Mary Germain has been a knitter most of her life, has been teaching knitting, weaving and other fiber arts since 1983, and was owner the The Wool Works, a yarn shop in Milwaukee, WI from 1985-1996.  Inspired by Latvian friends, Mary has published patterns on Latvian knitting in Piecework magazine.  Trips to Latvia since 2001 and Estonia since 2005 have provided Mary with more knitting inspiration.  Mary has self-published several books and teaches throughout the Midwest, including Sievers School of Fiber Arts since 1999.  Farther abroad, Mary has make trips to both coasts to present classes on Latvian Mittens and other knitting topics.  She writes about her knitting travels at www.marygtheknitter.blogspot.com.