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Mostly Mittens: Ethnic Knitting Designs from Russia
Developed by Russia's Komi people, these patterns were originally passed down visually from knit pieces, so they're easy to understand and knit. They only look complex! This updated version of Charlene Schurch's previous collection includes her original designs plus new versions of several mittens. Mittens are knit in the round and include a thumb gore for excellent fit Collection features patterns for 35 pairs of mittens plus four traditional hats Projects use stranded color work and include easy-to-follow color-coded charts
112 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2009
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Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews
May 4, 2018
Pretty colorwork.
December 4, 2021
An excellent resource! 👏🏼
January 14, 2010
Rating: 4.5
Mostly Mittens starts off with a very interesting (brief) summary of the history of the Komi people, why they knit in the fair isle style, how the patterns came around, and lots of very interesting history about this fantastic art.
The book is basically all knitting graphs. A knitting graph is like graph paper with squares filled in to represent which stitch is knit in which color. There are basic instructions at the beginning of the book, then each pattern gives the tools needed and the graph, but the basic instructions are the same for all of them.
The patterns are all unique and intricate, but very easy to follow once you understand what you’re doing. Fair isle is very relaxing and fun, not to mention warm since the extra threads add a second, third, and at times a fourth layer of warmth to the mittens.
Many knitting books try to teach people how to knit, or try to offer pictures and explanations of certain more advanced stitches in knitting. This one does not—and it’s something I appreciate. The book is aimed for the educated knitter who knows how to use double-pointed needles, read a pattern, and understand the difference between a inc 1 and a M1 etc. It’s nice to read a book that is aimed for the level I’m at, rather than one that tries to take a brand-new knitter and make them a pro overnight. There is a list of abbreviations in the back, because all knitters abbreviate slightly different. There’s also a list of resources in the back.
My only complaint is that the basic instructions aren’t written in a very clear manner, nor are the instructions for the knit-on cast-on. Luckily the photos and drawings are wonderful, and you can pretty much understand the concept. Plus, if you’re using this book, you are already pretty experienced.
In the back there are four hat patterns, and instructions to take the mitten graphs and turn them into hats! With 36 mitten graphs, 4 sets of hats, and a million color variations, imagine what you could do with this book!
Basically, this book makes my fingers twitch and my mouth water. I’ve got to get me some fingering weight wool and size two double-pointed needles…
Recommendation: Intermediate to Experienced knitters who don’t mind using small needles. No size 15 for these! Size 0-3 are the ones you’ll use.
Mostly Mittens starts off with a very interesting (brief) summary of the history of the Komi people, why they knit in the fair isle style, how the patterns came around, and lots of very interesting history about this fantastic art.
The book is basically all knitting graphs. A knitting graph is like graph paper with squares filled in to represent which stitch is knit in which color. There are basic instructions at the beginning of the book, then each pattern gives the tools needed and the graph, but the basic instructions are the same for all of them.
The patterns are all unique and intricate, but very easy to follow once you understand what you’re doing. Fair isle is very relaxing and fun, not to mention warm since the extra threads add a second, third, and at times a fourth layer of warmth to the mittens.
Many knitting books try to teach people how to knit, or try to offer pictures and explanations of certain more advanced stitches in knitting. This one does not—and it’s something I appreciate. The book is aimed for the educated knitter who knows how to use double-pointed needles, read a pattern, and understand the difference between a inc 1 and a M1 etc. It’s nice to read a book that is aimed for the level I’m at, rather than one that tries to take a brand-new knitter and make them a pro overnight. There is a list of abbreviations in the back, because all knitters abbreviate slightly different. There’s also a list of resources in the back.
My only complaint is that the basic instructions aren’t written in a very clear manner, nor are the instructions for the knit-on cast-on. Luckily the photos and drawings are wonderful, and you can pretty much understand the concept. Plus, if you’re using this book, you are already pretty experienced.
In the back there are four hat patterns, and instructions to take the mitten graphs and turn them into hats! With 36 mitten graphs, 4 sets of hats, and a million color variations, imagine what you could do with this book!
Basically, this book makes my fingers twitch and my mouth water. I’ve got to get me some fingering weight wool and size two double-pointed needles…
Recommendation: Intermediate to Experienced knitters who don’t mind using small needles. No size 15 for these! Size 0-3 are the ones you’ll use.
April 18, 2010
Part of the charm of this knitting book is the author’s research of the Nomi people and their history of textile ornamentation. It is just a brief taste of their history, but it is a wonderful addition to the book.
The introduction to the patterns contains a Basic Guidelines section, with an introduction of the yarn and needles used. There are several pages of instructions on how to use the charts and general mitten crafting. The actual patterns are only written in chart form, but that allows room for 35 beautiful and unique designs. There are also four knitted hat patterns, three caps and one Fez-style hat.
The patterns are rated as intermediate to expert, but that may be due to learning the general shape along with yarn and needle management. If you can knit socks using the double pointed needles and can use more than one color yarn, these patterns should be no problem.
I am going to start on Mitten 17, which is a two color pattern with a third color added in a duplicate stitch (embroidered in). I suspect it will be as addictive as sock knitting!
The introduction to the patterns contains a Basic Guidelines section, with an introduction of the yarn and needles used. There are several pages of instructions on how to use the charts and general mitten crafting. The actual patterns are only written in chart form, but that allows room for 35 beautiful and unique designs. There are also four knitted hat patterns, three caps and one Fez-style hat.
The patterns are rated as intermediate to expert, but that may be due to learning the general shape along with yarn and needle management. If you can knit socks using the double pointed needles and can use more than one color yarn, these patterns should be no problem.
I am going to start on Mitten 17, which is a two color pattern with a third color added in a duplicate stitch (embroidered in). I suspect it will be as addictive as sock knitting!
December 28, 2014
Gorgeous patterns.
Read
January 20, 2019Wow what an amazing assortment of patterns to see! I use this book frequently as a reference/idea book for all sorts of projects (I like testing patterns on dishcloths).
Displaying 1 - 6 of 6 reviews