I haven’t participated in a knit-along (KAL) before. A friend of mine raved about a wonderful workshop she took from Lizbeth Upitis on making Latvian mittens. I’ve always admired their intricate, colorful designs, and the KAL presents a great opportunity to give it a try. 

The KAL is on the Ravelry group Knit Like A Latvian (don’t you love the name?). I’m so excited –  Lizbeth Upitis herself will moderate! While participants can use any Latvian mitten pattern, or even design their own, I wanted to use Lizbeth’s book for my first attempt. Latvian Mittens, is filled with color photos and charts. It’s instructions are clear, with line drawings for  the trickier techniques. Can you believe Lizbeth even learned the Latvian language. Now that’s dedication!

Another first will be using Satakieli yarn. At 26 sts per 4″ on 2-1/2 to 3-1/2 mm needles, it sits right on the cusp between fingering and sport weight.

I’m all set for the KAL’s launch on August 7th.

Latvian Mittens Knitting Project