I made some mitts!
For a long time, I didn't really "get" mitts. When my hands got cold, it was usually the finger tips that suffered most. But last fall I found myself wishing I had some mitts.
Fast forward to a couple of weeks ago. I'd been thinking I would make a hat with my recent handspun, but then it occurred to me that if I made it into mitts, I would be able to see and enjoy the yarn more! I spent hours trolling Ravelry for patterns that fit my yarn weight and yardage and came up with a short list. It took me a couple days, but I finally decided on this design, and I'm glad I did.
The design is called "Midnight - with a Twist!" and it's a free download on Ravelry. I found the instructions to be mostly clear. I did have a little hiccup with the wording for the first row - if you decide to make these, just repeat row 1 of the chart twice across the row. Don't do as I did, and continue in rib pattern as the instructions state: the numbers won't come out!
I love how the cable pattern draws the mitt in snugly at the wrist to keep it in place, and also how it is mirror image from left to right hand.
Also, these mitts are quite warm because they call for DK weight yarn, but it's knit on 2.75mm needles, so the fabric is nice and dense. This design doesn't use much yarn, and the cable pattern isn't as complicated as it looks. I'd recommend this pattern if you're looking to make some mitts!
My only other note is that while the pattern says to use a stretchy bind-off, I did my normal bind-off quite tightly - I really didn't want any flaring out at the end. I can still fit my hand in easily, and the top of the mitt stays snug against my skin - no flopping around. For the record, I have largish hands for a lady!
oooooh LOVE THEM !! I am struggling with knitting at it makes my wrist ache so, but I am well jell of these beauties and am loving the cable pattern ! You are far too clever and way too productive :-)) I take my hat off to you Gail, these are beauties. And I always think knits are awesome as you can still type, hold a beverage etc. Very very useful ! xx
ReplyDeleteBelieve it or not, this is my very first pair of mitts. Although I did have some fingerless gloves I bought mid-80s at the Portobello Road market - neon orange, natch.
DeleteVery nice! I still have some fingerless mitts on the blocking board but I know that when the next "cold" front comes in, I'll be motivated to work on some more knitting.
ReplyDeleteP.S. I agree with you about the bind-off. I don't like flaring either.
DeleteWhat color are you wearing? I've got on Essie Recessionista, and it looks a lot like that.
It's Zoya Toni - new this fall. It looked a whole lot lighter in the store, due to the fluorescent lighting! It also reminds me of Essie Velvet Voyeur, only a little lighter.
DeleteThese are awesome, and the colour looks great with your curret mani. You are going to love wearing them over the next few weeks.
ReplyDeleteI'm imagining myself hiking in the woods, wearing these!
DeleteI'm so sorry to hear that your hands are giving you trouble, please take care. I have been looking for a project to use up some of my handspun (which I rarely knit up), and thanks to you I think I've found one! You always give a good critique on patterns, it is so helpful.
ReplyDeleteThanks for that feedback, Ivy! It's one of my goals with the blog to put out information that might be helpful to others. But sometimes I forget because I get so caught up in, "Hey! Look what I made!!" LOL! I'm already stash diving with some of my other handspuns for making more!
DeleteThese are so pretty! I love them! I'm sorry to hear about your arthritis problems-- I hope you're not in pain. :(
ReplyDeleteThanks Ginger! Not pain, so much - just achy :-)
DeleteI love fingerless mitts and will definitely have to knit a pair of these for myself! Yours came out beautifully -- love the gray.
ReplyDeleteThank you! I've become a little mitt-obsessed and keep looking at more patterns!
DeleteYou know you totally needed a pair of these to show off your manicures!! ;~) Love those cables.
ReplyDeleteYou know it, girl! Maybe I should invent some gloves with clear fingertips . . .
DeleteThey are lovely Gail, a perfect project for your great looking yarn!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Tracey! You can borrow them when we become neighbors ;-)
DeleteI love these Gail! and I agree with Susan - such a sneaky way to show off your fancy manicures! :)
ReplyDeletealso Gail - what's your username on Ravelry?
DeleteSneaky like Dulcie, right?!
DeleteI'm Yellowbird on Ravelry.
that's a wonderful use of handspun! thanks for the link I'll add it to my favorites :)
ReplyDeleteThanks, Sophie!
DeleteOoh pretty :)
ReplyDeleteI'm still using mine! They're so useful :)
Oh wow - it's still cold over there?
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