From Latvia with Love
I didn’t post for a while about what’s going on in my boutique… In the meantime I have made so many exciting discoveries of new amazing artists, artisans and their fantastic creations here in Latvia and I am just so anxious to share them with you. Some of the products are already available in my shop and there are many more to come.
Before I continue… just a cry from my heart! Have anyone of you faced the copyright issues? I mean have anyone ever stolen content from you site? If yes, who did you handle it? The thing happening with me lately – the minute I publish a new post it automatically appears on dozens of other spammy sites. My google ranking, traffic, business, nervous system at the end, are suffering a lot. It is so frustrating as I tried to complain to Google, Google Adsense, hosting platforms – nothing… Not even a single response… Ok, I weeped myself out – now back to positive news!
So what I have discovered. Latvia is very famous for producing linen textiles of outstanding quality. I have found textile artisans who still weave fabrics on traditional looms. It takes several days to finish one item, but the result… ahhh – it is really worth the efforts…
Handmade or not handmade – “what’s the big deal?” – you might ask, buuut … there is a big difference! When meticulously putting one thread after another on a warp with their hands, weavers make sure that they correct all little imperfections, which machine wouldn’t just notice. This results in finer quality, more sumptuous and luxurious look of the end product, and of course its soulfulness which is so hard to define…
Why linen. I have talked in one of my previous posts about amazing properties of this fabric. Its durability, beautiful texture and elegancy made it irreplaceable in fashion and home decor. Personally, I just love its rustic beauty and refined elegancy. Linen shirts are my favourite for summer season, my bed linen is made of stone-washed linen and when I receive my guests I serve the dinner on a white crispy linen table cloth. Though it is not difficult to grow linen it is very time consuming to separate the delicate fibers (which is still done by hand!) – this results in high price of the yarn. And handwoven scarves from handmade yarn – well, you understand – I am talking now about something very exclusive.
So, where, where to begin? First of all I’ve got these amazing table placemats: their rustic elegance will equally suit modern Scandi decor or traditional country homes (table cloths and table runners are also on the way and I will get them pretty soon).
Secondly I have these luxurious throws – what a wonderful accent for a sofa or a chair! I have also women’s shawls made of the same fabric. Looking at them it is hard to believe that they are made of 100% linen. The “trick” is in their boucle texture – which was the innovation of the person who made it, so you hardly will find something similar anywhere else.
Autumn is time to reboot your style, care what you are putting on without really showing that you are trying – I call it “effortless elegance” . I am deeply in love with layering and accessories – I think they are able to uplift any look. These luxurious scarves are made of 96% of linen and 4% of amber thread. Amber thread is quite recent innovation. Basically it is a thread made of amber powder – it gives very smooth and shiny texture to fabric and when added to linen makes it look more sophisticated and glamorous.
Finally it is time to think about our dear men. These herringbone scarves are elegant and timeless. Material – pure linen, which is soft to touch and is not itchy-scratchy like wool or mohair.
What is your opinion about these products? Like or not? I am so anxious to hear your thoughts! And needless to say that I will be very, very grateful if you visit my shop and share any products you liked on Pinterest or Facebook.
