The December Mittens are inspired by traditional gansey patterning. The cuff of the mitten begins with a Channel Island Cast On, a traditional, firm cast on with slight texture that is commonplace in many Gansey deisgns. The top of hand is worked in a traditional gansey pattern, and the palm utilizes a texturized broken ribbing. Much like the original gansey garments, these mittens are worked at a slightly denser gauge, for optimum durability and warmth.

When utilizing the Channel Island Cast On, you will be casting on an even number of stitches. In order to do so, count the two loops created by the slipknot as two stitches.When increasing for the thumb, work increases on the right as M1R, and increases on the left as M1L.

SPECIFICATIONS
YARN The Fibre Co. Cumbria Fingering (60% merino wool, 30% masham wool, 10% mohair; 328 yds/100 gm skein): coniston, 1 skein.
GAUGE 30 sts + 48 rnds = 4“ (10 cm) in broken rib pattern, after blocking.
NEEDLES
1 - set US 1 (2.25 mm) dpns.
NOTIONS Stitch marker, tapestry needle.
SIZE 10.75” (27.25 cm) total length, 8.25” (21 cm) circumference.
SKILLS Working knit/purl patterning from charts, Channel Island Cast-On.

USEFUL TIPS:
For a tutorial on the Channel Island Cast On, visit our tips and tricks here.

For a tutorial on working from charts, visit our Charts Series here.

For a tutorial on cabling without a cable needle, visit our tips and tricks here.

For a tutorial on picking up stitches from waste yarn to work the mitten thumb, visit our tips and tricks here.

Images: Linette Kielinski