GLOVE-LY

Muhu mittens

Today the temperature is hovering around 30 degrees and the wind is making it colder still -- glove-ly weather!

And here I am wearing the finished Muhu mittens (yes, I know they aren't gloves, but mittenly didn't really work as a title). 

The mittens incorporate a braided cast on using two colors. There is also a twining stitch, which is similar to the braid because it uses two strands of yarn but of the same color, alternating them with each stitch, and, of course, color work.

Making the first cuff was easier than the second because, as mentioned in the previous blog, I was learning how to do it under the experienced direction of Nancy Bush who had brought this technique back from Muhu Island in Estonia, where there is a long tradition of intricate knitting with color work.


In the beginning was the cuff

The second mitten was more challenging because I had only my memory and the written instructions to follow. Consequently I made a few errors and had to start over twice. But once I had the pattern in my brain, it was a race to finish before winter was over.
And today is the perfect day to try them out.

winterized and ready to go,

Reah Janise

Finished!

p.s. For those of you who might want to try this pattern, you'll have to check with Nancy Bush, since I don't have the rights.