Spinning BFL for twined knitting

Spinning yarn. It was a long time since I did that ... But I have now spun a yarn for twined knitting from Blue Faced Leicester. I used my Majacraft Little Gem wheel both for spinning (in S) and plying (in Z). I think that Little Gem is excellent for spinning yarn of this kind, but rather weak for plying. Next time I will use my Louet for plying.

Two natural shades, spun separately and then plied together. The contrasts turned out a little more pronounced than I had hoped for ... a total of 190 grams. I enjoy spinning, but there is no doubt that the result will be better if I do it on a more regular basis. More than two years since I spun my previous yarn.

Elongated Baktus in Grey and Blue

More Baktus-knitting. This, I think, is the last one this year. This time I wanted a Baktus with the same length as the other ones, but at the same time a smaller size. So, instead of making the increases and decreases every fourth row I made them every sixth row. This worked really well and I ended up with a shape that was what I wanted.

I used a total of 210 grams of 2-ply wool. Measurements are 236 x 31 centimetres
(94 x 12 inches).

Books on Latvian Knitting and textile traditions - part 3

"Latviešu Jostas"/ "Latvian Sashes, Belts and Bands" by Aleksandra Dzērvītis and Lilija Treimanis

The book "Latviešu Jostas" (in English "Latvian Sashes, Belts and Bands") by Aleksandra Dzērvītis and Lilija Treimanis is a fantastic book. It is in Latvian and English (English text by Vila Abele Wurstner). Published in 1982.

"Latviešu Jostas"/ "Latvian Sashes, Belts and Bands" by Aleksandra Dzērvītis and Lilija Treimanis

"The patterns in this collection are only a part of the cultural wealth that Latvians can be proud of. It is hoped that this will enrich the next generations and others interested in continuing the Latvian ethnic heritage"

"Latviešu Jostas"/ "Latvian Sashes, Belts and Bands" by Aleksandra Dzērvītis and Lilija Treimanis

- General requirements for weaving Latvian sashes, belts and bands (materials, tools and patterns)
- Braided and interlinked belts
- Striped and flowered belts
- Patterned belts and sashes
- Finishing
- Decorative belt weavings

"Latviešu Jostas"/ "Latvian Sashes, Belts and Bands" by Aleksandra Dzērvītis and Lilija Treimanis

"It is vital for the serious craftsperson who wishes to reproduce an authentic sash, belt or band to adhere to the three principal characteristics identifying a Latvian textile. These color plates show the proper and distinctive coclor compositions in conjunction with the correct yarn weights. Most of them are actual size photographs of reproductions of the ethnographically correct designs. Except for plate 1, complete pattern drafts for all of these belts can be found in the pattern section of the text (...)"
There are LOTS of patterns in this book. If you are not a weaver you will still be able to use them or be inspired by the patterns when knitting.

"Latviešu Jostas"/ "Latvian Sashes, Belts and Bands" by Aleksandra Dzērvītis and Lilija Treimanis

The book is 400+ pages. Charted patterns on page 162-392. It is simply amazing! If you ever get the chance to buy this book, don´t hesitate!

Maruta Grasmane:  "Laviešu Tautas Tērpi - Raksti - Izšūšana"

The book "Laviešu Tautas Tērpi - Raksti - Izšūšana" by Maruta Grasmane is all about traditional Latvian costumes, traditions and techniques. Texts only in Latvian (except for a Preface by editor Anna Šmite in English). My copy is from 2013, but I think that there is an earlier edition in 2000 as well.

Maruta Grasmane:  "Laviešu Tautas Tērpi - Raksti - Izšūšana"

"The author Maruta Grasmane has utilized her extensive experience in needlework and pedagogy to create a valuable source of information. Several books about Latvian folk costumes have been published before. The current work aims to present the splendour of the folk costumes from all 19 ethnographic regions of Latvia, and also to serve as  a practical handbook. The author´s goal has been to provide the reader with an opportunity to refer to the pages corresponding to the folk costumes of a given region, and to obtain the required information".

Maruta Grasmane:  "Laviešu Tautas Tērpi - Raksti - Izšūšana"

Twined knitting - Smalrand

Yet another cap in twined knitting. This is the third "Smalrand" that I have knitted. Pattern by Karin Kahnlund. I really like this design, so there will probably be more of them in the future.

The yarn that I have used is the 2-ply, z-plied from Kerstin Danielsson in natural browns.

Books on Latvian Knitting and textile traditions - part 2

Diana Krause - Latvian Ornament

Diana Krause´s "Latvian Ornament" is a very small book published in 2009. It is about the ornaments used in the Latvian tradition. "In this book you willl become aquainted with the basic elements of Latvian designs, which can be found in folk dress, mittens, the famous Lielvārde woven belt, on homes and household items, and even in Latvian folk dances". This book provides interesting information if you are interested in the historic back-ground of Latvian design. Texts in Latvian and English.

Natalja Kotjurgina-Lāma - Viss par cimdiem

"Viss par cimdiem" by Natalja Kotjurgina-Lāma is not actually a book, it is more of a booklet with instructions on how to knit mittens.

Natalja Kotjurgina-Lāma - Viss par cimdiem

There are instructions dealing with various techniques in knitting mittens.

Natalja Kotjurgina-Lāma - Viss par cimdiem

There are also 24 charted patterns for mittens. Texts only in Latvian. Published 2007.

Latvju Raksti by A.Dzērvītis

A. Dzērvītis "Latvju Raksti"/"Latvian Design" is a fantastic book about Latvian design. Published in association with the Latvian Federation in Canada in 1973. "For art is an important component of all cultures. The product of thousands of generations of development and tradition, it reflects a nation´s sense of aestethics, creative ability and approach to life. Religious beliefs and traditions often played a significant role in the development of folk art among primitive cultures. In Latvia, in particular, the strength of these traditions was a major factor in preserving the essential characteristics of folk design over many centuries to the present day. (...) The purpose of this book, then, is to identify, explain and illustrate the basic elements and symbols used in Latvian design, and their meaning, use and composition"

Latvju Raksti by A.Dzērvītis

The main chapters are:
- Primitive Symbols in Latvian Textile Design
- Distinctive Traits of Latvian Design
- Composition of Latvian Design
- Colour Schemes in Latvian Design
- Traditional Latvian Design in Contemporary Design

Latvju Raksti by A.Dzērvītis

Texts are in Latvian and English. Lots of illustrations. This is a very educational read. It deals with Latvian design in general, not only knitting traditions.