The handknitted wool socks of Woolspace are steeped in the centuries-old tradition of the folk crafts of the Baltic, twisted through with new ideas and fresh approaches including the use of upcycled yarns, bright, non-traditional colours and modern motifs. Mother and daughter team, Luidmila and Vaiva work their knitting magic from their home in the small town of Mazeikiai, Lithuania.
To them, socks are not just a casual accessory, but are a wearable piece of art that combines strong folk traditions and symbolic meaning with up to date values. Using upcycled yarns is very important – not only is it the environmentally responsible thing to do, but it also opens up exciting new possibilities for vibrant colour and pattern in the reinterpretation of old folk designs.
woolspace – handknit black and white socks
The traditions are fascinating. Vaiva explains, “Knitting in Lithuania has been known at least for three hundred years. The main material was wool from local sheep, as wool garments perfectly protected people from cold. Mittens and socks were knitted mostly, not only for practical uses, but also as gifts or payment and even for magic and medicine. It was very popular to wear them as protection from evil, even in summertime mittens were looped over the belt for the same reason. The knitted garment has stitches which are associated with shape of loop or circle. In old beliefs the loop is symbolic of the universe, life and so on.”
“The design of these socks is created by WoolSpace from folk patterns. The main motif in all designs is the rhomb, which symbolizes the unity of Earth and Sky. In other words it’s the symbol of infinity which connects everything. It was believed that this sign strengthens the power of clairvoyance, helps to realize everything more clearly. Who knows, maybe it still has some power even nowdays!”
woolspace – handknit neon yellow and black socks
New approaches come through in various ways; using techniques from all around the world, and they pick up new ideas from Youtube videos and books. Luidmila says “Most traditional Lithuanian socks have the pattern only in the cuff and the colors are calm and in a limited range like grey, white, black, green and similar. But somehow bright vivid colors found their way to our hearts. We also use patterns from all around the world; this week I’ve finished socks with Peruvian motives. Some of the patterns are modern including squirrels, butterflies, acorns. In old times people mostly used symbols not images.”
The socks are knitted on four needles with the help of a 5th as carrier. Starting from the cuff the sock is knitted around till the heel, which is knitted with two needles. The technique is called double heel knitting, resulting in a strong, thick double layer. Then the heel is joined to the rest, and the sock is finished by decreasing stitches.
woolspace – handknit red and white socks
woolspace – handknit red yellow and blue socks
Although Vaiva does some knitting, she says that after 30 years of knitting, her mother Luidmila is definitely the expert and does most of the making. Vaiva spends most of her time being responsible for all their e-shop activity including taking pictures, making listings, answering letters, packaging and shipping.
Reducing their environmental footprint is one of Vaiva’s drivers. “I love so much nature and even small actions still helps to save resources. I’m planning to also start selling upcycled clothes after New Year and probably I’ll leave knitting of socks to my mother as she’s the real master in this field. Next year we hope to move to countryside, there we would love to establish a small permaculture/biodinamic farm. I have secret dreams about growing sheep for wool that I could handspin and dye with natural plant dyes. That might be little steps to self-sufficiency and a revival of folk arts.”
Their Woolspace shop evolved gradually. Luidmila was already knitting socks for family and relatives. “Later a friend asked to make few pairs for her and since then I started to sell them. Last year I wanted to participate in a local festival as a craftsperson, but unfortunately I couldn’t attend it so my daughter Vaiva suggested to sell them online. At first we tried to do that in Lithuania based sites but unsuccessfully. Then we decided to join one of the biggest global handmade market online. I didn’t really expect success but now I’m happy with our e-shop.”
woolspace – handknit red and white socks
They both have some great crafting stories from childhood.
Liudmila: “One of the brightest childhood memories is about pretending to handknit. I was about 8 and it was a warm summer day. Instead of playing I sat in the park near home with yarns and knitting needles that I borrowed from my neighbor. I didn’t know how to hand knit but I tried to make the impression that I could. But now wonder if someone noticed me (laughing). No idea why I did it but appears that knitting is important for me since childhood.”
Vaiva: “As far back as I remember I always was into crafts. But the strangest experience dates back to school when I brought my hand-woven handbag to the crafts teacher who carefully looked it over and declared that it wasn’t me who made it! She thought that I couldn’t be so skilled to make such nice piece. I was both happy and a bit sad to hear such words.” {which just goes to show how important teachers are in our lives, and how they can make such a huge difference to how we feel about ourselves! – jg}
woolspace – handknit reindeer socks in grey and white
And finally, Vaiva shares her best piece of advice :
“You won’t find your own way if you’ll follow others.”
You can find them in their Etsy shop Woolspace.
woolspace – workspace