November 28, 2008
Moose Loves Roses

All other projects were put aside while I made these adorable mittens. Jorid Linvik has designed so many beautiful, unusual and whimsical mitten patterns, but to me, these are the best. This lone bull moose walking along reminds me of a site often seen during my many years in Alaska.

Pattern: Moose Loves Roses by Jorid Linvik (this particular pattern was given to members of the Jorid Linvik Designs KAL , but will eventually be available to everyone.)
Yarn: all leftover sock yarn - Elann Essential 4 ply and Knit Picks Essential Solid (8 gm dark red, 28 gm gray, 24 gm black).
Needles: 2.25 mm 40"circular
Size: 68 stitches with fingering made an 8" circumference. These fit a small adult hand or med/large child.
Modifications:Instead of a hemmed cuff, I used Liidia's Braid cast-on and snuck 2 Kihnu Vits braids into the cuff pattern for stability (both braid instructions are found in Folk Knitting in Estonia by Nancy Bush.). I also moved the thumb opening up 6 rows for a better fit - still had plenty of room for fingers.

They fit everyone except for Dave - the boys and I will fight over who gets to wear them! For those who like to see the inside of stranded knitting - click here.

The next of her patterns that I want to make is Tallulah's Heart - gorgeous!! but for now....back to my original plan of knitting at least one pair of mittens from each of my 5 mitten books. I want the next pair to be thick and warm, so will start with Favorite Mittens by Robin Hansen. The only pair I've ever made from this book are Chipman's Check Wristers, so there are many great options open - decision to be made in the next few days...
I also want to start a sweater, but decided to continue with smaller knits until after Christmas and THEN begin sweater knitting - that gives me a whole month to make the big decision!