Freebie Friday Knitter's Mitten



These are some of my favorite mittens I've ever designed, perhaps because they are the first.  Any two colors can work, but when I made them for a friend I made them in two naturally occuring sheep colors - off white, and chocolate brown.  The recipient, a fellow knitter, let out a belly laugh when she opened them, and swears she wears them even now, 6 years later.  (She lives in Seattle, so I don't get to see her very often, but I take her word for it.)  I made the palms the dark color to hide wear and soil, and the backs lighter.  The tops are rounded, accomplished by knitting two together periodically in alternating rows. 

Materials: Size 5 needlesCascade Yarns 220 Worsted Weight Wool

White - Main Color, 120 yds
Grey - CC, 140 yds

Makes women's size large mittens. For smaller or larger size, decrease or increase needle size respectively.

Cast on (52 sts) in CC for the ribbed cuff.  I like the cuff in just one color, as a 2x2 rib.  In the solid color row before the main mitten pattern, increase one stitch every 8 stitches to achieve the 60 sts needed. Please note - there is a white stripe up each edge of the mitten, so make sure to count those on the above chart.  I admit, they are not super clearly marked.

This pattern is designed in the round, with an afterthought thumb.  The front and back of each thumb are the same, and the LEFT thumb is on top, the RIGHT thumb is on the bottom.  The charcoal lines on the palm of the mitten body represent where to knit with scrap yarn for thumb placement.

For the decreases at the top, as charted, knit one, knit two together around. 
Then knit one round even. 
Knit two together around.
Knit two together around.  Graft top together.

Happy knitting!

Oak Leaf Square/Cloth

Another cloth in the series of Lodge designs for a dishcloth, pillow motif, or small blanket square. As always, the dimensions are 38 wide x 50 rows tall.  Use US sevens and a worsted weight.  Enjoy!

Knitting as Art

My friend Colleen sent me this link this morning. "Transcending the Material"  It's amazing what this man (yes, MAN) has designed and knitted!  Please click, and scroll through the photos. 

Another amazing knitting artist is Jan Messent.  She has written about a dozen books on knitted art projects, as well as another 2 dozen on other forms of needlework. Check her out at Amazon or Barnes and Noble.


A Ferrari, full sized, was designed by Lauren Porter. She submitted this as her final project at Bath Spa University for an arts degree.

There are thousands of knit artists out there, and doing truly amazing work.  There's a woman knitting DNA strands, one who has knit the major organs of the body, several who have knit sweaters for public sculptures and trees, and even one giant knit spider web. 

Knitting a beautiful garment or blanket is an art in itself. Outside-the-box knitting, as seen here, definitely isn't for everyone.  The true capacities of this craft never cease to amaze me, though.  There is always more to learn about design, construction, technique, and discipline.  As you become aware of other great knit artists, please let us know.  We'll be happy to show you more pictures!

Getting Ready For Class

Simple Texting Mitts class tomorrow. We're working in the round, but straights with seams are possible. Worsted weight and 7s are the order of the day. I have four teens at home and all three girls LOVE these! No fingers or thumb tips make these an easy first mitten pattern, as there is minimal shaping involved. Just make that thumb and you're home free!

Next week is Marvelous Minis. I'm collecting some simple miniature patterns to use. Minis are fun because you use/learn all the skills for a full sized garment, but you use a fraction of the yarn and the time. I enjoy using leftovers from favorite skeins of yarn again, and the little creations always get comments. I'm offering mittens and socks... Pictures will follow, I promise.

It's very hit or miss whether I'll have students. Eight students came to Easy Entrelac, but none came to a basic swirl cap in the round. I was in Northampton, MA over the weekend, and there are two shops there getting $15 -$20 bucks a class, 1-2 classes per week, and they are often full classes. Here in Buffalo, NY I charge $5, and it's totally hit or miss. (Since most patterns are original, and the class runs 2 hours, it's quite a deal!) Sometimes I schedule classes that have been requested a few times and get no one. Sometimes I schedule things that just pop into my head and they're overfull. Will you be there tomorrow?