Mystery Mitten Knitalong

OH I am glad this pattern is still here

2009-10-08T22:08:00.000-07:00

I forgot about it and the fall is here and fingers are cold. I need to knit a pair or 2. THanks again Jean.
I hope I did not miss a 2009 mystery knit along :(

Blessings
Marla

Thanks Jean

2008-07-21T08:42:00.000-07:00

This has been a great project and I've really enjoyed seeing other people's finished objects. I still have half a mitten to go (I'm a slow knitter), but I do intend to make many more pairs from this pattern. I'm going to substitute a plain cable for the snowman on some of them so as not to offend any religious beliefs. Thanks so much Jean for sharing this pattern with us. I can't wait for the next project.

Pattern is ready

2008-07-21T06:48:00.000-07:00

The pattern for both "small" and "medium" sizes is ready. Please let me know if you find any errors. Thanks for participating (and I have a sweater pattern in the works for later in the summer!)

Download a .pdf of the pattern here

Finally ...

2008-07-19T06:35:00.001-07:00

I have my mittens done, and ready to share. Great little pattern, Jean! Thanks so much for sharing with us - and for giving me an incentive to start mittin knittin! These will go to CIC, for their current mitten challenge. I gave them scarves, as the poor little guys don't have mouths - thought warm necks was the least that I could do.
KathyInIowa

It's here!

2008-07-18T18:54:00.000-07:00

I received my prize today. It's gorgeous! Thanks again!

Large Snowman Pattern

2008-07-18T07:56:00.000-07:00

The general instructions for "Large Snowman Mittens" are the same as the smaller version, with these exceptions:

Cast on 40

Work 18-22 rounds of ribbing (the photo mitten has 22...if that's too much cuff for your taste, cut it down)

After ribbing, divide the stitches 20-10-10 on the needles.
Begin the graph immediately after the ribbing (no plain stockinette rows)

Mark the thumb placement on Round 14 of the chart.
Mark 7 stitches for the thumb.

At end of graph, begin the top-of-hand decreases as for the smaller mittens.

Thumb: worked over 15 stitches. Work 14 rounds even, then decrease top of thumb as for the smaller mittens.

Download the Large Snowman graph here

Mittens finished!

2008-07-15T22:45:00.000-07:00

Here's my first pair! Fun & easy pattern. Thanks!!

JakkiMitch

Amish Mittens

2008-07-15T14:08:00.000-07:00

I spent the last two evenings trying quite unsuccessfully to embroider snowman details. Finally, around 8:30 yesterday I gave up and acknowledged that embroidery, crewel and cross stitch will never be "my" crafts.

So, I've decided these shall be little Amish Snowmen since Amish dolls do not have faces.

I rather like the owls and think I shall try those next. If I put Owl Mittens on the Salvation Army Mitten Tree I doubt anyone will be offended.

Thanks for a quick and productive KAL, Jean.

Owl Mittens Variation

2008-07-15T07:13:00.000-07:00

The graph below can be "dropped in" to the same pattern as the mystery snowman mittens. The actual photo here is the same graph on a larger pair of mittens. I think this one begs for a couple of button eyes, but I haven't gotten around to sewing them on yet.

NOTE- The owl image is offensive or sacred to some cultural groups. Feel free to use this pattern for personal use, but be careful about using it for charity donations.

Done!

2008-07-14T20:23:00.000-07:00

My snowmen are done! (Although the yellow set look more like little chicks.)

These were really fun--thanks for the great pattern and KAL, Jean!

Prize awards

2008-07-14T19:45:00.000-07:00

The prize for "first completed pair" goes to LizzieK8

She gets "first choice" of one yarn from the photo below.

The "random drawing" (done by my son who is totally unaffiliated with any mitten knitting!) goes to Emmee.

She gets "second choice" from the yarns below.

LizzieK8 and Emmee, please e-mail me (link in my profile) with your mailing address.

Thanks to all who participated!

1) Malabrigo Merino Worsted, 216 yards, 3.5 oz in "Buscando azul" (royal blue)

2) Plymouth Royal Llama Silk,50 grams, 102 yards, 60% Llama, 40% silk

3) Plymouth Royal Silk Merino, 50 grams, 109 yards, 51% Silk, 49% Merino Wool

4) Tahki Yarns "Savoy", 50 grams, 108 yards, 52% silk, 48% Merino

5) Malabrigo Merino Worsted, 216 yards, 3.5 oz in "PolyGala" (purple)

Finished

2008-07-14T05:22:00.001-07:00

What a cute little pattern - thanks Jean! I like this method to knit thumbs and will use it again.

