AN exhibition at The Ruskin Museum, Coniston, until June 5, accompanies the recent book by Cumbrian June Hall of Cumbria and Donna Druchanas from the United States. 

Entitled Lithuanian Knitting: Continuing Traditions, the book is the culmination of a decade of research by the authors. 

June, lives near Penrith and has been a Cumbria Woman of

the Year.

She has a lifelong interest in textiles and keeps a small flock of rare breed Soay sheep.

Since 2004 many Lithuanians have visited Cumbria as part of June’s project to foster mutual interest in Lithuania and the UK. 

The exhibition features Lithuanian knitting traditions, showing gloves, mittens and socks from the country’s distinct cultural regions. 

The book contains 25 knitting patterns recreated from June’s collection by Donna, so that people can knit their own items.

The exhibition compares Lithuanian knitting with the historic knitting industry of the Dales and Cumbria.

Hand-knitting was an essential element in the domestic economy of many local families for 300 years, until the end of the 19th century. 

Tools of the trade, such as knitting sticks and belts are on display.

Also shown is a replica knee rug, made by June and based on the one in Dove Cottage, Grasmere, said to have been made for William Wordsworth around his 70th birthday.

Several Tuesday workshops have been arranged.

The are free and run from 2 till 4pm but numbers are limited, and

places must be booked at the museum by calling 015394 41164.

May 3: Big Knitting. Bring yarn, any colour, thickness, texture, or quantity, and go home with a unique object – cat/dog blanket, cushion, seat pad, etc. Big needles provided.

May 17: Bookworms. Knit on four needles or a circular needle to create a “Fair Isle” bookworm, a long thin cushion for children to snuggle in while reading. Bring needles and oddments of yarn.

May 31: Cumberland Knitting. A form of patchwork created from scallop-shaped pieces. Bring needles – whatever size you prefer – and scraps of yarn.

The exhibition can be seen daily at the museum in Yewdale Road, Coniston, from 10.00am until 5.30pm.

Background:

Knitting is the construction of fabric, using one continuous yarn and two or more needles. 

A series of loops (stitches) is created on one needle. 

Yarn is wrapped round another needle, and drawn through each loop in turn, building up rows of stitches to form a fabric.

Where and When did it originate ?

No one knows for certain. In the first Millennium, knitting spread from North Africa and South East Europe, via the Mediterranean countries. 

The oldest surviving example of knitting in England, is a pair of silk gloves, probably made in Spain, worn in 1386 at the opening of New College, Oxford, by the founder William of Wykeham. 

The craft is not documented in England before the 15th century, when felted knitted caps are recorded.

How was a humble craft transformed into a widespread industry ?

In England, the Tudor Court was responsible for transforming a humble cottage craft into a widespread industry. 

Royalty wore hand-knitted silk stockings from Italy and Spain, rather than the cloth “hose” commonly worn. 

The fashion for “knit hose” spread rapidly across all classes of society.

Knitting was seen as a useful craft for paupers, and knitting schools were established in cities, including York, to teach poor children the skill.