Knit Like a Latvian: Accessories

Knit yourself stunning Latvian accessories including gloves, hats, scarves, and shawls with this collection of colourwork knitting patterns and charts from the author of Knit Like a Latvian: Mittens and Knit Like a Latvian: Socks.

Stranded colourwork knitting never goes out of fashion because the results are so beautiful. This is the third title in our Knit Like a Latvian series, which looks at knitting patterns using traditional Latvian colourwork designs. This title features 40 patterns for gloves, hats, wraps, and scarves, all featuring a distinctive Latvian colour work design element. You can choose from gloves and fingerless mittens with selected colourwork details on the cuffs, or an all-over stranded colourwork design on a scarf or wrap for maximum impact.

Knitting has always played an important role in traditional Latvian culture: girls are taught to knit at a young age, and some schools still teach knitting as part of the curriculum. It is also traditional for brides to give socks and mittens as gifts to guests on their wedding day. This collection captures the essence of these stunning folk patterns and shows how you can mix these traditional designs with your contemporary wardrobe.

Author Ieva Ozolina has designed a range of accessories featuring traditional Latvian motifs and design elements such as Latvian braids to create this beautiful collection. The wider variety of projects and styles will give this title broad appeal, and the accessibility of some of the projects, such as the wraps and scarves, makes them suitable for less experienced knitters, while the more detailed patterns for gloves will appeal to more experienced knitters. The size of the smaller projects means they don't use very much yarn, and they make very portable projects for when you're on the move.

Knit Like a Latvian: Accessories also looks at the stories behind the design motifs, which are steeped in folk tradition—for example, if you include the sun motif design in your knitting, it is thought that the item will offer extra warmth to the wearer—so you can understand the traditions behind the knitting.

The author, Ieva Ozolina, is the founder and creator of the Hobbywool company and wool concept store, as well as the "Knit Like a Latvian" kits. Ieva started knitting when she was 14 and has been passionate about knitting ever since. In 2009, she started her own knitting and yarn company called "Hobbywool." Ieva has taken her "Knit Like a Latvian" knitting kits to over 30 international fairs and exhibitions to spread her love for Latvian mittens all over the world. Ieva lives in Riga, Latvia, and runs her yarn shop in the Old Town of Riga together with her husband, Maris.