Finished Clue 4 - onto 5!

2008-07-13T15:37:00.000-07:00

Well, I finished clue 4 on both mittens and was unable to check for the next clue until now. *sigh* I am behind, again!

Well I will do clue 5 tonight if nothing goes wrong. I have been doing laundry all day after getting a late start on the day. I am just about to go do grocery shopping then cook dinner. So perhaps I will be doing clue 5 right after dinner.

Here is a pic of my clue 4:

Alina

Lyn's Mystery Mittens

2008-07-13T11:16:00.000-07:00

Hi,

Great job with the pattern and this KAL to get me started with the CIC mittens.
Such a fun knit. Lyn

My mittens

2008-07-13T09:59:00.000-07:00

Two pair that I've been showing in progress, plus another two-colored pair that was a previous trial run.

I'll put the instructions together in one file and add a couple of other charts within a few days.

Done!

2008-07-13T09:18:00.000-07:00

Clue 5 - Finishing Up

2008-07-13T07:19:00.000-07:00

Top of Hand

Decrease round -
Needle 1: Knit 1, slip 1, knit 1, PSSO (pass slipped stitch over the knitted stitch), knit to last 3 stitches on needle, knit 2 together, knit 1.
Needle 2: Knit 1, slip 1, knit 1, PSSO, knit remaining stitches.
Needle 3: knit to last 3 stitches on needle, knit 2 together, knit 1.

Two-Color Mittens:

With Color A:
Work one decrease round.
Work one round even

With Color B:
Work one decrease round.
Work one round even

With Color A:
Work decrease round three times

16 stitches remain (8 on back of hand, 8 on palm side). Use Kitchener Stitch or a 3-Needle bind-off to graft top of hand together.

Single Color Mittens:

(Work one decrease round, work one round even), twice.

Work decrease round three times.

16 stitches remain (8 on back of hand, 8 on palm side). Use Kitchener Stitch or a 3-Needle bind-off to graft top of hand together.

Thumb:

Two-Color Mittens: Your choice - work thumb in either Color A or Color B

Remove the waste yarn and pick up 6 stitches from below the waste yarn and 5 stitches from above. Pick up two stitches at each side of thumb for a total of 15 stitches. Divide these 15 stitches over 3 needles.

Knit 12 rounds

1st decrease round: (Knit 2 together, knit 1) 5 times. 10 stitches remain

Knit 1 round even.

2nd decrease round: (Knit 2 together) 5 times.

Cut yarn and draw yarn through remaining 5 stitches, pull tight.

Weave in yarn ends.

Use a contrast color yarn to embroider eyes, mouth, buttons on your snowman. Or, sew on small buttons or beads or attach bits of felt with a washable fabric glue.

Download a .pdf of Clue 5 here

My mittens through Clue 4

2008-07-13T06:51:00.000-07:00

I hope everyone is seeing a snowman here...that was the intent, anyway!

Clues #3 and #4 done (finally!)

2008-07-12T20:39:00.000-07:00

Most others are following the directions well, but I for one, am not. It's just a matter of not paying enough attention, but I've now re-knitted clue #3 on all 4 mittens (which makes a total of 8 times, but only 4 were correct.) I've also reknit Clue #4 twice (so I've now done that a total of 6 times.)

Oh, if only I hadn't made a mistake, how many pairs could be done by now!

Leslie: Clue 4 done

2008-07-12T09:24:00.003-07:00

Wow - this was a quick knit! It's either that or since I had yesterday off there wasn't the usual Saturday morning housework to accomplish or both.

Leslie: Clues 2 and 3 Accomplished

2008-07-12T05:40:00.000-07:00

Well, it took me a couple of days to get started but I'm done with Clues 2 and 3. The photo of Clue 2 does not show the colors at all well,

but Clue 3 is true to life. I guess what they say about a white background being best is right :)

I hope nobody minds, but I'm also putting this in my Ravelry Projects (my name there is LeslieEileen) and showing a link there in case any of my friends want to see all the lovely work all of us are doing.

Now, I'm off to correct the mistake I made when I started Clue 4. At my stage of life I should know better than to knit when I'm nodding off to sleep.

