Fox and Geese and Fences: A Collection of Traditional Maine Mittens

by Robin Hansen

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.

Genres: Knitting, Nonfiction

72 pages, Paperback

First published May 1, 1983

Reviews

[Kathleen Chabot · Rating 3 out of 5]

I've knitted two patterns from this book several times and love the history of knitted mittens the author includes in the book. I found errors in the instructions for the Checkerboard mittens, and the instructions for picking up stitches for the thumbs could be better.

[Mckinley · Rating 2 out of 5]

Colorwork

[ButIDigress · Rating 5 out of 5]

Interesting history of Maine mittens but the patterns are full of errors. I’ve knitted almost everything in this book.

[annie · Rating 5 out of 5]

the best mitten patterns, with great historic information on the garments and maritime history of the northeast. top-notch.

[Melissa · Rating 5 out of 5]

I want to knit every pattern in this book. It's awesome!

[Jacqueline Journeay · Rating 2 out of 5]

Great resource book for knitting mittens.
Black and white photo's, good descriptive instructions.