Folk Mittens: Techniques and Patterns for Handknitted Mittens [Anglais] [Broché]

Because mittens are useful, warmer than gloves, and fast to knit, the art of knitting them is highly developed and has resulted in many traditional patterns unique to a geographic region. In Latvia, a young woman would knit mittens for all the guests at her wedding; in colonial America, mittens often carried a knitted-in Bible verse or poem. Folk Mittens details these and other traditions of various countries. The basic shaping instructions are clearly written, and all color charts are shown in color. Although the few monochromatic knit-purl patterns have charts that are difficult to read, most knitters will be too thrilled by the marvelous color patterns to notice. If you don't knit yourself, this would be a wonderful gift to inspire your favorite knitter (especially if you need a new pair of mittens).

Following a section on knitting techniques, including valuable information on the Eastern method of circular knitting and on working with double-pointed needles, Lewandowski launches into some 40 different projects for mittens based on the traditions of Europe, Asia, and North and South America. She includes full-color charts, graphs, and instructions, along with the history of each type of ethnic mitten. Although a beginning knitter could learn to knit mittens from this book, Robin Hansen's Sunny's Mittens (Down East, 1990) would be a better choice for those with no previous knitting experience. Highly recommended for all knitting collections.
Copyright 1997 Reed Business Information, Inc.

Folk Mittens offers 38 mitten patterns from around the world, presented with full-color charts and photographs. An introduction to folk knitting is followed by a section on the techniques of knitting mittens. Among topics covered are gauge, wool selection (including techniques for washing and felting wool), casting on, plaited edging, ribbed and unribbed cuffs, decreases, and a long section on thumbs. The author also provides techniques for handknitted mitten cords, sizing, and finishing. Each mitten, adapted to the pattern with its tradition intact, captures the spirit of the culture from which it comes.