Monday, February 1, 2016

Loops and fringes

Mittens made by Elza Deklavs


My friend Amanda has a pair of mittens that her grandmother made for her. Her grandmother was born in Riga, Latvia. Unfortunately, she died in 2011. When Amanda showed me the mittens, I was intrigued by the loops at the cast-on edge. I took photos, and I hoped one day I'd figure out how she did it. I didn't have any luck at all trying on my own.  I'm a pretty good Googler, but I came up empty. No references to that technique at all. :(

And then, quite by accident (since most good things happen by accident), I contributed to a Kickstarter campaign for a new knitting book by Donna Druchunas called Lithuanian Mittens. The technique is explained in that book.


It was a little clumsy to do, and took me several tries, but I think I'm close. Mind you, I didn't push my luck with a double row of loops as Amanda's grandmother did. Maybe next time.

4 comments:

  1. It looks interesting. I am waiting to see the rest of the mitt. Are you adding a braid?

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  2. Lovely mittens, and kept with loving memories. Your loops look great.

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  3. The green mitts that inspired you are lovely and it looks like yours will be as well.

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  4. Lovely memories is right. I wore those mittens everyday until a hole developed. I couldn't just get rid of them, they are one of many pieces I have made by my beloved Nanny.
    Thank you Cheryl, these a very special mittens for me.
    Xoxoxo Amanda

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