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Monday, February 3, 2014

LINDEN mittens




It's no secret that I have a serious crush on self-striping yarns. I have a very modest stash (no really! ...ask any one of my friends) -- I don't really go on yarn buying sprees, I don't often buy yarn with no intention and it's a very rare occasion when I will splurge on a skein simply because it's beautiful. It's not because I don't want to -- I'm a minimalist and those types of habits can add up so quickly, before you know it you need a storage unit or a second bedroom for all of your yarns! One guilty pleasure however, is my collection of self striping yarns. I'm a huge fan of Knit Picks Felici and I normally add 1-3 balls of it each time I order from KP. In my defense this self-striping sock yarn gets used up as quickly as it gets added to my stash. I always have a pair of socks on the needles because they are my filler project, my in between, my purse knitting -- I like to keep them simple (plain stockinette) because it allows me to read, watch TV, or socialize while I'm knitting them. Using self-striping sock yarn is what keeps them fun! 

I fell in love with the Kingpin colourway just as it was being discontinued, when it arrived it dawned on me that it was sport (my socks are normally fingering) so I began swatching in the round by knitting a little cuff, to determine my desired number of stitches for my foot circumference. I absentmindedly put the cuff on my wrist and at that moment I knew that my ball of Kingpin was destined to be mittens instead! 

The mittens knit up fast! And I was so in love with the end result but looking for more colour variations was proving difficult so I contacted Knit Picks and sure enough the sport weight version of Felici Self-Striping sock yarn was set to be discontinued. So I tucked the pattern away and decided that once my book deadlines were over I would revisit it and add instruction for a fingering version as well. 

I've finally completed the rewrite and we've had a great time in the test group with all of the colour options and substitute yarns that are possible for this pattern. The pattern is written for both fingering and sport weight yarns so really the sky is the limit!



I really hope you enjoy the pattern as much as I have (and do)! I've knit 3 pairs of these mittens already and have two more lined up -- if you would like to knit along with me I will be casting on after our JOURNEY knit along is over (end of February). I may have a little something to giveaway for those who participate :)


19 comments:

  1. Just found out the Knit Picks has discontinued the Felici Fingering as well :( Had to place an order to stock up on some colors today.

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    1. Ashley no way! We're all so obsessed with it, that's too bad! I'll have to stock up too!!!

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    2. I know! I was just thinking that I need to find some use for it other than socks, so these mittens will be perfect.

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  2. I can't wait to make up my set! Its just the weather too for these..

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  3. those mitts are awesome!! I have spent some serious time looking at the colourways for Felici, but haven't pulled the trigger on any just yet... I always thought of them for kids knits, but your great mitts have me looking at them in a whole new light now.

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    1. I'm so glad you like them! Once you move the self striping sock yarn from your feet to other accessories the possibilities seem endless -- and far more grown up ;) I only wish they came in other weights, I would make worsted weight sweaters!!!

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    1. Thanks Alisa!!! Who doesn't have a skein of self-striping sock yarn kicking around, lol!

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    2. well... I was actually thinking that now "need" new yarn. LOL!

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  5. Chris (c-e-b on ravelry)February 3, 2014 at 2:04 PM

    I've been watching for the pattern -- Saw Grace's mittens at the Knitting Pipeline Retreat!

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    1. Yes! Aren't Grace's mittens the best! After seeing hers in the Boutique colourway we've all decided to knit a pair (Grace even sold us the yarn to do it from her stash, lol)... I'll have to take a picture of all of use with our matching mitts to share!

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  6. The beautiful mittens aside, which sweater pattern is that? and where did you get those polka dot jeans?! I'm in love with the whole ensemble and I want one of each :)

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    1. Thanks Kait! The sweater is my Ladies Classic Raglan Pullover and the jeans are from Old Navy maybe a year ago :)

      http://www.janerichmond.blogspot.ca/2011/11/classic-raglan-pullover-ladies.html

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  7. Awesome! I've recently become slightly obsessed with self stirling sock yarns as well. How fun will it be to be able to put my gorgeous new skeins to use on something other than socks? Thanks Jane!

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  8. Those stripes are nice and big. When I think of self-striping, I always think you get maybe two rows of a color before it changes. Do you all know of other yarns that would give nice wide stripes? I have never used self striping yarn before so this is a whole new world for me!

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    1. There were so many great ones in the test group! -- Caterpillargreen, Patons Kroy Socks, Noro Silk Garden, String Theory Colorworks, Blueberry Pie Studio, Lady Bug Fiber Company, and of course the Knit Picks Felici!

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  9. I have been anticipating this pattern. Can't wait to knit some up. Thanks!!!

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