The funny thing is that these mittens have a decidedly Norwegian look, but were designed by someone from Sydney, Australia, of all places. Do Australians need mittens at all? I’ve only ever heard my Australian relatives talk about the heat. Google teaches me the first lesson.
Lesson 1: Australians rarely need mittens, but sometimes they may (some parts of Australia even get snow!)
Around the entire mittens there is a decorative 3-stitch edge. I was afraid holes would form along the sides and at first pulled the threads tight. This made the stitches pucker and the brown Vs disappear in the white background – not nice at all.
Lesson 2: Gently does it – do not pull the threads tight when changing from one needle to the next on the sides of colourwork mittens, but gently guide one colour behind the other.
Good to hear you’re feeling better again! These mittens are beautiful! I never tried picking up stitches with a crochet hook before, but I will sure try.
I’ve seen other use a kidsilk yarn for the lining, that’s surely a very forgiving yarn, as far as shape and size go. Maybe I should knit them for next winter…
I forgot to say, but the crochet hook I used was 2 size smaller than my knitting needle. Kidsilk would be so nice and soft for the lining.
Such incredibly beautiful work! A project like this would take me a year to complete. I marvel at those who knit so beautifully!
Well, they took me a long time, too, what with making them too small at first. And then knitting and ripping out the linings many times (and placing them in the naughty corner for a while). What works best for me with challenging projects like these, is knitting just a few rows every day. And have other, more relaxing projects alongside.
You made a lovely pair of mittens and I’m sure they’ll keep your daughter’s hands so warm. I really like your color choices. The blue for the lining is so fun, it’s sort of like a little gift, isn’t it?
I’ve wondered how knitting a lining like that would work, thanks for showing how you did it.
You’ve given me lots to think on, thank you!
Yes, the blue inside is a lovely little surprise, isn’t it? I’ve enjoyed writing about the details and am glad you enjoyed reading it.
The Northman mittens are worth the effort – I love my first pair and have another pair planned, this time in Lettlopi. I agree, the liner instructions were vague. Thank you for the tip on picking up the thumb w/a crochet hook. I’ll definitely implement that tip next time. I am so enjoying your blog – glad to have found you via the Ravelry ‘I Make Mittens’ forum.
Happy knitting and warm wishes from Colorado USA!
Ah, you made them, too! Now that I’ve finished them, I’d like to make another pair as well. Lett Lopi looks like a great yarn choice, and so many colours to choose from! It’s lovely to have you here!
Thanks for this post! And I am so glad to hear you are feeling better.
I have had a pair of lined mittens in my queue for years! And I have been thoroughly intimidated by the idea of lining. Your trial and trial again approach is encouraging me to get those yarns out and make those mittens!! Thank you!
And here I was, thinking this post might be a bit much. I mean, who but me wants so much detail about a pair of mittens? Well, apparently there are more people like me out there. Do get out your yarns – I know you can do it! And don’t give up after the first try. I’m looking forward to seeing yours take shape on Ravelry.