Denise's Mitten

2008-07-11T11:50:00.000-07:00

I am having trouble keeping up here. To many things going on. Here is my mitten so far. I hope I can catch up this weekend.

Clue 3 Finished

2008-07-11T08:57:00.000-07:00

Clue 4 - More Pattern Stitches

2008-07-10T21:29:00.000-07:00

Mystery Mittens - Clue 4

“Two-Color Mittens” - Continue working with Color B

Work 15 rounds, following Chart 2 on needle 1 (back of hand) and knitting all stitches on needles 2 and 3 (palm)

Download a .pdf of Clue 4 here

My mittens, Clue 3

2008-07-10T21:24:00.000-07:00

You people all follow directions very well!

My Clue 3 is Finished

2008-07-10T05:59:00.000-07:00

I am using Patons Classic Merino 100% wool for my mittens. My first choice was brown and pink but I may have not had enough pink. I switched to brown and turquoise which should be okay for a boy or girl. (Sorry for the blurred photos!).

FRONT

BACK

Shirley - Artseycrafts on the sidebar

JakkiMitch's Intro

2008-07-09T18:14:00.000-07:00

Left handed or right handed? -- Left -- I'm a combination knitter

Silk or alpaca? -- Haven't tried either

Circular or double pointed? -- Either

Coffee or tea? -- Coffee before noon; tea in the evening

Paper clips or beaded stitch markers? -- I have a 1/4 cup full of plastic circle stitch markers that were my grandmother's

Mittens or socks? I've knit more socks than mittens, but really - except for the thumb - they knit up much the same

Pullovers or cardigans? To knit: pullovers; to wear: cardigans

Mittens started

2008-07-09T18:09:00.000-07:00

I got this far last evening. On to the next Clue tonight!

Yarn: Knit Picks' Wool of the Andes in Cherry Blossom
Needles: Size 4 [US]

Lyn's Introduction

2008-07-09T12:26:00.000-07:00

I'm just a little later than most to post my introduction but I wanted to say hello and tell all of you that I have been enjoying reading your introductions.

Left handed or right handed? Very right handed.

Silk or alpaca? I love both.

Circular or double pointed? I have tried the circular methods but I still prefer my DPN's.

Coffee or tea? In the mornings, I want coffee but tea in the afternoons is a delight, especially if it is cold outside.

Paper clips or beaded stitch markers? I like using little silver rings that I get from the bead store.

Mittens or socks? I usually knit socks but it will be fun to make some mittens this time.

Pullovers or cardigans? I have only knitted one sweater and it was a pullover, however, I have a cardigan on the needles now. (It has been there awhile though.)

Lyn

Clue 2 finished

2008-07-09T11:38:00.000-07:00

I finished clue 2 today on two pairs of mittens.

Pair 1 is done with dyed Fisherman's wool,

and pair two is done with in two shades of teal green, the lighter is Lamb's Pride and the darker is Cascade 220.

I see that Clue 3 is now posted--yeah! Just in time for more knitting!

Clue 2 Finished

2008-07-09T09:53:00.000-07:00

Finished Clue

2008-07-09T07:28:00.000-07:00

Well I managed to finish the clue in time, at least for one mitten.
Using the Cascade 220 in a more salmon shade - photo color not quite right.
As you can imagine I am using the center pull (currently on bottom of yarn ball) for the first of the pair on the cable at the left and using the outside yarn end for the second of the pair in progress on the right.

Hopefully I will be able to make progress on the next clue 3 soon.

Clue 3 - Adding some pattern stitches

2008-07-08T21:14:00.000-07:00

“Two-Color Mittens” - Work this entire clue in “Color B”

Work 16 rounds, following Chart 1 on needle 1 (back of hand) and knitting all
stitches on needles 2 and 3 (palm of hand)

At the same time: when you reach Round 5 of the chart, place a marker for the thumb.
On this round only:

Right mitten: Work row 5 of Chart 1. On needle 2, K1, Knit next 6 stitches with waste yarn, slip these 6 stitches back to left hand needle and re-knit them using mitten yarn. Knit remaining 2 stitches on needle 2. Knit all stitches on needle 3.

For left mitten, reverse the thumb placement.

Download a .pdf of Clue 3 here

My mittens, first stage...

2008-07-08T21:05:00.000-07:00

OK, I know. Not very exciting, so far. If you have extremely sharp eyes, yes, the cuffs on the blue ones are two rounds longer than the pattern calls for.

