Our expert, textile designer, workshop tutor and author Carol Meldrum, led a fantastic tour to the capital cities of Tallinn and Riga last November, and had this to say about her workshops, the excursions, and why these Baltic cities should be at the top of your bucket list…
“I’ve always been captivated by the traditional mittens found in the Baltics, with their vibrant colours and intricate patterns. Recently, I drew inspiration from these stunning designs for a new project: extra-long wrist warmers that double as fingerless gloves. Perfect for layering and keeping out the chill, these wrist warmers were a joy to create.
The fabric features a geometric design, crafted using the Fair Isle or stranded knitting technique. Unlike the typical round knitting, I opted for rows, a method we used during a mittens workshop at the National Costume Centre Sena Klets in Riga. The experience was nothing short of fabulous.
We used the same yarn that Leva Ozolina, author of the ‘Knit Like a Latvian’ books, recommends. Sourced from her must-visit Hobbywool shop in Riga, the yarn came in a variety of light, dark, and bright colours. This ensured that no two pairs of wrist warmers were exactly alike, each exuding its unique personality – precisely what I love about workshops!
Our visits to Riga and Tallinn coincided with the setup of the famous Christmas markets. The festive atmosphere, towering trees, sparkling lights, and fresh snowfall were perfect for getting into the holiday spirit – all of which is best enjoyed with a glass of mulled wine in hand!
Having a local tour guide was invaluable. They brought the cities to life, particularly during our walk through Riga's Art Nouveau district. Understanding the history and architecture added depth to our visit, as did our time at the Estonian Open-Air Museum.
Given our passion for textiles, our guides pointed us towards hidden haberdashery gems. Many locals are knitters and stitchers, and the cities boast numerous shops beyond the city centre. Riga and Tallinn are havens for textile enthusiasts – offering countless traditional craft shops to explore and unexpected treasures to discover, the cities are well worth a visit.”
This year, you can embark on this tour alongside our expert Anna Nikipirowicz, departing 5th December 2024. Find out more about this incredible tour and Anna’s project here, and discover more holidays led by expert Carol Meldrum – including her remarkable knitting and crochet holiday to Ireland, departing in 2025.
