basis for research and books published in 2008, 2011 and 2013 (volumes based on primary sources) on mitten and sock knitting traditions in Latgale, Kurzeme, Vidzeme.
Duration: 1-1,5 h
Language: English
2). Workshop
The aim of the workshop is to introduce Latvian traditional knitting techniques to people who wish to make a pair of handmade mittens. During the workshop an experienced teacher will show and teach the most popular Latvian mittens’ knitting techniques. Each student will be given a kit which contains woollen yarn for a pair of mittens, step-by-step instructions and a coloured pattern. Student will start knitting at the workshop and will be able to finish at home.
Level: intermediate and advanced
Duration: 1-1,5 h
Language: English
