Colorwork trees worked in a fine gauge make light-as-air mitts perfect for warming cold hands on winter days—be it all dressed up at work or just to cozy up while knitting at home.

These mitts were inspired by a purple overcast sky showing through the black silhouettes of winter trees as I walked along the trail one winter afternoon. Originally, I wanted to make the mitts two at a time with the magic-loop method on circular needles, but the tension on the stitches stretched and broke the soft cashmere yarn. So I slipped the work onto bamboo double points instead. Although the mitts couldn’t be made at the same time, the luxurious feel of the cashmere against the bamboo needles made the knitting sheer indulgence.

Finished Size: 6” hand circumference and 9” long.

Yarn: Jade Sapphire Mongolian Cashmere 2-ply (100% cashmere: 400 yd 366 m/55 g): #30 la nuit (black; MC) and #015 smokey mountain (purple multi; CC), 1 skein each.

Needles: Size 1½ (2.5mm): set of 5 double-pointed (dpn). Adjust needle size if necessary to obtain the correct gauge.

Notions: Tapestry needle; stitch holder; markers (m).

Notes: “These mitts are worked one at a time, working the chart as normal (reading right to left) across the first half of the stitches, then working the remaining stitches reading the chart left to right.”

See Eunny display versions of these mittens on Episode 203: Crazy for Colorwork on Knitting Daily TV.

This project is shown on page 70 of Interweave Knits, Fall 2008. The pattern is NOT in the magazine, however. Use the free download link provided. You do need to register at Knitting Daily for the free pattern.