Fili Top Down Convertible Mitts from Unraveled Sheep -- Day 6

Clever Cuffs

I like that the ribbed cuffs that finish off these mitts have a tiny cable accent in them—it’s just another of the clever details that make these mitts such a good design.  

They feel remarkably comfortable on, thanks to the fiber.  The smoothness of the silk combines with the warmth of wool. They’re casually elegant—substantial without being bulky  The top cuff folds back nicely.  I thought I’d want a button to hold it back, but it folds over neatly because of the smart construction.  This really is an exceptional piece of design.

Now I just have the thumbs to finish.  These should be ready in no time!  And that’s good, because Chicago is about to get another round of snow.  The path to spring is never linear in this part of the world.  Snow, after a bout of 70 degree weather?  Yep, that’s spring in Chicago.

Fili Top Down Convertible Mitts from Unraveled Sheep -- Day 4

Being all thumbs…

There must be a dozen ways to do a mitten thumb, with a dozen degrees of difficulty.  

Some thumbs need to have designated lefts and rights (like these), others just poke off the side so you can switch them up on either hand. Some grow from making stitches, others from picking up live stitches parked on waste yarn.  Knitters have their favorites, based on technique, comfort, style, etc.

Simply put, thumbs take thought.  And thumbs done in “left” and “right” versions simultaneously on one circular require concentration.  Deep concentration.  This is not knitting you attempt anywhere but in peaceful silence with a calming beverage at your side.

Making the crochet chains was not difficult.  Installing them in halves proved a bit more complex.  I used the old trick of different color stitch markers to ensure I knew where I was at all times.   There were points where it looked as if I was merely holding a tangle of needles, cords, yarn, and knots.  I’m certain lots of squinting and frowning was involved.  Thumbs are often one of those techniques—like entrelac—where I find myself staring at the knitting and going “Huh?  Is this right?”

But then, the desired form begins to emerge, the perfect little pocket for your opposable digit comes to life, and you can only smile.

And give, of course, a “thumbs up.”

Lovikka Mittens from Three Bags Full - Done!

Double Digits!

Mittens are so conflicting for me.  They never, ever come out identical, and my control freak nature wars against the injustice.  This is why I prefer to do two-at-once on circ’s--it makes me nuts when they don’t come out exactly like each other.  

Oh, don’t get me wrong, these are close. It’s only the fingertips that really don’t match, but aren’t those the most visual part of any mitten?  Sigh.  And the thumbs, they’re not identical.  Close, but not identical.  

Structurally, I need to reaffirm that these are great mittens.  Nice and snug, warm, well tailored.  

Then, we get to the decorative stitching.  

Let’s just say decorative stitching can never be called a strength of mine.  Granted, this is my first attempt, and I’m reverse-engineering off the product photo, not specific instructions on the pattern.  So, were I not the knitting perfectionist that I am (which is funny, because I’m not a perfectionist in any other area of my life--any psych students want to take a crack at that one?), I could cut myself some slack.  But I don’t.  I want it to look like the photo, not like my handiwork.

Wait a minute, wait a minute, we’re missing the key point here!  There’s something huge to celebrate: there are TWO mittens.  I have a closet of single mittens to attest to the importance of this achievement.  I didn’t make them simultaneously and yet still managed to make both of them!  Hooray!  Given the choice between a perfect single and an imperfect pair, I’ll go with the double digit warmers.  

Next up, we travel to Louisiana...land of alligators, hospitality, and pie.  Ahh.

Lovikka Mittens from Three Bags Full - Day 4

Hands down...

Hands are the tedious part of mittens.  You just chug along until you get to the appropriate point to start the decrease.  Cuffs have the excitement of a newly started project, gussets hold the promise of the thumb, but hands?  Well, they’re just the part between the thumb and the finish line.

Now, in some mittens, this is where your pattern gets to show off.  In last year’s spiffy alpaca models, the hand was a collection of fabulous colorwork.  Here, not so much.  All the action in this pattern lays in the wonderful cuffs.

The nice part here is that you can try the mitten on as you go.  It’s a little goofy looking, but gratifying to know the thumb and fingertips are lining up exactly where you want them.  Custom mittens, if you will.

Next up?  The final structural elements: thumb and fingertips.