Lost Mittens?

A pair of mittens from November 2015 were finally finished (they were intended as a gift, but then my niece got a new coat and the colours were all wrong.  Long story short: the unfinished mitts went into "hibernation").  While they were a smidge big for the youngest toddlers, they were still wearable.

Finished Mittens

Sadly these mittens have since gone MIA.  Yes, that's right: I lost my mittens.  At the centre, one of my toddlers wore them ('cuz it was still snowy).   The mittens went into the dryer along with all the other wet hats and mitts.  Then they were no more.  I suspect someone took them home by mistake, but they have yet to return.  Hope that means somebody likes them . . . 

To comfort my loss, I started another pair with some mods to create a better fitting mitt for smaller toddlers. Then I got to thinking: why worry over mods?  And wouldn't pure wool make a better mitten?  After all, wool's properties allow it to retain body heat even when wet. 

New mitten project in Briggs and Little

Browsing through my stash I found lots of Briggs and Little.  One skein would make lots of wee mitts.  So the search was on for a pattern using worsted weight.  Lo and behold, check out Another Pair of Mittens (Rav link).  

Mitten detail

Thus far I've made minor mods with the exception of how the thumb is created.  Instead of an after-thought thumb, I'm doing a regular one.  It seems to create less holes and it isn't as fiddly when picking up the live stitches.  I may have to tweak the numbers, but someone may have already done the math for me as tons of Ravelers have already made this pattern.

About All the Knitting . . .

There is much to share!

First off, all gifts were sent off and/or dropped off in time for the holidays.  That was a bit of a challenge.  You'd think a few hats would be easy to whip up, but I got distracted by work, school and family life in general--and of course I had to re-do one set of mittens and hat (remember this post ?).  And honestly, I wish I could have made more . . .  

Of course, when you knit for someone else, you never know if the recipient will appreciate the effort or even the item, especially if the recipient is a child.  It can be hit or miss (but I needn't have worried).

First Berry Hat with matching mittens

My sister and her kids loved their hats--and everything fit which is a double bonus, especially when the recipients are so far away.  Distance can make measuring next to impossible (although I suppose I could have asked my sister to measure the kids' heads, but that would have spoiled the surprise).

Second Berry Hat with matching mittens

Remember the  Pixie Earflap Hat with matching mittens?  As you may recall, the hat was the Iceland Earflap Hat  from Crystal Palace Yarns.  I made a few mods because the original was adult-sized and written for super-bulky yarn (I was working with bulky and needed toddler size).
Modifications included:
1) bulky yarn on 6.0 mm needles
2) brim worked in garter stitch instead of ribbing so it would blend into garter flaps
3) stitch count adjusted to accommodate toddler size:  when connecting flaps & joining in round, knit across 1st flap (15 st), cast on 9 st (instead of 12), knit across 2nd flap (15 st) and then cast on 15 stitches (instead of 18)--54 stitches total.
4) second hat had no I-cord ties, but was otherwise constructed in the same way

Last Minute Mittens

The mittens were an amalgam of two patterns:  mostly used Last Minute Mittens  from Valley Yarns, but used measurements from  Bernat's Family Mittens to help achieve appropriate size (and it helped to be working with toddlers who willingly tried on the mitts as I worked on them).

Modifications included:
1) used 5.0 mm needles instead of 6.5 mm
2) using women's size small, worked cuff in K2P1 for 1 1/2" (instead of 2").  Then worked 1 plain row in knit before working thumb gusset as written
3) after round 9 of thumb gusset,, worked 1 plain knit round before putting aside 6 thumb stitches on holder
4) worked body as written, but only until length was 5" (instead of 6-7").  Decreases worked as written
5) For thumb only worked 5 rows on 9 st (approx 1") before decreasing/casting off


I'm so pleased with the final results that I'd like to make more mittens.  Hard to find toddler-sized mittens that fit easily and stay on.  I tested these on toddlers in my classroom, so the pattern works.  I think I'll start by finishing the rust mitts I couldn't use for my niece.


