Mittspirations...

In the past week winter has fully descend upon Ōtautahi.

I finally got to take my big woollen coat out of hibernation, as well as my scarves, merino tops, densest tights and also...hang on...wait...where are my gloves?

WHERE THE HECK ARE MY GLOVES?

It's been a full eight days and the mystery of my missing fingerless gloves is still very much unsolved. I've pulled out the entire contents of my wardrobe, searched my big box full of scarves and hats several times, tipped out my satchel (no luck, though I did find 578 different lipsticks and balms that I thought I'd lost) and checked every pocket in every coat, robe, jacket, kimono and blazer that I own - and no joy. 

I'm reluctantly having to accept that my beloved mitts are gone - and I'm feeling a little lost. 

When winter rolls around I live in fingerless mitts. I very much enjoy that Oliver-Twist-Victorian-Cockney-Geezer-Fruitseller-At-The-Market aesthetic that wearing a pair gives you and look so cool peeking out from under a coat sleeve. 

They are also the most practical kind of hand warmer out there. Sure full mittens are cute bit have you ever tried to do literally anything in them? You can't! You're basically Pingu when you're in a pair.

Traditional gloves are slightly better, but you can't use your phone in them, and so you have to keep taking one off, and if you keep doing that it's only a matter of time before you drop it and it's lost.

With fingerless mitts or gloves you can have the best of both worlds! What you lose in a bit of fingertip warmth, you gain tenfold in usability! You can keep your hands warm AND still scroll on your phone/ securely hold a coffee cup without your functionality being compromised. They're perfect for walking and cycling in. They're also great for typing and working from home, if like me you live in a classic NZ character home aka. a poorly insulated, single glazed, cracks in the walls ice-box. 

In Christchurch where we have big frosts on the regular, they are a genuine necessity. 

Which is why I'm feeling lost without my gloves. 

But then I remembered something: I'm a knitter now! Last winter I wasn't and this winter I am. I can simply knit my own fingerless gloves!

I've been browsing Ravelry for mittspirations and thought I'd share my favourite designs and patterns with you, if you have also unpacked your winter garments to find yourself in a similar predicament to me, or simply have decided to join the fingerless way of life (Welcome! You're going to love it!). ​

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LOG CABN MITTS
​​These are a beginner-friendly pair of colour blocked mitts that have no seams to be dealing with and are all knitting stitch  They’re the perfect project to uses up scraps or if you want to buy new yarn you can make multiple pairs for different looks by changing the volume and arrangement of colour.

This blog features a complete tutorial, and the pattern is free, so it’s totally accessible and totally doable!
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Log Cabin Mitts by Karen Templer
​Pattern Link: https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/log-cabin-mitts 
Yarn: DK/8ply: Bohemia Worsted or Bandit DK ​

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TAKE FLIGHT
I stumbled upon Andrea Mowry's designs in this past week after reading an article on the Cut  about her shawls (more on this another day!). But I was excited to explore Andrea's designs and was happy to see that she had this glove pattern amongst her collections. The triangular pattern on it is very simple and elegant and give a wonderful contrast. Perhaps this will be my first Andrea Mowry project?!

Take Flight by Andrea Mowry
Pattern is $5 USD via the link below. 
Pattern Link: https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/take-flight-6
Recommended Yarn: DK/8ply: Bohemia Worsted or Bandit DK ​

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POINT EDWARDS MITTS
These mitts are a great option if you would like the functionality of fingerless mitts, but still want the option of some extra finger warmth and protection. I love the simplicity of this design and how by just creating an extended section of ribbing on the fingers, that folds over as a cuff, it makes it a very clever and simple convertible style that gives you the best of both worlds. 

Point Edwards Mitts by Fairlight Fibres ​
Free Download
Pattern Link: ​https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/point-edwards-mitts
Recommended Yarn: DK/8ply: Bohemia Worsted or Bandit DK 

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SUPER SIMPLE HANDWARMERS
I adore the simple design of these, and think that you could have a lot of fun playing with colour blocking and contrasting yarn shades. This pattern is specifically designed for beginners or as the perfect first-project using only knits and purls to create the design. This pattern is free! 

Super Simple Handwarmers by Emily Bolduan
Free Download
Pattern Link: https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/super-simple-handwarmers
Recommended Yarn: DK/8ply: Bohemia Worsted or Bandit DK 

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LUVAS BULKY
I've picked this pattern out if, like me, you've been knitting with the Lissy Cole range lately and have some yarn left over. This free pattern uses chunky yarn and would great in any of the colours from the Auaha Haukura collection! 

Luvas Bulky by Filipa Carneiro
Free Download
Pattern Link: https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/luvas-bulky
Recommended Yarn: Auaha Haukura Collection by Lissy Cole 

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I hope these mitts have got you inspired and given you some ideas for what's possible! They also have the benefit of being a quick and thrifty knit, using up scraps and leftover yarn, and a cool little in-between projects project, or side-knit to what big thing you have on the go. 

As for me - well I'm still very much undecided as to which ones I'm going to cast-on! Please feel free to comment below or or Outlaw Yarn's social media with what pattern you think I should make, or if there's any others that you think I'd like! 

Until next time, 

Lou 
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