Getting Started

2008-07-08T16:27:00.000-07:00

Okay I have the clues printed, I have to swatch a bit to double check what needles will give me the right gauge and I picked out some yarn,

I have a fairly sizable stash of Cascade 22o that I bought a while ago. Some from individuals on Ebay and some from sales on Internet sites.

The shade I picked is 7804 which is salmon pink color darker than what shows on my monitor when I check the Cascade web page of colors. I think that would be good for children.

Well, off I go to find a few sizes of my needle tips and cables!
Alina

Dragonarc Intro

2008-07-08T15:26:00.000-07:00

Hi, I am Alina. Glad to join all of you. I hope this will be the FIRST Knitalong that I actually successfully complete and hopefully not too far behind everyone else.

I learnt how to knit and crochet back in high school basically from books and figuring out things with my friends. None of us knew anyone who knit or crochet even though back then there were loads of places where you could get supplies. I was better back then at crochet since my knitting was full of holes with the same number of stitches on the needles. It drove me crazy!
Since then I haven't done either until a couple of years ago. I am caring for my elderly Mom (she turns 80 the end of July) and my elderly cat (she is 16) and with work I am constantly under alot of stress. Of course I have also been diagnosed with high blood pressure and high cholesterol. Knitting is said to help with stress so I got "learn to" kits for both and dived in. I have been concentrating on knitting since I find it more conducive to keep me calm. Since you can make such quick progress on a project with crochet I get "driven" and a bit frenzied.

I belong to a Charity Knitting/Crochet group at my work and countless internet groups that donate projects to charity. Never enough time.

Left handed or right handed?
I am right handed but I normally knit Continental with my yarn in my left hand. I still don't have the most efficient way of holding the yarn and my tension still varies. I can "throw" the yarn but I find it more awkward.

Silk or alpaca?
Not sure. I have knit with alpaca but never with silk although I believe I have used yarn with some silk in it.

Circular or double pointed?
I prefer Circular knitting but I have used double pointed needles. I just find it a bit awkward and didn't get enough experience with them. With Circular I have found the Magic Loop Method suits me the most and allows me to work on projects on the subway commute without causing that panic look in those around me when they think they will get stabbed with the needles when I have tried DPNs or straight needles.

Coffee or tea?
Have to have coffee in the morning and maybe some during the day. But for comfort it is TEA.
Either with milk and sugar or herbal tea with honey.

Paper clips or beaded stitch markers?
I have used both but more often used the beaded markers.

Mittens or socks?
Have actually finished mittens but never managed to get very far on any socks. Plus I am so rough on socks and always wear out package socks at the back of the ankle. I would hate to spend all that time and ruin them in an instant.

Pullovers or cardigans?
I have never made a cardigan and only made the most simplistic of pullovers. But I would love to be able to make myself a cardigan.

If you have asked for an invitation...

2008-07-08T14:30:00.001-07:00

and don't think you've received one, check your "junk mail" folder.

There are about 8 people who have been invited, but have not yet joined.

DJ's Intro

2008-07-08T14:21:00.000-07:00

Hi everyone,
I am DJ and I have been on many groups with some of you. I have been knitting longer than I am willing to admit anymore. (smile) I'm happy to be here. I will probably be running behind everyone, since I am in another KAL at the moment and it's a whole new thing for me. Ah, so much knitting, so little time.

Left handed or right handed?
I am right handed and throw with my right hand, just haven't ever been able to get the hang of holding the yarn in my left hand.

Silk or alpaca?
Mmmmm, alpaca please. Altho, I admit that I've never tried silk.

Circular or double pointed?
Circular, please. Just never learned to handle that porcupine very well. Can do it if I have to, but not well enough to enjoy it.

Coffee or tea?
Yes, please. I do prefer tea most of the time, but drink nearly as much coffee, just because DH always has a pot going. I take the easy way out, most of the time when it comes to coffee or tea.

Paper clips or beaded stitch markers?
Can't ever have too many beaded markers, but will admit to having so many projects going that sometimes I just have to resort to paper clips or whatever else works in a pinch.

Mittens or socks?
Socks get my vote, mostly because that is what I knit for family birthdays and for some of the charities that I work with. I have nothing against mittens and have knit my share over the years.

Pullovers or cardigans?
That depends, for babies I prefer cardigans, The Little Lamb being my fave. For toddlers and teens I prefer pullovers and that is what I generally do for charity knitting when sweaters are called for. Truth is: I'd rather not knit sweaters.

