Well, I've been on the road for a few days now. I wasn't quite sure where to go first, so I started heading north. It seemed like a good idea, and there's so much to see! I passed through Härnösand and continued up towards Piteå. I felt like I wasn't quite done so I kept going and finally stopped for a break.
Now I'm here in Lovikka, trying to get my hands on some Lovikka mittens. They have one that might have worked for me (the world's largest Lovikka mitten), but it's unfortunately in poor shape and falling apart. :( But since I'm here, I've been learning some history!
Lovikka mittens were first created in 1892 by a bit of an accident. The creator, a young womand named Erika Aittamaa, was commissioned to knit a pair of mittens for well-to-do man in town, who also gave her the wool to do so. The resulting mittens were rock-hard and very uncomfortable, and the man was unhappy. Erika took the mittens back, washed and dried them, and then brushed them with a carding brush. The resulting mittens were soft, warm, and insulating, perfect for the winters in the north.
If you'd like to try making your own, here's a free pattern!
Cheers,
Gävlebocken