Folk Mittens

December 2, 1997
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.

September 15, 1997
Clothing for the fingers receives special treatment in this collection of 48 mitten patterns from all over the world. In fact, Lewandowski attempted to find at least one representative pattern for every cold-weather region--and has, for the most part, succeeded (except for the Far East and northern Africa). Geography and history lessons are also in evidence; we learn about Scandinavian and northern islanders' occupations, hobbies, and peculiar knitting habits (the process of felting wool for additional warmth and the technique of tufting, among others). Plus, each of the four dozen designs, though not labeled by level of difficulty, includes graphs or charts and adequate text to follow and is accompanied by good color photographs. A handoff for intermediate and advanced knitters. ((Reviewed September 15, 1997))(Reprinted with permission of Booklist, copyright 1997, American Library Association.)