Progress

2008-07-08T07:45:00.000-07:00

I started two sets of mittens yesterday. One is two-colored and one is solid. They are both made from yarn that was donated to the baby charity I work with, but isn't useful by us for the babies. So I save it or distribute it for other charitable uses. The yarns are...who knew?...Montgomery Ward brand yarn. 100% wool. 4oz was apparently purchased for $1.19, if that indicates the age of the yarn.

I did a 2x2 rib on the two-color mittens and a twisted 1x1 rib for the solids...

Clue 1 finished

2008-07-08T07:23:00.001-07:00

Yarn: Moda Dea Washable Wool
Needles: Size US 5

Sherie's intro

2008-07-08T05:41:00.000-07:00

Hi! Just joined up, and here's my intro:

Left handed or right handed? - right

Silk or alpaca? - hmm, love both

Circular or double pointed? - usually DPNs

Coffee or tea? - hot tea

Paper clips or beaded stitch markers? - ohh, pretty stitch markers!

Mittens or socks? - socks

Pullovers or cardigans? - cardigans

I knitted up clue 2 last night (just one) and am looking forward to seeing how this pattern develops. No pictures yet though.... Thanks for allowing me to join the group.

First Clue Done

2008-07-07T13:16:00.001-07:00

Since Jean said it would be ok, I thought I would post a picture of my progress on the first clue. My youngest daughter picked out the colors of the yarns and was pretty determined that I sue them. They are a pea green/gold combo that look ok together. The colors I see here are a little off.

Looking forward to the next clue to see what comes next and am hoping others will share their progress too.

Sherilyn's Introduction

2008-07-07T10:43:00.000-07:00

Hi all, I'm Sherilyn (that's my name on Ravelry and most boards...original, I know). I've known Jean for many years now and am excited to join a knitalong of hers.

Left handed or right handed?
I'm right handed and hold yarn in my right hand to throw. I have a very difficult time getting good tension with my left hand.

Silk or alpaca? I like alpaca...it's just very warm...and I live in TX where silk is perhaps more practical. I do have some gorgeous silk laceweight I am anxious to use.

Circular or double pointed? I do both dpns and magic loop and it's hard to have a preference. It depends on what needles I have available at the time. magic loop is easier to toss in my purse...but I seem to get more of a rhythm with dpns. I've done two circs, but don't really enjoy it all that much and two on two sort of defeats the purpose of socks for me since two balls of yarn are less portable then one and then there is all that tangling...

Coffee or tea? I can't deal with coffee or anything coffee flavored. I suspect this has to do with the time when I was 3 or 4 and asked my older brother for a coke and he gave me a cold cup of coffee off the counter. I've tried to like coffee...with everything from sugar and cream to chocolate in it...no go. Can't stand it. I do love all kinds of tea except maybe the fruity ones served hot.

Paper clips or beaded stitch markers? Pretty stitch markers, please! I have a good collection now.

Mittens or socks? Not much use here for mittens, although I have done gloves, both fingered and fingerless. I always have at least one pair of socks otn although I am trying to cut back and knit some other items.

Pullovers or cardigans? Cardis. Again, the TX thing...just not that much use for pullovers down here. I need something I can layer.

Introduction

2008-07-07T09:14:00.000-07:00

Hi all. I'm Candi in Ca and I'm very happy to be joining this knit-along. I do mostly charity work now that everyone in the family has more knitted and crocheted items than they'll use in this lifetime, and I like the idea of knitting for children.

I am a right handed knitter pretty much exclusively. I can knit with both but I find it very awkward and, for me, unproductive.

I love the feel of alpaca but have some silk in my stash that's just awaiting the right project.

Circulars are definitely the way to go for sweaters or other large projects, but dpns still rule for socks and mittens and sleeves.

Tea please. Preferably iced.

I've always been of a mind that necessity really is the mother of invention, so I've used paper clips, safety pins, pieces of packing tape, washers, whatever I could find at the moment, but I love my beaded stitch markers.

It's been a long time since I've made mittens. I've been a sock person for a while now. This will be a real treat.

Pullovers. Less fuss, less frustration, less finishing.

Kathy's Introduction

2008-07-07T05:03:00.000-07:00

Hi,
I'm Kathy from Minnesota. I think this mitten knit-along is going to be lots of fun.

I am right handed and I use both when doing color work and either pick knit or throw.

