These mittens are based on traditional patterns from the Vidzeme region of Latvia. Mittens of this region often featured fringes, and these particular mittens include a wealth of Baltic symbolism. The zig-zags symbolize Mara, who watches over every birth and death, and around the cuffs are alternating suns and morning stars (the symbol of the sun and earth together). These mittens were hand-knitted using 100% wool in an updated version of the common Vidzeme color palette of red, white, and black. They are sized to a women's medium.

Kirsten first came to North House as an intern in 2018, after several years teaching English in Austria, and working for a teaching farm in Wales. She has backgrounds in baking, sustainable agriculture, and natural fiber production. Now based in Duluth, she splits her time between baking bread and designing her line of knitting patterns, Original Spin Knits. Check out her Instagram at @kirstenwis or @originalspin_knits to see what she's been making recently.