this is a link to pages from the Nato Summit in Latvia.

the page is set of links (6) to galleries that have pages and pages of images. There are 20 images (per page) of Latvian style knit mittens.

Like language that link to other languages (english to Germanic languages and to romance languates)Knitting style have "links" back to other styles--Latvian knitting (especaily mittens) link back to anatolian style socks..

many of the patterns in the knitting echo patterns found in oriental (woven rugs)

even if you don't care a wit for knitting, these mittens are beautiful.

Latvian Knitting
(and since i am not the only knitter here...)

Couple of thoughts, Helen. First, what an odd thing (imho) to put on a NATO web site! Secondly--yes, they are beautiful--very intricate--though I can't tell what makes some "men's" and some "women's". I thought at first that the pattern of the third one in the first column of women`s mittens from the Zemgale region
was the same as the first one in the men`s mittens from the Latgale region, but upon closer inspection, realized they are not.
Would that we could do the same for people, of any culture that is different from what we're familiar with.

the mittens were knit by latvians as 'souveniers' of the Nato summit (i want to be a diplomate and get one of these mittens!)

the chief difference between men's and woman's mittens is size. (all pattern are acceptable for either sex/gender)

missing is the most traditional design, the crossed swords as it is known in Latvia, but known to most of us as the swaztica. because this symbol is still so closely associated with the Nazi power of Germany, its become a bit taboo to knit.

(some did a count, over 9000 pairs of mittens were made and distributed!)

crossed swords Swords? Why are they bent, then?

Hm, lovely patterns! When you will be a diplomate could you bring home the third pair on the first page??? Please???? Latgalian region?

The colors and the geometric patterns are very cool. I especially like the look they get when they use two shades of one color, with the darker one bringing out the lighter one.

(pic)