All Mine

Happy Monday!  We're down to the final days before the holidays, and if you're like me, it'll be a mad dash to the finish line.

I must confess I was procrastinating a little the other day when I took time away from holiday prep to finish these.

Prairie Mittens.

This is my second time making these mitts, and I was reminded that they're really a quick project.  I think there's enough action with the stitch pattern to keep it interesting.

There are kits in several colors available on the website.  I made mine in From the Bog.  Yes, this pair is all mine.  Even though my daughter tried to claim them, I'm not letting go.

Around and Around

I'm surrounded by several knitting projects, but I took a slight detour and cast on something new.

Prairie Mittens (Ravelry link).

I've made these mitts before, but I forgot just how much fun they are.  There are so many things I should be doing, but it's hard to put this down when the rounds are so quick.  Just a couple more rounds . . . 

Prairie Mittens

For once I have good timing.  We're in the midst of a wintery week, and I have a fresh pair of mittens.

Prairie Mittens.

These mitts have some fun details.

Interesting texture.

Garter palm.

Picot hem.

I made a couple slight modifications.  I started with a provisional cast on.  I prefer this method.  When it was time to fold the hem, I took the waste yarn out to expose the live stitches and used those to complete the hem.

I used a smaller needle than the pattern calls for.  This created a denser fabric, but it also made the mittens a little shorter.  I added ten more rounds of the pattern repeat to make up the difference.

With so much variety, these mittens are a fairly quick knit.  The yarn is Lucia DK held with Shimmer, both in March Sky.  The Shimmer (mohair and silk) adds a nice soft halo and makes a warm, cozy pair of mittens.

Hooked

With one project off the needles and blocking, I've been able to concentrate on my Prairie Mittens.

One done except for the thumb.  I'm completely hooked on this pattern and would like nothing more than to sit and knit all day.  I made it this far last night.  This morning I was ready to cast on the second mitt, but on second thought, I think I'll finish the thumb first.  It won't take long.

I love the gray of winter, but the other day I thought I would brighten things up.  This week's color inspiration . . . 

A bit of sunshine.

More Than One

One knitting project is never enough.  I'll admit that every once in a while I probably go overboard with too many projects on the needles, but take this example.

Prairie Mittens.  I'm smitten with this project, but it requires some attention.  To stay on track, I set up a chart for two sets of instructions worked simultaneously.  I would love to work on this project exclusively, but in reality my day is full of interruptions, and this project isn't a good fit for those conditions.

Luckily I have something else on the go.

Simple stockinette.  Pick it up, put it down, pick it up again . . . I always know where I am.