I like alpaca but haven't used silk. There is a lace shawl in my knitting future and silk is a possibility.

I've tried both circulars and double points and always go back to dbl points.

I've always been a coffee drinker but in the last year tea has become my drink of choice. I prefer English or Irish Black Tea with artificial sweetener and milk.

I don't have any beaded markers. Usually whatever is handy, scraps of yarn work.

I knit socks, socks, socks. I wear them, I give them as gifts. Mittens will be a nice change.
I knit pullovers and I wear cardigans.

I plan to knit these mittens with wool from my stash. Navy and denim blue.

Clue 2 - Getting Started

2008-07-06T21:41:00.000-07:00

Mystery Mittens - Clue 2

(Instructions are written for working on 4 double pointed needles. If you’re already familiar with working either on two circular needles or using the “Magic Loop” technique, go ahead...you’ll be fine.)

-----------------------------------------------------------------

Solid Color Mittens:

Cast on 36 stitches, divide over 3 needles and join, being careful not to twist stitches.

Work in your choice of either K2, P2 ribbing OR K1, P1 ribbing for 18 rounds.

Knit 6 rounds in stockinette (knit every round).

Diistribute stitches so that there are 18 on “needle 1” (these will be the back of the hand) and 9 on each of “needle 2” and “needle 3” (these two needles will be the palm of the hand)

--------------------------------------------------------------

Two-Colored Mittens:

Using Color A, cast on 36 stitches, divide over 3 needles and join, being careful not to twist stitches.

Work in your choice of either K2, P2 ribbing OR K1, P1 ribbing for 18 rounds.

Still using Color A, knit one round.

Color B: Knit 2 rounds

Color A: Knit 2 rounds

Color B: Knit one round.

Break off color A for now.

Distribute stitches so that there are 18 on “needle 1” (these will be the back of the hand) and 9 on each of “needle 2” and “needle 3” (these two needles will be the palm of the hand)

Download a pdf of Clue 2 here

(The next clue will be posted approximately 48 hours from the time of this post. Right and Left mittens can be worked in the same way to this point, if you want to work both together)

Mystery - A Song

2008-07-06T20:41:00.000-07:00

To get us in the mood for mystery knitting, I thought I'd share one of my favorite YouTube videos.

Hugh Laurie, singing "Mystery." Enjoy!

Jean's Intro

2008-07-06T18:21:00.000-07:00

I'm right handed, and evidently I knit like no one else on earth, since my stitches always are backward when I read instructions ("through back loop, through front loop", right slanting decrease, left slanting decrease, etc...I'm a self-taught knitter and apparently I wrap the yarn backwards. I try to remember that when I WRITE instructions!)

Alpaca, but I don't turn up my nose at silk if it comes my way

DP's for small projects. I've tried the "two socks on two circs" and ended up with a rat's nest of needles, cables and yarn. If it ain't broke, don't fix it.

Coffee in the morning, tea in the evening.

I love to LOOK at the beaded stitch markers, and I've made a few, but I usually use plain old empty jump rings.

Generally socks. I make a LOT of socks. Then, when I make mittens, they go so quickly, I think "why don't I make mittens more often". Then, I cast on another pair of socks.

Pullovers with as little "finishing" as possible.

Jean, AKA Jean in TX on yahoo and LoneStarNeedler on Ravelry

Hi!

2008-07-06T16:26:00.000-07:00

Hi, I'm Ruth from So. MD, who ended up dyeing yarn last night after all.

I'm a left-handed thrower
That uses wool way more than silk or alpaca
That uses circs and dpns about half and half.
I drink coffee way more than tea and use whatever marker I can find (on the pile on my coffeetable.)
Socks and pullovers are knitted here way more than mittens and pullovers (but I'm enjoying the idea of mittens. A lot.)

Shirley's Introduction

2008-07-06T14:11:00.000-07:00

Hi!

I am Shirley from Georgia and my blog is "Artseycrafts" (also my sidebar name).

Left handed or right handed? Right handed and I also knit Continental.

Silk or alpaca? I mostly knit with wool or wool blends so I can't say if I like silk or alpaca.

Circular or double pointed? Definitely circulars but I will use dpn's if necessary.

Coffee or tea? Hmm, coffee, both hot or iced. Hot tea during the winter but iced during the summer.

Paper clips or beaded stitch markers? I like the inexpensive small Boye markers.