More to come later  . . .

It's the Wrong Colour!

I have made an effort to knit more this week.  And the extra effort has netted some nice FOs.  Check out the earflap pixie hat with matching mittens.  Isn't it cute?

Finished pixie hat with matching mittens

This is headed for one of my nieces.  My other niece was going to get  the same pixie hat with matching mittens in a different colour--mainly orange and brown..  However, I noticed something as I worked on the mittens.  Do you see the problem?

Second pair of mittens

Mitten Detail

The mittens look as if they came from a different coloured skein altogether, but they came from the same skein.  I was going to redo one of the mittens . . . . .

And then I saw my niece's new winter coat.  It was not navy, black or blue.  No, it was pink--as in very pink!  No orange to be seen anywhere.  **sigh**  I may have to make a second hat with matching mittens in pink-purple. :(  At least I have lots of the pink-purple skein leftover.

By the Way . . .

There's been some knitting these past two weeks, but not nearly as much as I would have liked.  These things called work and school really take up a lot of unnecessary time--time better spent on knitting.

At least Batman Hat #2 is just about done.  It needs to be cast off and the ends will need fixin', but the knitting is done.

Batman Hat #2

 I'm hoping to make one more Batman Hat, but I'll have to adjust the stitch count to accommodate a baby's head.  Maybe someone's already done the math for me--I can hope, right?

Mitten for toddler

Meanwhile, the mittens are coming along--yay!  I have both mitts done, but they have no thumbs.  I'll have to write a proper post with all my mods when I'm finished.

Almost finished mitt next to adult-sized one

I think they are just the perfect size!  You need to see them next to an adult size mitt to really get a sense of how cute they are.

Anyways, there's an essay that needs finishing.  Talk later . . .  ;)

Keeping Busy . . .

When Mother Nature dances with Ol' Man Winter, you gotta keep busy, right?  So I've been a good little crafter: my mitts are done!  Aren't they cozy?

Finished Faux-Thrum Mittens

I started another project too: Simple Man Slippers for my man.  He's got big feet and his old ones are rather holey.  I had been meaning to make the fella new ones, but I kept putting it off while I played with other distractions.

With snow days and bad weather, I finally cast-on.  Here's my latest WIP:

In progress slipper with 3 yarns worked together

It's a fairly straight forward pattern from Melissa Mall (link to pattern on her blog).  The original called for 2 strands of bulky Lion Brand Wool-Ease Thick & Quick.  I thought the Bernat Roving might work, but I didn't have enough of it.  So I used Phentex Craft & Slipper Yarn along with Briggs & Little Heritage as my third yarn.  The latter two should be strong and durable enough to keep the Bernat Roving from falling apart (it does tend to pill a bit).

And I tweaked the pattern a little too.  Instead of a plain stockinette middle, I decided to use garter.  I figured it would be more squishy.  And who doesn't enjoy a nice squishy and cozy slipper?

Stay warm.

Blizzards and Craftiness

At this very moment there is a blizzard raging outside my window.  I kid you not!  Up to 45cm of snow expected--in the middle of March!!  Needless to say, I am a wee bit weary of old man winter . . .

Nearly done with Faux-Thrum Mittens

At least March break starts this weekend.  I still have to work, but I've decided to take a break from school.  I handed in my project early, so there are no big essays or projects due till April.  The time-off is a rare chance to work on crafty things--like mittens.

Detail of finished thumb

I've made excellent progress thus far.  One mitten is complete with thumb (some ends need to be woven in).  The other mitt has only one thumb left to go (or is that the right one? Hee, hee.  Mitten humour.).  Very pleased with the end results (although there are always little "errors" that ONLY I can see).

