I help people understand the stories woven into Latvian textile traditions
For 16 years, I've been teaching cimdu raksti patterns, beginner knitting with local wool, and the rich symbolism behind Baltic heritage crafts. Currently at variinc SIA, leading hands-on workshops in Sigulda and Cēsis.
From my grandmother's needles to the classroom
My first memories are of sitting with my grandmother in Cēsis, watching her hands move through intricate patterns without looking at the needles. She didn't explain what the symbols meant — she just showed me how to make them. That's how textile knowledge passed through our family for generations.
I spent my childhood learning those patterns. Every winter brought new designs. Some meant protection, others celebrated seasonal changes or family heritage. But I wanted to understand the why behind each stitch. In 2008, I completed my formal education at the Latvian Academy of Culture, focusing on historical textile documentation and pattern preservation.
My early work at the Riga Museum of Decorative Arts felt important but distant. I was cataloging patterns in archives while the living knowledge was disappearing from communities. That changed in 2013 when I opened the first workshop in Sigulda. I wanted to teach people what I'd learned — not just the technical skills, but the cultural meaning woven into every mitten pattern. Since then, we've expanded to multiple locations, trained hundreds of students, and documented regional variations that almost disappeared.
Today, I'm driven by something simple: every person who learns to make cimdu raksti becomes a link in a chain stretching back centuries. That's what keeps me teaching.
Areas of expertise and focus
My teaching combines ancestral knowledge with modern craft practice. Every student learns technique, history, and the cultural significance behind the work.
Cimdu Raksti Pattern Symbolism
Understanding the deep meaning behind Latvian mitten patterns. Each design carries cultural stories — symbols of protection, fertility, prosperity, and seasonal change. We don't just learn patterns; we learn what they represent.
Beginner Knitting With Local Wool
Starting from absolute basics. We work with authentic Latvian wool, learn proper technique from day one, and build confidence through small, achievable projects. No rushing into complex patterns.
Crochet Fundamentals
Everything you need before picking up a hook for the first time. Proper grip, tension control, basic stitches, and how to read patterns. Many students find crochet a natural complement to knitting.
Baltic Heritage Preservation
Documenting regional textile variations, researching historical pattern meanings, and teaching the craft knowledge that keeps traditions alive. This isn't just hobby instruction — it's cultural preservation work.
Workshop Facilitation
Leading hands-on sessions in Sigulda and Cēsis where students work directly with materials, get personalized feedback, and connect with others learning the same craft. Groups stay small for real attention.
Sustainable Craft Practices
Working directly with local wool producers, understanding fiber quality, and teaching sustainable material sourcing. The craft itself connects students to the land and traditional production methods.
What I believe about craft, heritage, and learning
Hands-on knowledge matters more than shortcuts
There's no substitute for sitting with someone and learning how tension feels in your hands, how to recognize when something's going wrong, and how to fix it. That's why all our work happens in workshops, not just online videos. Yes, we know that sounds slow. It is. That's the point.
Cultural knowledge is living knowledge
Patterns aren't historical artifacts to admire from a distance — they're tools for connection. When you understand what a symbol means and why your ancestors chose to weave it into every winter garment, the craft becomes part of your identity. That's preservation that actually works.
Every beginner deserves respect and patience
Learning to knit is genuinely hard. Your hands don't know what they're supposed to do. We start slowly, celebrate small wins, and don't pretend complex patterns are simple. Most students see real progress in 6-8 weeks. But we don't rush anyone.
Community keeps traditions alive
The reason these patterns survived isn't because they were important enough to preserve in museums. They survived because people kept making them, teaching them to their families, and gathering to do the work together. Our workshops exist for that same reason — to create community around the craft.
Education and professional experience
Formal Education
Latvian Academy of Culture — 2008
Specialized studies in traditional textile arts, historical pattern documentation, and cultural preservation methodology.
Museum Work
Riga Museum of Decorative Arts — 2008–2013
Documented and catalogued historical cimdu raksti patterns, researched regional variations, collaborated on textile conservation projects.
Workshop Leadership
Sigulda & Cēsis Textile Workshops — 2013–Present
Founded and managed community workshops, trained 800+ students in knitting and pattern work, expanded to multiple locations across Vidzeme region.
Current Role
Variinc SIA — 2020–Present
Senior Textile Heritage Educator. Lead educational content development, manage workshop programs, publish research on pattern symbolism and regional variations.
Featured articles and resources
I write about textile history, beginner knitting projects, and the stories embedded in traditional patterns. Here's where to start.
Understanding Cimdu Raksti: The Symbolism of Latvian Mitten Patterns
A detailed exploration of what each pattern means, why ancestors chose specific symbols, and how to recognize regional variations. Essential reading if you want to understand the cultural depth behind the craft.
Your First Knitting Project: Starting Simple With Local Wool
A step-by-step guide for complete beginners. We cover needle selection, basic stitches, and a simple project you can actually finish in a few weeks. No experience necessary.
Crochet Basics: What You Need to Know Before Your First Hook
Everything you need before picking up a crochet hook. Proper grip, tension, basic stitches, and how to troubleshoot common problems. Many students find this a natural next step after knitting basics.
Preserving Baltic Heritage: Textile Workshops in Sigulda and Cēsis
An overview of our workshop programs, how they're structured, what to expect when you join, and why hands-on learning is essential for preserving these traditions. Locations, schedules, and how to get involved.
Ready to start learning?
Whether you're a complete beginner or you've been curious about textile heritage for years, there's a place for you in our workshops. Small groups, hands-on instruction, and real attention to each person's progress.