The name for this pattern comes from a road we walk in our neighborhood—it’s our “around-the-block” route. For much of its length, it runs right along a compass bearing, represented by the straight lines in the pattern.
However, there are lots of hills around here, so there’s a lot of up and down in this pattern as well. Life’s been like that lately for many of us. But like the cheerful name of this road, I hope there’s some happy in your hometown these days.

This pattern makes a pair of mittens in a range of three adult sizes. The yarn chosen and the gauge worked will determine the size. The length is adjustable to suit.
The main part of the pattern is worked on just 48 stitches, so it moves right along! It includes a cozy lined cuff which is worked first and later stitched in place, a thumb with a gusset and choices about the number of colors used.
Choose at least 1 dark and 1 light shade. But if you’re up for a challenge, there are options for including a second light shade and a high-contrast medium shade on the cuff. There are separate charts for each cuff option, so you can decide after you take a look at the charts! The challenge comes with the need to carry 3 colors in some of the cuff rounds, though if you choose just 1 light and 1 dark that will not be an issue!

This pattern is set up in 6 “clues”, since it began as a MKAL.

SIZES: Adult Small (Medium, Large)

FINISHED MEASUREMENTS:
Circumference: ~ 7.4 (8, 8.7) inches
Length: adjustable
Fits: Hands measuring up to 8 (8.5, 9.25) inches in circumference

GAUGE: 26 (24, 22) sts = 4”/10cm on gauge size needles

NEEDLES:
US Size 4 (5, 6) 3.5 (3.75, 4.0) mm, or size needed to obtain stitch gauge, and 1 size smaller for cuff lining
Choose needle types base on your preferred method of working small circumferences in the round. Options include magic-loop on a 32-inch circular needle, DPNs, or 2 24-inch circular needles.

YARN: DK or Worsted Weight Wool
2 to 4+ colors—choose at least 1 dark and 1 light shade.
If choosing 4 (or more) shades, all “dark” shades should contrast well with at least one of the “light” shades, and the medium contrast shade should contrast well with all other shades.
Total of approx. 450 yards, which includes the lined cuff.
Mitten hand requires approximately 175 yards of light shades and 150 yards of dark shades.
Cuff (and optional medium contrast stripe)-125 yards.
(Yardage estimate for adult medium)

NOTIONS: 2 stitch markers, a length of smooth yarn for a holder, tapestry needle

SKILLS USED: working in the round, decreases (k2tog, ssk), increases (M1), using a chart, 2-color colorwork, stranding across long gaps, picking up stitches, (optional) 3-color colorwork