Feature
| crochet in lithuania
designs for the lace caps were lace diamond and
triangle motifs.
Socks, gloves, and mittens were also crocheted
in Lithuania, although not as frequently as they
were knitted. Linen was popular for lace gloves and
socks made to be worn in warmer seasons, while
wool was used for both solid and multi-coloured
accessories to provide more warmth in winter. Floral
motifs and other delicate patterns were very popular
Hearts are a popular
in knitting and weaving, but in the examples that
motif for crocheted lace
I’ve seen, crochet projects were made with simpler,
geometric designs including stripes, diamonds and
diagonal crosses. Sometimes in winter, two pairs over recent years, in Lithuania, hand-made garments
of socks were worn together for extra insulation are not considered fashion forward. Crochet and
under wooden or bast shoes, since leather shoes only knitting are most popular with those who reproduce
became widely available in the 19th century. the national costume ensembles to be worn by
Sashes, worn as belts and sometimes as neck-ties, singing groups and those participating in historical
were an important part of the Lithuanian national reenactments, and by women in rural areas who knit
costume. In most places, they were woven and for their families and for charity.
braided, but in Aukštaitija (or the Highlands), men Even so, yarn shops can be found all over the
sometimes wore knitted and crocheted sashes, made country, even in the major cities, and major book
with colourful patterns that were more complicated stores have shelves full of crafts books. There
than those usually seen on mittens or socks. There are some wonderful designers in Lithuania today,
were curved patterns and clover designs, in addition most offering their items for sale in boutiques and
to many of the geometric patterns that were also seen galleries. Sadly, there are few outlets for publication,
in knitted and woven sashes. For holiday wear, these especially if the designer cannot write English-
crochet sashes made from homespun woollen yarn, language patterns, as is often the case.
were usually decorated with fringes and tassels.
Buttons were also crocheted sometimes, but I Donna Druchunas escaped a corporate cubicle
haven’t been able to find any examples of these in to honour her passions for knitting, world travel,
museums or photographs in books. research and writing. She is the author of five
knitting books including Arctic Lace: Knitted
Hand-made crafts today Projects and Stories Inspired by Alaska’s Native
Today, knitting and crochet are more popular with Knitters and Ethnic Knitting Exploration: Lithuania,
older women and women who live in smaller towns Iceland, and Ireland. She is currently working with (Below) Lithuania's cities
than with young women in urban centres. While in co-author June Hall on a book all about knitting in offer plenty of hidden
the United States, these crafts have become hip and Lithuania. Find out more by visiting her website at yarn stores and craft
trendy with even fashionistas and college students
www.sheeptoshawl.com markets in tourist areas.
insidecrochet.co.uk
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