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Book Review: Lithuanian Knitting . . . plus a Giveaway!

5/12/2015

33 Comments

 
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Lithuanian Knitting by Donna Druchunas and June Hall, project photography by Dominic Cotignola, Double Vision Press, 2015.

Donna Druchunas has an interesting style of knit design.
Inspired by ethnic traditions and enhanced by her own quirky intelligence, she turns out items to dress in from head to toe and then some. 

She has collaborated with June Hall on a masterwork which combines history, technique, designs, and even a bit of animal science---all Lithuanian or inspired by Lithuanian knitting.

This review is part of a blog tour to help raise money to publish a printed version of the book, available soon in pdf format. 

The book contains over 100 pages of background material: photos, artwork, charts, maps, and text. It is always clear who is writing (the passages are labeled "Donna" and "June"), and both women have clear, engaging tones. 

PictureLarks in My Rose Garden mittens (detail)
The introduction explains the genesis of this book. The next chapter is called "The Land and the People" and explores the way the town and the country, the people and their stories, provide inspiration for knitted motifs and art in general. Chapter Three, "The History," describes how the Lithuanian National Costume developed and takes a quick look at Jewish Lithuania.

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When I signed up for the blog tour, I chose a date that would give me plenty of time to read the book and prepare a review. Or so I thought! Nearing that date and not even halfway through the background material, I skipped ahead to Chapter Seven, "Lithuanian Knitting Techniques." This chapter contains several exciting new techniques like the Bulgarian Cast On, and recipes for custom-sized socks, mittens, and gloves.

The subjects of Chapters Four and Five are Lithuanian Sheep and Wool. I was happy to have the time to go back and read them. It's worth the price of the book just to read June's loving treatment of these topics. 

Chapter Six describes knitters and their traditions in over a dozen Lithuanian cities and villages.

Then come Donna's patterns! Nine mitten designs, five glove designs, ten sock designs, and three wrist warmer designs. Here are a few of my favorite socks:

I knit the "Rumsiskes in Summer" sample socks above. Note: made in Litwool, they are not intended to be worn in warm weather, but represent the colors and images of Rumsiskes Open Air Museum in summertime. This place, like Crossroads Village in my hometown, or the Rural Life Museum where I live now, replicates the buildings and tools of yesteryear.

I also started a pair of "Vytis, Lithuania's Knight" gloves for use in the book. I was especially looking forward to the patterned fingers but ran into trouble with them and ended up sending them back to Donna for reworking. I guess I'll just have to knit my own pair! 

The final sample was knit in Rauma Finullgarn and more closely matches the colors of the museum gloves that inspired them. 
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Now for the giveaway: I'm offering the yarn used in the sample on the left (enough to knit a pair of Vytis gloves) to a randomly chosen commenter with a U.S.A. address---Knit Picks "Palette" in Safflower and Midnight Heather. Safflower is a sweet yellow, somewhere between lemony and buttery. The Midnight Heather is a deep navy blended with just enough turquoise to make it shine. The pattern is part of the book, which you can either get  as a premium on the Pubslush page or pre-order on Ravelry.

To enter the giveaway, simply leave a comment by May 26 saying when or where you'd wear your Vytis gloves, or who you plan to give them to. Or tell me your favorite pattern from the book (there are so many good ones, but I rather like Marija's Kneesocks).

Do check out the Pubslush Campaign to raise money for the print version of this worthwhile book, as well as the rest of the blog tour. Good for all knitters, with information on design as well as solidly written patterns, the book has enough background information to attract non-knitters as well. Wonderful!

Disclosure:  Kangath received a preview copy of this book from the author. No other compensation was provided. The opinions expressed in all Kangath's reviews are her own.
33 Comments
Ted
5/12/2015 02:34:21 am

I really like the Market Socks and Marija's Knee Socks, they're stunning. As to where I'd wear the Knight's Gloves, that's an easy one... I work a Renaissance Festival and we start rehearsals in February, those would keep my hands nice and toasty, and go with the period look as well.

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Ruth link
5/12/2015 05:24:07 am

Ren Fest sounds perfect! And your favorites match mine...

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Eileen
5/12/2015 04:06:27 pm

I love the Dzūkija Wedding Gloves-- lace, lace! I would give the Knight's Gloves to my daughter-- she bicycle commutes, & is always appreciative of the gloves that I knit for her.

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Donna Druchunas link
5/15/2015 03:02:29 am

The wedding gloves were originally made in Linen but I made them in Panda silk for a softer result. I hesitate to do things in linen a lot of times because it's stiff to knit with, but there's some amazingly beautiful linen yarn available from Lithuania.

Ruth link
5/15/2015 06:29:10 am

Eileen, your daughter sounds like a fitting recipient. And Donna--I would love to see a linen version!

When Donna asked what I wanted to knit (for book samples), I almost chose the Wedding Gloves. But colorwork won out over lace for me.

