This is a tale of loss, sorrow, a series of wailing texts, an internet search, and my reckless fearless launch into making unicorn-envy-inducing mitts. These fabulous mitts are a gift for a niece who can only be described as “knitworthy”. The story of the launch of this mitts project and my niece’s essential knitworthiness can be found in this earlier post.
Did you read the old post? Maybe you remember it from before Christmas. Here’s the short version… Never, ever, was there someone more knitworthy than my niece. She longed for some special mitts after her treasured mitts from years ago died. She will give them lots of love and a good home. I surrendered to the challenge, went stash shopping, found yarn, and cast on. My niece bought me the pattern book from Blue Moon Fiber Arts and I was in business.
Did I mention that these mitts are as much knitted art as yummy warmness for cold hands? Art comes with some pain, however… there have been tears. The cat has been chased away. Frogging happened… and happened… and happened. The project was placed into time out more than once. At one point I was using two magazines, a knitting chart created on the computer and the notes from another knitter as I worked. This has been a little extreme to say the least.
The original mitts that were the inspiration for these were knitted by Ravelry knitter Susanmarie who created Monet Again mitts using a sock pattern for inspiration. Do you see the problem? I’m channeling mitts knitted by Susanmarie who used design details from the Sauvie Island sock designed by Blue Moon Fiber Arts. The original mitts that I had made for my niece years ago had herringbone braids, so I decided to put them into these mitts just as Susanmarie did with hers. I wanted to try out a design on the thumbs. I was kind of crazy…
The mitts are now blocked and ready to mail out to my niece tomorrow. A piece of my sanity heart goes with them. I know that she will treasure them for years.
Never, ever, was there a person more knitworthy than my niece.
But don’t tell me, Melissa, if these don’t fit or get eaten by the dog! ♥
My project notes contain as much detail as I could fit in. If you want to test your own patience and possible your sanity you are welcome to them!
They turned out great! I remember your first post on this. Lucky niece!
Lucky aunt!
Those are the most beautiful mitts ever made! They are stunning. She will be thrilled:)
I think they turned out really nice, and the yarn is really soft! I can’t wait to hear back from her after she gets them.
Gorgeous mitts! What patience and perseverance you have! That embroidery around the heart is perfect as it really shows off that feature. Great job!
Well, they certainly tested my patience, but I’m so pleased with the final product. Susanmarie told me to make another pair for myself. Um… maybe next year!
🦄🦄🦄🦄🦄 5 unicorns out of 5 in the envy department. They are gorgeous!
You are a 💪 knitter than me…I would have lost it trying to knit these mitts.
Your niece is going to love and cherish them, just like her last mitts.
Thank you! By the end it was getting easy, even the braids. I know she will be wearing these babies, so they are totally worth the whole experience.
Oh, my goodness! They are stunning!! Love in every one of those stitches, for sure!!
Thank you. They are riding in the car waiting to be mailed… I’m just clinging to them one more day. I may need to make another pair or maybe some socks?
Your niece must be as lovely as you are to have earned all your love and effort and kindness, not to mention stress creating these lovelies. I don’t mind the heart at all (that you think ugly). I think these are absolutely charming.
Thank you. My niece is a keeper!
🙂
GORGEOUS!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!