Three down

Three mittens down and more lessons learned.  I had high hopes for this one but I'm feeling kind of *meh* about it.  One positive...I wanted to center the design on the body of the mitten, aiming to position the top motif so that the white outline lined up with the decreases that form the top point.  Voila, it worked!   

I've been admiring the many blue and white mittens over on Ravelry, but as pretty as it is, I found this bold design a bit tedious to knit.  Being so large, I never did quite memorize the chart, requiring constant referral.  And despite my intent to shorten the length (as compared to my previous two) it is exactly the same.  Here's why.

I chose this floral border design for the cuff and because it was a more delicate than the design on the hand portion, I wanted to give it some visual weight by offsetting it with some solid blue.  To my eye, this ended up working to the opposite effect, emphasizing its airy quality.  I had planned to start it where the picot edging was attached, but knitted 6 more rows of blue at the last minute.  Instead of going with gut instinct, I caved to caution and paid the price.

The border design is pretty and simple to knit but I don't think it holds its own against the design on the hand and proabably would have been more suited to be paired with a smaller, overall motif.  This mitten needed a bolder cuff.  Or maybe I've just been looking at it too long. 

In any case, my Latvian mitten project is amusing me while we put the finishing touches on the house (again.)  They're easy to pick up & put down and are providing me some practice in two color knitting.  I still haven't developed anything resembling a smooth rhythm, though I'm more and more relaxed as I check off the rows.  I still have lots to learn...on to number four. 

Comments

[jess]

ahh, I love those mittens! you are making me crazy with all of the gorgeous mittens. :)

[jess]

[er, I meant mitten. singular! for now. :) ]

[Cindra]

Pleasing to the eye and great for your brain. I am sure this would have to score up there on the charts for teaching your brain new things. If you get tired of these... please send my way!

[Carole]

I think you're being too critical of this one. I love it!

[Annie]

I can't get past "memorize the chart". Do people actually do that?!? I thought it was an urban myth. ;)

[blackbird]

As I'm not a knitter I am stunned at the complexity of these...I can't believe they are hand-made.

Gorgeous.

[Judy B]

I'm knitting my first pair of Norwegian mittens and am so relieved that other people don't manage to memorize the pattern either. Your mittens (all three designs) are beautiful and I really like the floral border on the last pair.

[Chris]

I think you're your own harshest critic - it's lovely!

[Schnoobie]

I think it adds a nice solid base to the mitten. They ALL look fantastic to me.....I'm very impressed.....as usual!!!!!

[Spritely Stephanie]

I love your mitten - absolutely gorgeous :)

[Kristin]

I like the cuff! It's beautiful as always, Jan. I think you are going to have a fabulous collection of one handed mittens by the time you're done!

[Sara]

I think these are the prettiest mittens I have ever seen! I'd love to design a pullover inspired by these mittens someday. I love reading your blog!

[hunnybunny]

That's spectacular. I am still terrified at color work, but reading your blog makes me think maybe one day I should try. Until then I'll admire your beautiful work.

[Emily]

They're stunning!

[sammyjo]

Wow, now these are my fav out of all you wonderful mittens.

[Michelle]

Wow - your Latvian mittens are all gorgeous. One day I'll learn how to do this. For now I'm just garter stitching!

[Angela]

Those mittens are so yummy. I'm intimidated just looking at them, but oh, how beautiful! Good luck with the house polishing, and here's hoping things work out for you soon!! (limbo is not a fun place to be!)

[ulrike]

Don´t worry too much - enjoy them instead! They are so beautiful and there is nothing wrong with them! Well done!

[sonja poor]

I really like this one. In fact, I've LOVED them all so far. Maybe you've just looked at it too long.

[KathieB]

Yeah, I think you're being too critical too. To my eyes it's just beautiful.

The idea of managing the two color knitting AND trying for symmetry and balanced design seems very daunting. IMHO you succeeded very well.

[Sarah]

May I just say that your fairisle knits are incredibly beautiful! You have a wonderful color sense-- I would wear every single one of those combinations (in other posts as well), and I don't say that often. :) You have inspired me to try fairisle-- the farthest I got with stranded knitting was a two-color hat! Tension was problematic. Now I will have to brave a real Fairisle pattern...

[Lasso the Moon]

Wow! That is so beautiful!
Anna

[Alice]

I think these are amazing! I love the mix of the two different styles of charts, the colors, the picot edge... There are so many positives you should be very proud :)

[kathie]

I tried to write you back after your post on my blog
I hope you will write about it.
I think quilters need to know how many quilts are reproductions of antique quilts and those original quiltmakers should be honored.
Kathie

[Carolyn]

Oh ! My ! This is a work of art !!!

[monica]

good luck with the house... and I'm still amazed and in awe of those mittens...

[gray la gran]

just for reference, my hand is just under 7.5" around ;)

all of your samples are creating a lovely collection!