By the way, Eileen is my middle name!

Donna Druchunas link
5/15/2015 03:01:26 am

Sounds like fun for a Ren faire! I just love these gloves. They're so cool and also a tiny bit kitschy.

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Cathy Lemak
5/12/2015 02:41:31 am

I would knit these for my sister, who lives in a cold climate and does not knit. Our grandmother was an emigrant to the US from Lithuania and she taught me to knit.l

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Ruth link
5/12/2015 05:25:06 am

Lovely! This book should be right up your alley.

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Juliann King link
5/12/2015 05:36:40 am

I have taken a class with Donna on toe-up socks. I have never been fond of that method, but I enjoyed her quirky way of teaching it. I love those green socks with the red stars, navy toes, and fuzz around the top. I am not sure where I would wear the gloves. Probably to the knitting group meeting. They are always intrigued with my ethnic knitting.

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Ruth link
5/12/2015 07:55:57 am

That fringed sock top is one of my favorites, too. The loopy fringe is also wonderful on mitten cuffs. And I love the idea of wearing the Vytis gloves to knitting group--what better place?

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Patti-Ann Kubacki link
5/12/2015 06:26:06 am

I love Donna's writing and her patterns are wonderful. Especially all of the information she gives you, its a history lesson as well as a knitting one too. You're review is wonderfully written. Thank you.

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Ruth link
5/12/2015 07:56:51 am

Yes, Donna and June did a great job on this book. And thanks for the compliment!

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Lisa-Marie Haugmoen
5/12/2015 07:08:46 am

I am going to order the book,and I cannot decide which pattern I like the best as all them are excellent! I would love to win this give away so I can get started!! :.))

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Ruth link
5/12/2015 08:02:35 am

Oh goody--I wonder which project you choose to knit first! Even if you win, that yarn would work for several of the projects. I love how Vytis looks in that colorway, though.

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Kay
5/12/2015 09:55:41 am

I just had some work done on my house by a nice young man from Lithuania. His craftsmanship was excellent, and his name happens to be Vaidas. He needs some reward gloves!

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Ruth link
5/15/2015 06:15:12 am

What a wonderful idea.

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Maryjo
5/12/2015 12:12:05 pm

I do love her patterns but esp adore the summer socks! And the gloves - I would wear them at our Sierra mtn place - they'd keep me warm at 7500 ft!

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Ruth link
5/15/2015 06:17:05 am

Undoubtedly! Yes, those socks are beautiful and I love the feel of stranded colorwork on my feet.

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Joyce
5/13/2015 10:40:49 am

I would love to knit those beautiful gloves for my mother. She lives in a cold climate and has arthritis. She is very knit worthy! She loves and appreciates everything I ever knit for her.

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Ruth link
5/15/2015 06:21:13 am

The gift of appreciation should never be undervalued. Sounds like she deserves these gloves (or maybe Little Lithuania or St. Casimir's Feast).

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Pat Canaday
5/15/2015 03:09:34 am

I would wear these gloves everywhere! Knitting these would be a great challenge.....

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Ruth link
5/15/2015 06:22:28 am

Donna's instructions are so clear, she takes you through step by step. I encourage you to try them!

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victoria link
5/15/2015 03:16:36 am

i enjoy reading their tales. i have several of donna's works (: I love the Vytis gloves and may end up making a pair for a couple of nephews - if not more!

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Ruth link
5/15/2015 06:24:05 am

Yes, the stories are an excellent way to enjoy the pieces without knitting them all (which is what I really want to do).

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Judy
5/15/2015 06:13:56 am

If I were to knit these gloves, I am almost ashamed to say they would be for me, myself, and I. One summer I knit gloves for everyone in my family and neighbors as well as friends to give to other friends. When winter came, I bought my gloves because I was out of time and energy. These would definitely be for me!

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Ruth link
5/15/2015 06:35:23 am

I know how you feel! Sometimes you need to give yourself things, too...

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Maria
5/15/2015 07:10:08 am

Marija's knee socks would be a challenge that I'd accept!

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Ruth link
5/18/2015 02:54:04 am

They'd be worth the extra concentration they require!

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Laura R.
5/18/2015 02:34:32 am

These would absolutely be a gift. My friend does historical reenactments and is very proudly Lithuanian. These would be perfect for her.

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Ruth link
5/18/2015 03:00:07 am

Cool! These gloves would be especially appropriate since according to Donna the charging knight is a state emblem of Lithuania, used on coins, postage stamps and official documents. I hope you will make them for her!

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Laurilee
5/18/2015 03:53:37 am

I woiuld wear those gloves anywhere and everywhere

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Jessie
5/18/2015 05:11:51 am

I live in Arizona so I wouldn't wear them but I'd give them as a gift to my sister who lives in Montana to keep her fingers warm while she's running.

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Miriam Olsen
5/19/2015 04:47:13 am

I would wear my Vytus gloves to church.

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