Thumb in-progress--almost done 

Already I'm thinking of my next project and no, it's not a return to the rainbow granny bedspread.  Instead I want more quick and small knitting projects.  I'm thinking my hubby needs a new pair of slippers . . . I'll keep you posted. ;)

Coming Up for Air

Books, papers and more on dining table

Yup, ensconced in papers and books--sadly, none of them are crafty related.  One major project is just about complete and ready for mailing.  The joys of distance education--although to date, I've been able to submit essays, projects, tests & exams online.  Even discussions & classes have all been online via video or audio chat rooms or conferencing. Sadly, I've still two more months of classes left--along with a research essay, another project and a test.

Almost finished mitten

At least there has been knitting!  Yup, there's a mitten almost done.  It's just missing it's thumb. 

Two in-progress  mittens 

And the second mitten has been started too.  Slowly it grows.  Will it be finished before winter's end?  Judging by this season's unusually snowy, icy cold weather, this winter season threatens to extend well into March.  Besides, I live on the east coast.  I'm not seeing anything remotely resembling spring until late April.  After all, I live in a province where snow storms can threaten as late as April 30th.  So I'm sure to get some mitten use before spring arrives in.

Enjoy your week!  
Later

Winter Blahs

Here in the Maritimes, we have been "blessed" with, not one, but TWO winter storms within the span of a week.  I managed to get out to work during the first storm (ever had a flash freeze?).  We endured Arctic temperatures only to face hours of heavy rain a few days later (Yeah, that's right: a day of rain!).  That may sound pleasant except that the water had nowhere to go (Can you say "flooding"?). This was, of course, followed by freezing temps and more snow.  Did I mention it was a lot of snow? It's not even the good kind of snow that packs for snowballs and snowmen.  It's the fluffy stuff with lots of ice mixed in for good measure.

Buried Car

Needless to say there was lots of shoveling.  And sad to say that my car is literally frozen to the pavement!  I kid you not!  Thank goodness I have no need of it, but still . . .

Faux-Thrum Mitten In-Progress

So how does a gal get through?  With mittens!  Feelin' mighty happy about starting my new mittens.  They look very fluffy and feel very cozy soft.  Just what a gal needs to get through the winter blahs . . . . .

Back to Knitting?

Pile o' Grannies

I have a lovely pile  o' squares waiting to be attached . . .  Alas, they must wait.  The problem is not enough time:  I need to put aside time to pin the grannies into place and then uninterrupted time to seam.  

Grannies

And even though I've got short snippets of time to make more grannies, my motivation is slowly slipping away . . . Seriously, I need a new project--something small and preferably something knit.  I'll admit it.  I miss knitting.

Briggs & Little, Bernat Super Saver and Bernat Roving

So I rummaged through my stash and found some plain, neutral yarns (don't the colours feel like a winter's day?).  For the longest time I have been itching to replace my Faux-Thrum Mittens from Dec 2010/Jan 2011--which honestly seems like eons ago!  One of the mittens was the first prototype, so it never quite looked right with it's wonky thumb.  The second mitt looks and fits better, but I wish I had made the thumb longer.  Besides, they have gone through the dryer so many times and look a little worn (the Bernat Roving has pilled a little).  On top of anything else, I was never terribly pleased with my colour selections.

Screen Capture of Other Mittens from Ravelry

By the way, when I was checking out my notes, I was quite surprised that other knitters had made my mittens too!  Wow!  That's really gratifying. :)

Wanna make some mittens too?  Check out the free mitten pattern here (or you could click the link called "Free Mitten Pattern" at the top of the website).  Hope you'll join me.   ;)

How Goes the Knittin'?

What a relief to NOT be workin' on a deadline!  No knitterly gifts this year, and the only crafty one was the family scrapbook (which my parents loved!).  We've cut back too.  No gifts for the adults, except for a little Secret Santa exchange amongst the immediate family.  And we've tried to cut back with the kids too.  After all, Christmas shouldn't be about the presents; being together and celebrating our blessings should be first and foremost. 'Nuff said.

