Makosh is an ancient Slavic mother goddess who looks after women and all the things they make and grow - from handknit goods to crops to children and all things in between

Her particular areas of influence include watching over sheep and flocks and all stages of the processing of wool - from fleece to yarn to handknit item which makes her particularly relevant to us knitters.

Makosh’s iconography is ancient, simple and powerful. Moreover, as a deity deeply connected to knitwear her symbols are ever-present in the traditional colourwork motifs of many Slavic knitting traditions - once you know what to look for you’ll be amazed at how pervasive her imagery is! She really is ever-present in the wool we use and the knitwear we make!

These mittens combine some of those very subtle motifs with a traditional representation of Makosh herself flanked by vegetation and birds who act as physical representations of her bounty. Old, folky colours add additional symbolism and Eastern European charm.

Instructions are included in the pattern to produce both mittens and fingerless mitts.

Never knit colourwork before? Since these mittens only use one contrast colour per round these ones would be a great place to start!