UPDATE JUNE 20, 2018: Given the situation of migrant children on the US border, proceeds from this project will be donated to RAICES Texas until further notice.

These mittens are part of an ebook - Join Hands. All proceeds from the collection will be split evenly between the American Civil Liberties Union and the Southern Poverty Law Center.

I called these mittens 51% as a reminder that half the world’s people are women, and in places like the US, Canada, and the European Union, there are actually more women than men. In a fair world, women will have equal representation in government, business, and entertainment. I’m encouraged by the progress society has made, but I know we have so much room for growth. I hope these mittens are a tiny reminder to persist alongside each other toward a more just world that celebrates and includes all kinds of people.

If you’re curious where we are now, here are some quick statistics. (Because I live in Canada and spend time in the US, I’ve focused on numbers for these two countries.) Currently women make up:
19.6% US Congress and 28% of Canadian Parliament
19% of US Mayors and 18% of Canadian Mayors
13% of US governors and 30% of Canadian Premiers
6.4% Fortune 500 company CEO’s
23% US full professors (tenured)
29% of protagonists in 2016’s top 100 films

We must do better!

FINISHED MEASUREMENTS
To fit average adult woman
Hand Circumference: 8 in/20 cm; fits hands up to 8 in/20 cm
Unstretched Cuff Circumference: 5 in/13 cm

GAUGE
36 sts/36 rounds = 4 in/10 cm in colorwork stitch pattern with larger needles

YARN
Fingering weight yarn in two colors:
205 yd/187 m MC
100 yd/91 m CC
Shown in SweetGeorgia Tough Love Sock (80% superwash Merino wool, 20% nylon; 425 yd/388 m per 115g skein)
Main Color: Strawberry Tea, 1 skein Contrast Color: Snowfall, 1 skein

NEEDLES
Needle sizes are recommendations only. Always use needle size necessary to obtain gauge. Use preferred small-circumference circular knitting method such as double-pointed needles, magic loop, or two circulars.
Needle A: US #1/2.25 mm
Needle B: US #4/3.5 mm

NOTIONS
stitch markers
tapestry needle
waste yarn