Magnificent Mittens

Rating:
Summary: Pretty good book
Review: I love to knit mittens and socks. I am just a bit more than a novice knitter having made plain, serviceable socks and mittens, with interesting yarns. So these patterns are a big departure for me from my usual. I found the instructions easy to follow although sometimes, I "read into them", where perhaps a more experienced knitter would know just what to do. However, I did indeed go ahead and the mittens came out exactly as they were supposed to. The edgings are a beautiful embelishment to an already lovely item. Even the simplest one makes a just right finishing touch. Anyone who likes to knit, even a novice, would probably enjoy this book and will find something beautiful to knit for themselves or as an appreciated gift for someone special. My only criticism is the same as Anna's (previous review) is that one has to flip back and forth from directions to pattern. So for the next project, a trip to the copy store will be right after the yarn shop.

Rating:
Summary: Fun, fun, and more fun!
Review: I loved the illustrations, instructions and all of the color. So far, three pairs of these marvelously cuffed mittens have been produced and are awaiting delivery to their respective homes. The cast on was fun, and knitting from the finger tips interesting. I am sure I will wear the binding of this book out.

Rating:
Summary: Can a book on just mittens be useful to all knitters? Yes!
Review: 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.

Rating:
Summary: Pretty good book
Review: I wanted to rate it 4 and 1/2 stars.

I like this book. It has lots of patterns good for other small items like hats and socks. It has a good explanation of the "toe-up" (or I should say, "top down") method of knitting, much better, in fact than the explanation in her sock book. Her other directions are fairly clear as well.

The only real drawback to this book is that you will have to make a copy of the basic instructions (which appear only at the front of the book, not with each pattern), and a copy of the chart for the particular pattern you're knitting because this is too big a book to comfortably carry around with you.

Rating:
Summary: Beyond Magnificent
Review: Indeed, this is a lovely and inspiring volume. My only criticism is that the book lacks an index. I am a beginning knitter and made my very first pair of mittens from this book. It was extremely frustrating to page back and forth every time I needed to review instructions for constructing the thumb, the cuff, etc. An index at the back of the book would have helped immensely since the author's comments and instructions were scattered in rather extensive narrative throughout the book.

Rating:
Summary: Very well written, great illus. and pictures. Inspiring.
Review: This is the most clearly written knitting book I've ever read. Anna Zilboorg is also an inspiring writer and the pictures are just as inspiring and beautiful as the writing. The mittens that are the end product are terrific. Even if you've never wanted to knit mittens before, you'll love this book.