Some knitting!

I'm interrupting the FO posts today because I finally finished a knitting project yesterday!  Yay!  I haven't been able to knit a lot lately due to some problems with arthritis as well as lack of time, but I really wanted to get these done.

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!