This guide on how to size, construct and knit mittens is valuable to beginning mitten/glove knitters as well as expert knitters. The tips come from an experienced knitter, who knows what she is talking about.

This review is based on a NetGalley ARC. ( )

I'm sorry to have delayed so long in writing this review. I got the book at the end of last year, started to read, put it aside and then forgot it. Normally I wouldn't be too concerned, but this ARC has many problems that might – or might not – have been fixed in the final edition and it's hard to know how to guide you.

The text of the ARC is riddled with typos, poor punctuation, and awkward sentences, but let's give the copy editors the benefit of the doubt and move forward. We will also assume that the content editors flagged the confusion about whether the length of the mitten is measured from the wrist or the base of the hand. The text says "wrist" but the base of the hand is marked on the drawing. Also we presume that the editors know that silk is abhorrent to vegans event if Ms Atherly (and Laurell K. Hamilton BTW) don't know. Rayon – viscose – fine for vegans, is not discussed at all.

There is a wealth of information in the text and if you take the time to read through twice or perhaps three times you will know a lot about knitting mitts. The multiple readings are needed because the layout is awkward and redundant with some information is repeated in different locations – two unlinked instructions on how to make a swatch, for example – or split so that the entire instruction is half here and half there. Subheading titles and placement are sometimes strange. Try to ignore any asides from author to reader that confuse rather than clarify the instructions.

With multiple readings you will mentally be able to rearrange paragraphs into a more efficient order and you should be able to make sense of the multiple tables scattered throughout the book.

The actual knitting instructions are clearer, but still not easy. Again the layout sometimes hampers comprehension, but the info is all there.

In order to get an accurate fit you will need to photocopy the instructions for your pattern and write your own measurements and shaping numbers into the correct places after you collect each one from the tables scattered through the book.

I'm going to give this 3* because I don't know how well the final text has been edited. A middle of the road 3* reflects the potential.

I received a review copy of "Knit Mitts: Your Hand-y Guide to Knitting Mittens & Gloves
by Kate Atherley (F+W Media, Interweave) through NetGalley.com. ( )

Perhaps your hands are always cold. Perhaps the stated pattern size is not quite one that matches the hands you wish to keep warm. Perhaps you want to learn a little more about mittens and gloves and figure out how best to make ones that fit comfortably. Atherley's newest book delivers.

At 144 pages, this book is jam packed with detail. Kate provided comprehensive research about foot sizes in her previous book, Custom Socks Knit to Fit Your Feet, and has done the same here for hands. This has allowed her to develop a solid basic pattern that is based on the sizes of real hands. This also helps her to offer rational ratios for when one needs to guess a size. It also helps her to provide helpful and straightforward tips and tricks.

My favourite mittens wore out at the end of last winter and I've put off knitting a new pair. Kate's book provides this mostly-sock knitter confidence to keep my hands properly warm. I now have a better understanding of what yarns are best for my hands to wear well, prevent pilling, and most importantly keep my always-cold fingers warm.

I love that there are charts for everything from estimated yardage to stitch counts for a range of gauges and sizes. Think of this as an expanded, annotated, and thoroughly modern version of Ann Budd's classic, The Knitter’s Handy Book of Patterns.

If you find yourself glassy eyed after reading through the first five chapters which cover sizing, yarn selection, standard construction, basic patterns, and ideas and tips for customization, the sixth chapter is for you. It provides ten delightful patterns that range from warm yet lacy fingerless mitts (remember, yarn choice matters) to gloves with texture or colourwork and more.

There's something here for every knitter who wishes to keep a pair of hands warm. Now if you'll excuse me, I need to go knit. Winter will soon be here.

This review also appeared at knitty.com.

I received an eARC of this title in exchange for a review. The FTC wants you to know. ( )

Knit Mitts Your Hand-y Guide to Knitting Mittens & Gloves by Kate Atherley
What struck me first off was the wreath of mittens-so cool and I can do this!
I found this book to be very math oriented as you do need to do the numbers to get the right fit, everything from infants to adult sizes are included so charts are large.
Starts out with all the measurements you would ever need for any member of your family. It's going to fit like a second skin.
Adjustments can be made along the way. Special notes included.
I love seeing some of the patterns on the mittens and know they'd be good for even charity afghans. Other chapters include how to pick the right yarns for warmth.
Other strategies can be used to gain more warmth. Love color knitting patterns as they will go with any coat and outfit.
There's even a chart to estimate the yardage needed. I have done production work myself so understand about the ounces needed to make a project. So much math is used on the technical side to getting the perfect fit
Love the diagrams and pictures of the work as it's being done, really helps to explain what is going on.
Basic patterns are included along with variations for casting on, working cuff, thumb gusset and all other parts of the mitts.
Some of the photos are very dark in color making it difficult to see the stitches and patterns used.
So many charts to help you make the right size for the pattern you chose.
Especially like the section where they show a swatch of different rib patterns and how to make them-good part of a resource book for future projects also.
Patterns include not only charted instructions but everything is spelled out for you.
Like the abbreviation section because it tell you in various ways how to inc or dec and other knitting techniques.
Love twisted cables pattern the best and the other works by this author are highlighted at the end.
Everything you'd ever need to know about making hand coverings is covered in this book.
A KEEPER!
I received this review book from F+W Media via Net Galley and this is my honest review. ( )