I’ve been to Lithuania many times and have had wonderful opportunities to see knitting collections in large and small museums. A few years ago, at the Mile High Lace Knitting Conference in Denver, I was talking to Galina Khmeleva, author of Gossamer Webs: The History and Techniques of Orenburg Lace Shawls and expert on Russian lace knitting, and she told me that I must go to St. Petersburg to continue my research, because during Soviet times, many items from museum collections around the empire were moved to museums in Russia proper and were never returned to their original homes.
Last year, as I was searching to learn more about the Flying Fish Knee High socks in Stories In Stitches 3, two people volunteered to get me photos of an exhibition, Gloves and Mittens, Socks and Stockings, that was going on at the Russian Museum of Ethnography in St. Petersburg. There are knitted items in this collection from all of the different territories within the Russian empire, including many from Lithuania, Latvia, and Estonia, as well as from the Caucuses and the Balkans.
If you want to learn more about these socks, or knit them with me this summer, check out the Summer Sock KAL in my Ravelry Group (if you’re not on Rav, comment here if you’d like a Google+ or Facebook group for the KAL).
Of course, visiting Russia is never really easy for Americans, and requires a visa. But I’ll be teaching on a knitting cruise that has a stop in St. Petersburg (for 2 days!), so I can go on an approved excursion without a visa, but that’s all. I found one excursion that actually has a few hours free time, near this museum! The gloves and socks are not on exhibit any more, but at least I’ll be in the same building with them. After a first visit, I’m sure I’ll be braver in the future and actually get a visa and go back and have time to do some serious research.
Here are a few photos from the exhibit in the Ethnography Museum.
Experience level – advanced beginner
After I finished my Arctic Lace Knitting Book, I finally allowed myself to explore the world of lace knitting and discovered that is is much more varied and elaborate than I could have imagined. Around the world and over time, knitters in different countries and regions have developed unique styles of lace knitting that range from easy-intermediate (like the knitting of the Oomingmak knitters) to advanced-insanely- difficult (like some of the Victorian patterns designed by English knitters). Other lace styles are used in Estonia, Russia, South America, Lithuania, Germany and Austria, and New Zealand. I’m sure there are even more, but these are the styles I’ve explored so far. – Donna Druchunas –
Experience: All skill levels, basic knitting skills required.
Have you ever wondered why some people can read charts easily and others find them incomprehensible? The truth is, charts are written in a code that can be deciphered by knitters who learn the symbols on the page and in their knitting. Charts do not use arbitrary symbols, but each symbol includes the instructions on how to make the indicated stitch! In this class, you will learn the secrets of interpreting chart symbols for texture and cable stitches.
Would love to have a group on Google+ or Facebook. I’m very interested in socks, especially from the Caucasus region. I have a very interesting slipper boot that was made in Georgia, which I bought at a bazaar that a local Georgian church mission was holding to raise funds.
Would love to have a group on Google+ or Facebook. I’m very interested in socks, especially from the Caucasus region. I have a very interesting slipper boot that was made in Georgia, which I bought at a bazaar that a local Georgian church mission was holding to raise funds.
Do you know anyone who knows anyone in Russia or St. Petersburg? I’m willing to bet that you can arrange to see at least a few of the exhibits privately. You just need someone who “knows the ropes” and can help you arrange things in advance. The people in the museums usually love to talk about their work and their museum. If you email me, I’ll explain and might be able to get more information for you. It all depends.
Do you know anyone who knows anyone in Russia or St. Petersburg? I’m willing to bet that you can arrange to see at least a few of the exhibits privately. You just need someone who “knows the ropes” and can help you arrange things in advance. The people in the museums usually love to talk about their work and their museum. If you email me, I’ll explain and might be able to get more information for you. It all depends.
Ludmilla, Russia: I don’t have a visa so going on my own is not an option on this trip. I do know some people in St. P for future potential visits when I have more time.
Lola, I just got back from a trip. Haven’t had any other requests for FB or G+. Are you on Ravelry? I can send you a link to that group.
Ludmilla, Russia: I don’t have a visa so going on my own is not an option on this trip. I do know some people in St. P for future potential visits when I have more time.
Lola, I just got back from a trip. Haven’t had any other requests for FB or G+. Are you on Ravelry? I can send you a link to that group.