I may have mentioned this before, but it’s cold where I am.
To combat the cold, I am knitting mittens; but not any old mittens – Fair Isle mittens. Stranded colorwork makes the warmest mittens, as all those strands in the back form an extra layer, providing terrific insulation.
I didn’t really have a design in mind when I started, I just knew I needed the strands for warmth. (This may be the first time I’ve designed something considering the wrong side first.) I grabbed three colors of wool, cracked open my favorite Fair Isle books, picked a few stitch patterns and did a bit of quick charting. Presto: a warm and wonderful Fair Isle sampler, with that much-needed layer of insulation.
If you’re in need of warmth, we’ve got a couple of Fair Isle designs in the new! Winter issue – these should get you started:
Chrysanthemums and Shetlander.
I just removed him from my needles!
http://www.etsy.com/listing/66646250/slithery-hand-knit-cotton-snake
I know nothing is stopping me, but I have a strange love for the leaf patterned side of Shetlander. I want to knit them right up (as soon as I finish the boot socks and a hat).
maybe not as elegant as fair isle, but i think thrummed mittens are warmer. puffier too!
Love the hearts motif embedded in the mittens
I was thinking the same thing. Cutie pie hearts
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You’re doing a great job! I like your color choices, too. I hope someday to be experienced enough to design my own pattern.
Till then, I have the pattern printed and I am going this weekend to get my yarn for the chrysanthemum mittens. I think i am going with a pink background and black flower. It will match my black coat.
Beautiful design, wise warmth = happy hands!
I would love to learn fair isle it looks so complicated but very lovely!
Have been in a fair isle frame of mind too, but at 43C its too hot to knit here!
I love the hearts! Very cute. I’m not great with colorwork, been thinking about attempting some fair isle to make myself learn how to get better at it. Your mitts are great inspiration.