One Finished Mitten 

As for the knittin', it goes well--and incidentally remains relaxing (funny how the absence of deadlines can prove to be stress-free.  Go figure).  My son's mittens are almost done.  I've just got to work a thumb.

Second Mitten Needing Thumb

Since the project is almost done, I cast-on for something else: another sock!  This year has been the Year of the Sock--seriously.  But I do love the warmth and coziness of handmade socks.  Just perfect for a chilly day.

I just love the simplicity and ease of Liat Gat's Beginner Toe-Up Socks.  The pattern calls for plain stockinette stitch, but I always make mine in ribbing (1x3 or 2x4) 'cuz the rib seems to tighten my loose knittin'. Initially I had to sign up for the newsletter to access the pattern, but I found the PDF pattern available for free on Liat Gat's website (the worsted version) and here (fingering-weight version). 


Happy crafting! :) 

Faux-Thrum Mittens Revisited

Beginnings of Mitten

And revised.  Its been almost a year since I last looked at my Faux-Thrum mitten pattern.  And with the weather getting colder, I'd been itching to make a pair for my son.  With only one size in the original pattern, I've had to re-work the sizing.  More important, I'm re-checking my instructions.  After all, if I can't figure out my own directions, I can't expect some one else to understand, right?

Weaving in Ends on First Mitt

So as of yesterday afternoon, my mitten pattern has been revised and corrected (sadly I found a couple of typos, but at least I re-checked the numbers).  Hopefully there are no more errors.


Happy knitting :)

Goals and Plans: What? Me? A Designer?

Over the past few months, I've had a few ideas percolating in my brain.  I never thought about design (after all, I'm not looking to re-invent the wheel).  But a few things have intrigued me and spurred on a design possibility.

First, wool intrigues me.  Not so much wool itself; rather wool's insulating properties, particularly in the application of mittens.  Imagine getting your mitts wet and still being able to stay warm?  How cool is that!  As a teacher,  I know only too well the consequences of wet mitts and frigid temperatures.

Another interest has been the thrum mitten.  The idea of fluffy warmth surrounding one's hands on a blustery February morn is quite appealing.  However, thrum mitts do look rather bulky and I wasn't sure if I was up to the challenge of constructing such an article (although a few of the gals at knit night have made them).

Stash to the rescue!  In my bin, I found 100% wool in my Briggs and Little along with extra skeins of bulky, soft Bernat Roving.  What if I combined the two to create a cushion-like fabric without all the bulk of a thrum?  With needles in hand I cast-on, taking copious notes, ripping out as needed and re-knitting.  Where did it all lead?

Introducing my lovely Faux-Thrum Mittens (link to free pattern page on this blog). 

It doesn't look like a thrum mitten; however, the diagonal pattern creates a layer of roving floats inside to cushion and thicken the fabric.  Now Bernat Roving is only 20% wool, but Briggs and Little makes 100% wool roving and Patons Roving is 100% wool (both of which are available locally so I may have to experiment).

Inside the Mitten

Writing a pattern is a little intimidating--and even a little daunting--but its done.  Please check it out.  Hopefully I can churn out another pair of mittens and maybe coax a friend to test knit it.

Knitting Updates

So I finished my red mittens--yay for me! 

More Red Mittens

My only complaint wth the pattern is that the thumb runs a little long, but that's an easy fix--just work one or two less rounds before decreasing.

And I've picked up my sock again--remember that sock that was started way back when?  It's now my take-along project.  I don't have an updated photo, but I'm working the heel flap and hopefully will work through the heel turn and gusset by the end of this week.

And of course, still working on my Bernat projects, but I soooo hate the "finishing" part of any project (the weaving in of ends and the sewing of buttons).  How do I motivate myself?  I start another project of course!  That's some leftover Bernat Softee Chunky Twists (loving the colour).

Another Beret

It's the same pattern as my blue beret minus the modifications.  This beret is gonna be knit as written (I'm actually farther along into the pattern than pictured above). 

