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5.0 out of 5 stars
Can a book on just mittens be useful to all knitters? Yes!, Feb 8 2001
I resisted buying this book at first, even though I admire Anna Zilboorg's work a lot. (see her books Fine and Fanciful Hats, Fancy Feet and Socks for Clogs and Sandals to see more of her creative, colorful designs.) BUT...was I ever pleased with this book when I got it. Turns out the value is not just for the mittens, which are in every sense magnificent, but also for the techniques she uses to embellish the cuffs, and for the color patterns and colorways. The mittens themselves have HUGE deep gauntlet cuffs that make them suitable wear for dress coats. Could be good with a cape for dramatic evening wear if you are going out somewhere COLD. The cuffs are further enriched with fringe, embroidery, duplicate stitch, and other edgings. A method is given for lining the mittens with angora if you choose, to make them extremely comfortable and very warm to wear. The patterns are based on Turkish color knitting, eye-teasing repeating patterns that are quite different than Fairisle or Norwegian knitting. These are related to Islamic art, where repeating, interlocking geometrics are used since Islamic art forbids the representation of anything from nature. The colors are rich and exciting. In addition to the color and embellishment, Anna Zilboorg provides several ways of attaching the mitten thumb (on the palm or side "sore thumb sticking out" methods.) BUT...even if you don't want to knit a single mitten, the techniques for fringe and edgings, plus the color patterns are useful for pillows, sweaters, hats, socks, and more. Either way, this book is a visual treat (wonderfully photographed and printed by XRX press) and a treasure to own for any knitter.
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