Latgale is the region of Latvia that borders on Russia. Latgalian is not a dialect, it is a language that is having its renaissance with a fierce sense of pride for the younger generation through Latgalian rappers, folk rock singers,
films, street signs, books, and those who no longer automatically switch to speaking Latvian. A Latvian speaker with time can understand most spoken Latgalian. Reading it out loud also works.
This tunic dress is inspired by a Latgalian shawl from the 12th century woven with dark indigo blue wool and decorated with copper rings to make the magical symbols. Crosses are for protection and are the portals between worlds; connecting the past, present and future. Although the shawl does not have a “zalktis” symbol, I felt I needed to knit it into the wrist warmers. Zalktis is a grass snake, the keeper of the hearth, a force for health and well being. It’s interesting that the symbol of healers and medicine the world over has an entwined snake. Powerful and necessary protection, the life force and a connection to ancient lore that is so necessary in these crazy times.

I always get complements for how my sleeves fit, I have made armholes like this for 40 years and they work. There is no bulkiness in the armpit and no matter the slope of your shoulders the sweater is flattering.

Fringe is a mainstay of Latvian mittens, but I had to invent a technique that works with silky soft Urth wool so it does not pull out. The stripes in Urth Uneek mean there is less color changing you have to do to get a spectacular color effect.

More color way options are in the pattern.