Hope you've got a great week ahead!  Happy knitting! ;)

Sticks and Hooks

Despite all the time spent on knitting my big project (which is almost done--just needs button bands), I managed to sneak in some knitting on the red mittens.  They're not done yet, but they should be done in a week even with sporadic attention.

I really do prefer the Bernat pattern to the one from Knit Simple.  The final product looks nicer and is much easier to adapt for a larger hand.  The one from Knit Simple looked too small (especially the thumb), but that may have been a result of my yarn substitution (and we won't mention my gauge issues, LOL).

And I started my crochet project.  Just to get back in the hook of things (oops, that's a bad one), I made a practise square on some scrap yarn.  Funny how your fingers remember what to do.  Feels like the hook never left my hand.  So I've been busily searching for crochet resources and found tons in one of the crochet groups on Ravelry.  One good site to visit for the basics is Lion Brand .  And check out Crochet Cabana for more tutorials.  For more links, check out About.com Crochet . 

Happy hooking :)

More Mittens

Finished the green mittens.  Don't they look nice?  And not one bit wonky.  Huzzah!  With the added snow, they were soon put to good use.

Promptly started another pair of mittens.  Since I'm using more Bernat Softee Chunky, I fished out a Bernat pattern booklet called 9 Family Knits .  Actually I forgot I had bought this pattern book in the fall (I may even have blogged about it too).  And since I've got lots of Softee Chunky in my stash (leftovers from hats and sweaters for my boys), the booklet is worth the price--and more as I only paid 99 cents for it!  Gotta like that.

The enitre book uses Softee Chunky, so these mittens should fit fine (and no, I haven't check my gauge.  You'd think I'd have learned my lesson . . . .hmmmm, reckless behaviour or daring risk-taker?).  Sadly, this red mitten has not seen much action this week as I plug away at the big Bernat cardigan project (I know: somewhere there are teeny, tiny violins playing a very sad song **giggles**).

Hopefully I can sneak in some time on the mittens during the week (but don't hold your breathe).

Happy knitting! :)

Mitten Woes (or a Tale of Gauge)

I shouldn't complain, but I was trying to be "smart" and unwittingly out-witted myself!  My eldest son had lost his mittens, again (And he shall have no pie.  Meow, meow, meow.  No he shall have no pie).  For some reason I thought I had an extra pair stashed away in their closet, but alas no kid-sized mittens were to be found.  So I decided to make some.  How hard could mittens be?  Made my first pair a couple of years ago and they weren't as challenging as fingerless gloves.

first mittens ever circa 2007

The pattern came from Knit Simple magazine (Fall 2007 issue).  And the pattern is versatile since it can be adapted for DK, worsted or bulky weight.  My problem, though, was that my son's hands had grown: Too big for child-size, but too small for woman's size.

So after taking measurements and comparing finished sizes, I opted to cast on for the woman's mitts on size 5mm rather than the recomended 6mm. Then I'd adjust pattern to achieve a shorter length (with some trying-on as I went to check length).  Sound good?  In theory it should have worked.  Instead I got something else :(

wonky mitten

See how pointy it is?  My plan did not work.  In the end, I was caught short--quite literally!  I added a couple of extra rounds before kitchnering the top 'cuz my boy's middle finger was poking out!  Ugh!

So with the next mitten, I just stuck to woman's size as written (as an aside, there is errata for this particular pattern).  The second mitten fit better.

second attempt at mitten perfection

Why did my plan fail?  It boils down to one thing: gauge!!  I'll fess up to making no gauge swatch (only with sweaters do I actually swatch).  But seriously, I doubt a swatch would have saved me unless I'd knit the swatch in the round on dpns.  Generally I'm a loose knitter EXCEPT when it comes to dpn's.  Then I'm much tighter, mainly 'cuz I'm trying to avoid those pesky ladders (I should have known that since I'd just finished a project that required dpn's).  

Still, no harm done.  My younger boy can wear the pointy mittens.  

second mitt in progress

Knit and learn. ;)