Robin HansenCritiques

A word of caution: The author uses the terms double knitting and stranded interchangeably. They are NOT the same thing. Regardless of that mistake, this book has a bunch of cute patterns. It also has some techniques that are new to me that I may try one day. I'm particularly intrigued by the Maine Long Tail Cast On that supposedly will make stockinette lay flat, and also the stockinette cuffs on the mitts.

A fantastic resource of ways and patterns of knitting that may have been otherwise lost.

Best Mitten book ever.½

A continuation of mittens and caps from Robin Hansen’s first book. More fleece techniques for inserting unspun fleece into the inside of the mitten. There are mittens hooked on a dowel, which may be a form of nalbinding. General instructions for two color knitting are given.

Interesting collection of mittens & caps. Instructions on casting on, including one cast on called “Maine method” Patterns include fingerless gloves, baby’s thumbless mittens, fleece stuffed caps and mittens and double knit mittens. General instructions for double knitting.

I'm a sucker for these books with the "old patterns" in the "old way." I have this one and the newer one "Flying Geese and Partridge Feet".

Knitting is in. Julia Roberts knits, high schoolers are knitting in the cafeteria, urbanites are knitting on the subway, college students are knitting in the dorms, and bookstores are sponsoring knitting groups. Colorful new yarns, the availability of simple patterns, gift giving, stress relief - all are reasons for picking up knitting needles and getting started on a great project.
Though knitting is growing in popularity, knitters still want projects that are fast and easy, but ultimately useful and attractive. KNIT MITTENS! is a colorful die-cut book that's small enough to tuck into a knitting bag, backpack, or purse.

The book begins with an easy-to-understand, illustrated overview of the basic techniques followed by 15 fun project patterns (with instructions for a range of sizes) bound between sturdy, die-cut board covers. Each pattern includes the following: a close-to-life-size color photo of the completed mitten or hat; a brief introduction to the pattern; materials and equipment lists; gauge information; a color chart; special tips and hints; and a detailed drawing of any unusual techniques involved. Because the rich palette flows through each book, knitters can mix and match hats (in Knit Hats!) and mittens to create unique sets.

Only a handful of knitters in Maine and Maritime Canada still remember how to make the traditional mitten patterns used by their great-grandmothers, for the designs were simply taught by example and recorded only in memory. Fortunately for today's handcrafters, Robin Hansen has searched out the few knitters who still make the old designs or who have reconstructed lost patterns from surviving examples. She tested the patterns, wrote out detailed instructions, and gathered them all in this illlustrated book. Fox & Geese & Fences features complete knitting instructions for eleven designs in sizes ranging from infant to adult. In addition to the mittens you'll find directions for fishermen's wristers and nippers, caps, and shooting gloves. These are handsom, sturdy wool garments with special qualities that make them unbelievably warm. Some are double-knit so they insulate twice as well as a plain mitten or cap. Others are fleece-stuffed to make a soft, insulating lining. Fisherman's mittens are knit extra large, then shrunk to size, which makes them extremely dense and warm especially when wet! Striped, Checkerboard, Sawtooth, Spruce, and Fox & Geese are just some of the time-tested designs in this handy pattern book. All modern knitters are sure to appreciate these warm, durable, and beautiful heirloom mittens.½