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Loading... Folk Mittens: Techniques and Patterns for Handknitted Mittens (edition 1997)by Marcia Lewandowski
Work InformationFolk Mittens by Marcia Lewandowski
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Sign up for LibraryThing to find out whether you'll like this book. No current Talk conversations about this book. This is not a collection of traditional ethnic mittens. It is a collection of inspired-bys. As such, I found it disappointing but useful. Canada is represented here by Cowichan-sweater-inspired mittens as Ireland is represented by Aran-jersey-inspired mittens and the Channel Islands by gansey-inspired mittens. I can't speak to Ireland or Jersey, but the author really ignores a strong Canadian knitting tradition that makes real mittens in patterns that draw from several sources in favour of folk-mittens-that-never-were (failing, however, to give instructions for the traditional Cowichan method of colourwork which she briefly describes), and in my opinion does her topic a disservice. Nor does she present any pictures of her inspirations -- I would have dearly loved to see the Colonial New England mittens with knit-in text, which she claims actually existed -- and the lack impoverishes the book. It certainly doesn't approach the level of excellence achieved by Folk Socks, the companion volume by Nancy Bush. Still an interesting source of patterns and inspiration, but in my opinion better titled "Folk-Like Mittens". ( ) no reviews | add a review
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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). No library descriptions found. |
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Google Books — Loading... GenresMelvil Decimal System (DDC)746.4320432The arts Graphic arts and decorative arts Textile arts Needlework Yarn Crafts KnittingLC ClassificationRatingAverage:
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