Presents from Poland

My father-in-law recently returned from southern Poland (you can also find more interesting info about Poland here) where he was visiting family and friends. My husband and his family are from a small village in the Carpathian Mountains near Zakopane. John and his family are Goral or "Highlanders". John isn't terribly traditional, but being married to him has been an immersion into a whole host of interesting traditions and experiences.

What fascinates me the most, however, is the clothing and textiles that this primarily shepherding culture created for themselves.

Doll in Traditional Dress and Shearling Slippers

The doll in the picture is wearing something similar to the traditional dress of Highlander girls and women. To get a look at the clothing the men and boys wear, you can see a few examples here and in this fabulous photo album of traditional clothing.

The wonderfully detailed capes and pants that the men wear and vests that are part of the women's outfits are all made of wool. A great deal of work by skilled craftspeople goes into the creation of these garments. According to my husband, a pair of the traditional pants can cost $400 -- even in Poland -- and they are a very special gift for an American Goral.

When I look at the women's vests, with their elaborate floral designs, I can't help but think that it would be interesting to come up with a felted version where the designs were created with intarsia. I've looked all over the place for charts of the designs or books that describe the designs and their symbolism, but I haven't come up with very much. John has asked around a bit for me, but no one has been able to point him to anything.

So I was wondering if anyone out there might know of any place that I could find patterns for these vests or designs -- or other traditional Polish garment designs -- charted or not. Polish charts and instructions are just fine, because John can translate for me if knowledge of Polish is required. Polish craft sites are great, too! I'm open to anything that might help me track down something useful.

P.S. Thanks for all the compliments on Salt Peanuts -- y'all are too kind! If anyone out there is doing/going to do this sweater and I can help you in any way, let me know. I'm happy to share any details that might help you along!