The search for the meaning of patterns and signs in society is still important and for the contemporary human being, and for contemporary research. The wish to find out more about one's roots, to be original, or to interest others encourages the need to know traditions with Lithuanian farmers' fabric patterns. They are a strong feature of the cultural traditions and creative work of the 19th and 20th centuries as well as an important part of the life of the rural community. From the beginning of the 20th century this field was being researched by Jonas Basanavičius, Paulius Galaunė, Aanastazija and Antanas Tamošaitis, Juozas Balčikonis, Giedrė Tallat-Kelpšaitė-Niunkienė, Regina Merkienė, and others. Fabric patterns contain the experience of old weaving traditions, European trade contacts, the signs of creativity of travelling craftsmen and reveal the beauty of Lithuanian culture:

Questions about how Lithuanians maintain the features of their creativity and traditions have prompted a continuation of  the research into Lithuanian fabric patterns. And the increasing interest of the world's scientific thought in the versatile relations between new technologies and culture, in immense cultural resources, and the search for new possibilities promped us to use multimedia means for the dispersion of these cultural features and research.

This work is meant for various readers, as the material is given in a generalized text and views, as well as in the form of analysis of detailed facts. It is based on the author's book Textiles in Rural Culture: Lithuanian Geometric Patterns in the 19th and 20th Centuries (Audiniai kaimo kultūroje: lietuvių geometriniai raštai XIX—XX amžiuje).* This electronic book is enriched with new texts, photographs, documentary sound and visual material, and a subject index. The chapter 'Sources' presents sound and video files about how fabrics are woven, issues of the sources of fabric patterns and their research are discussed, research and work carried out is presented. In 'Gallery' the uniqueness and variety of fabric patterns of the Lithuanian people are shown; classifications of patterns are given, and the results of communication between cultures are researched. In the chapter 'Meaning' ethnic traditions, the symbolics of fabrics, weaving, gifts, colors and Lithuanian patterns are examined. The 'Index' is useful for finding out the meanings of concepts. 

 Vida Savoniakaitė