Tuesday, December 29, 2009

The Christmas Mitts

Well, it wasn't pretty at the end, but I did finish all the fingerless mitts for my daughters-in-law, grand-daughters, step-daughter and the girlfriend of my stepson. (I finished the last one around 3:00 AM! Next time I should start a little sooner-you think?) Anyway, I'm really happy that I decided to give each of them something handmade and though it's trite to say, I hope they realize there was love knitted into every stitch.

So here's the line-up, as best as I can recall:

Top row-starting on the left-(1)Maine Morning Mitts from "The Knitter's Book of Yarn" in my own handspun, hand-dyed yarn---(2)Fingerless Mitts from page 7 Interweave Knits Fall 2005, made with Cascade Pastaza (love this yarn-it's 50/50 llama and wool)---(3)more Maine Morning Mitts made with an odd Malabrigo skein from the stash---(4)the famous "Dashing" from the Spring 2007 Knitty made with Noro Cashmere Island

Bottom Row-(5)Braided Cable mitts found on Ravelry made with Briar Rose---(6)Axel Fingerless Mitts pattern can be found on Ravelry made with Debbie Bliss Soho---(7)another Axel made with Tahki-Stacy Charles Taos---(8)yet another pair of Maine Morning Mitts from something in my stash (I've not been able to find the band-will keep looking)

There are still two pair not delivered to the intended recipients which I will try to remember to show and tell later.

(I love the colors in this pair.)

I suppose it's time to start thinking about next Christmas since I sort of mentioned to the male family members that next year would be their year. Yikes!

9 comments:

  1. I would love to know which pattern you most enjoyed, because I have decided that I am going to knit mitts for the two rural-route carriers that serve me as late Christmas presents. I have knit simple ones, both lacy and ribbed, without the "thumb turtleneck;" that little thumb turtleneck intimidates me!

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  2. You've inspired me to put fingerless mitts in my queue. I echo Michelle's comments- which were your favorites? And Michelle has a brilliant idea to make these as gifts for the mail carrier (and I will add the milk man to the list!)
    kim

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  3. The gloves are lovely! Hate that you were up so late though.. but you really did get a lot of gifts made! Hope you had a great Christmas.

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  4. Those are really, really nice. Great gifts and grit, staying up until 3:00 finishing them. I too am inspired!

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  5. Michelle & Kim-All of these were a pretty simple & quick to knit. The pattern from Interweave Knits might be a good place to start because the thumb stitches are put on waste yarn and picked up after the mitt is knitted. The Maine Morning ones are pretty much mindless-just a little attention when you do the thumb gusset (it's very easy). I think cables are fun to knit, but you do need to keep track of rows.Honestly,the simple ones are just as impressive as the complicated ones,if you use an interesting yarn. I think I'll add our UPS man to the list for next year. He has to deliver here almost every day (veterinary supplies & drugs)& just coming in and out of our farm lane adds many minutes to his schedule!

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  6. Amazing that you knit all of them as gifts. I love them all. Off to check out those patterns....
    lovely post.

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  7. Wow Dianne - What great gifts. I hope everyone wears them out so you can make some more next year! Just joking.
    Happy 2010!

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  8. Dianne, as one of the fingerless mitt recipients, I want you to know how much I love YOU and your knitted creations. I adore them and if it weren't so dang cold here (-21F last night, single digit highs forecast all week!) then I'd be wearing them today. Instead opted for the ski gloves...

    Thanks for a wonderful Christmas! Coming to the farm is always one of our favorite traditions. Can't wait to see you and Dad again SOON!!

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  9. Your blog keeps getting better and better! Your older articles are not as good as newer ones you have a lot more creativity and originality now keep it up!

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