I went to the mountains this weekend for a crafty getaway with friends (the usual November escape to Rhododendron, Oregon at the base of Mount Hood). I knit these mittens and I love them. They’re made with the leftover Istex Lettlopi that I bought in Iceland last month. Warm, fuzzy, perfect. I used Mary Jane Mucklestone’s Trinket Mittens pattern as a jumping off point, but my gauge was different and I used my own colorwork pattern from my headband on the cuffs. I also changed the top shaping to be more rounded, like a sock toe.
They were nice before blocking, but wet blocking really evened out my stitches, just like on the headband.
My first attempt was too small (gauge swatch? what?) so I ripped this out. But it does show all the important tools: Flexi-Flip needles, abandoned barrel row counter because I can’t remember if I turned the number or not, and my beloved chain row counter that reminds me to advance the number each time I pass.
The chain row counter is from Twice Sheared Sheep; I have three of them. If you want one, too, use the link to visit their shop and put “chain row counter” in the search box to see all the different variations they have (different charms). I prefer the round chains rather than the straight chains, less dangle! Note: If you use the link and make a purchase, I earn a small commission at no cost to you. Thank you!
Here are some pictures from the weekend. Breathe in the fresh air!
The chimney/stove dates from 1936, built by the Civilian Conservation Corps, which was a government work relief program during the Great Depression.
I love looking at all the pretty fungi.
Entire worlds live on the end of this log.
See?
These little orange buttons are my favorite to look at, but I only saw one this year.
So great to hang with friends! There were more, in and out over the weekend. Now I’m home, with fabulous mittens.
Today is the last day of the Knit Your Own Adventure Summit (Swatch School Edition). It’s been fun chatting with students and other designers. I think you can still sign up for the last day, for free; presentations are available for 48 hours after they go up. And if you want more than the last day or two, you can upgrade your access to see all the rest. (The link to the summit gives me credit for you signing up, which is free. If you upgrade your access with an Expedition Pass, I receive a commission. Totally up to you.)
What are you knitting now? My mittens are done, and I have a new assigned pooling project on the needles. I love the beginning of a project!
