The color scheme for my mittens differs considerably from the original pattern (from Folk Knitting in Estonia), but I think it is working pretty well. I swatched around with the colors and this was the one that really popped in my mind. The cuff was a simple ripple pattern, and I am about to start the row with the thumb gusset. The pattern knits up so quickly.

I really love stranded colorwork. I see much more in my future.

I worked on this last night as Kris and I wrapped up the final chapter of Harry Potter and the Deathly Hallows. It was a pleasure to read it together the way we did. I must admit, however, that Kris had to read many of the final chapters because I was getting a little too teary to read aloud.

The mittens will benefit from a good blocking to even up the little stranding and the lace on the cuff. I am using a size 1.5 needle, and I am wondering if a size 1 would have been better…

Mittens (and gloves) have popped up in a few other places, so I am happy to see I am not the only one thinking ahead for the winter. Did you see Jan’s new Selbu mittens? and Joanna just finished some amazing Norwegian gloves! …and Sandy is thinking about (another) encore for the Warm Hands knitalong. So many lovely patterns to choose from!

~Happy Anniversary, Mom and Dad!~

I wanted to start fresh with some new small knits – I can’t quite get the rhythm going on my black knee highs, so I wanted another portable project – or two – to stow away in the knitting bag.

While anxiously awaiting the arrival of a certain book on my doorstep, I decided to deter myself with some stash organization. One thing lead to another, and before you knew it, this yarn was all balled up and the project was assigned.

Woolarina Handpainted Fingering Merino
Purchased at Crafty Bastards 2006

Once THE BOOK did arrive, Kris and I decided to savor it. We are taking turns by reading aloud chapter by chapter to each other. It is quite enjoyable this way – and the best part is that we can discuss it together. It is slower to read aloud, as we are not even half way through the book yet, but since this is the last one of the series, I wanted to remember the magic.

…and the chapters that he reads? well, you see, that is when I knit…

On a whim, I decided to break from my usual Nancy Bush patterns, and I cast on for the “Classy Slip Ups” from Betsy McCarthy’s Knit Socks! book. The book was a gift a few years ago, and there are some cute patterns inside – many for heavier weight yarns too. This particular pattern caught my eye, and I wanted to see how it would work with the handpainted yarn. I did not realize just how perfect of a match it would be!

Just to keep things interesting, I also chose a pattern and some yarn for a new mitten project. Yeah, knitting mittens in August. Go ahead and laugh.

Koigu KPM and Louet Gems

You knew I couldn’t stray too far from Nancy! Hilja’s Mittens from Folk Knitting in Estonia. The colors are npt quite traditional, but I thought this would be a beautiful combination for the colorwork. I have been playing around with the motifs to decide what color should be the background, and what should be the motif. Any suggestions?

I love knitting pullovers and cardigans, however, I feel like small projects are the place to really experiment. Plus, they are so easy to carry with me – and I am going to be traveling quite a bit in the next month, so these little knits fit the bill!