Mittens or socks? Primarily socks but I have knit a few pairs of mittens. Here in the South, we rarely need mittens or gloves so I am excited to have a worthy cause to knit them.

Pullovers or cardigans? Cardigans. Again, in our warm South a cardigan is about the only outerwear we ever need during Winter. (UhOh! I forgot about the Alice Starmore pullover currently on my needles.)

Thanks so much for this KAL. I like to knit for CIC and this should be fun.

Prizes, prizes, prizes!

2008-07-06T13:16:00.000-07:00

Yes, there will be prizes.

There will be two.

One will be awarded to the first person to post a picture of a completed PAIR of mittens following the knitalong instructions.

The other will be awarded to one person registered (name showing as a contributor); I'll do a random drawing at the conclusion.

Nice to be here!

2008-07-06T12:35:00.000-07:00

Hi, I am Kathy (aka KathyInIowa). In looking at these intro questions, guess I am sort of an either/or kinda gal.

Left or Right handed: I am a right handed thrower, but when it comes to color work, I use both hands.

Silk or Alpaca: Alpaca - love the stuff!

Circulars or Dpns: Either/or..... really enjoy working with both.

Coffee or Tea: Either/or.....I drink and enjoy them both.

Paper Clips or beaded Stitch Markers: I have some pretty markers, but usually use bits of colored crochet thread - it doesn't take up any space between the stitches.

Mittens Or Socks: Either /or.....I knit both and enjoy doing so.

Pullover or Cardigan: Again, Either/or.

Guess I'm either very wishy washy, or very flexible .... perhaps I should be worried? :)

Leslie's Intro :)

2008-07-06T08:12:00.000-07:00

Left handed or right handed?
Right handed thrower, but I can use the left one when knitting two-color - not too fast, but I can manage.

Silk or alpaca?
I'm a pedestrian wool or wool blend person. I have some lovely alpaca lace yarn from the Forest Path Stole KAL I tried some time ago. Maybe someday I'll try knitting with spiderwebs again.

Circular or double pointed?
Circular please. It's too easy to drop a dpn.

Coffee or tea?
Coffee hot or cold (sometimes it starts hot and ends up cold a couple of hours later when I finally finish it). Tea? Not so much although Chinese tea is good at the restaurant.

Paper clips or beaded stitch markers?
Well, I have to tell ya'. I have some lovely beaded stitch markers that were gifts. Normally, however, I'll use some of those Boye circular plastic ones that snap apart or those little-bitty colored elastic bands that you can get 200 for $1 in the hair care aisle. You know! The ones for little girl pony tails!

Mittens or socks?
Mittens! It takes forever to knit socks on 2mm needles although I do try from time to time. Mittens are fast and I'm all for instant gratification.

Pullovers or cardigans?
Cardigans if we're talking about me. They come off easily, they can be worn open if it's not terribly cold, you can tie them around your shoulders if it becomes too hot.

What am I using for this project? I have some nice Cascade 220 superwash in light blue and Knitaly superwash in a light blue. Since I have a full and a partial each of these will probably do a striped or a cuff and thumb in one color with the balance the other. The stash is simply too overgrown so I figured some mittens and maybe a little cardi or pullover would help ease the overcrowding.

I have pictures of the yarn in my stash list on Ravelry. If you belong, say hello! I'm Leslieileen.

Introductions

2008-07-06T07:58:00.000-07:00

I am:

right handed
silk
DPN
both coffee and tea for me, please!
paper clips, pieces of yarn, whatever is close by...
socks
cardigans

LizzieK8

2008-07-06T07:24:00.000-07:00

Left handed or right handed? Right

Silk or alpaca? Haven't knit with either, although I have a bunch of alpaca to spin.

Circular or double pointed? Both

Coffee or tea? Both; Coffee in the morning, tea in the afternoon

Paper clips or beaded stitch markers? Beaded - my daughter makes them for me

Mittens or socks? Both

Pullovers or cardigans? Neither

Introduction by Denise

2008-07-05T20:38:00.000-07:00

Hi mitten knitters! I am Denise of Denise's Needleworks. I am looking forward to our KAL!

Left handed or right handed? I am right handed. I throw my yarn usually but when I knit with 2 colors I use both hands.

Silk or alpaca? I enjoy both but I am more of a plain wool person.

Circular or double pointed? I do almost everything in the round on circular needles. If I have to knit a flat piece I will still use circular needles. I hate the sewing up part of knitting! For socks and mittens though I prefer double pointed needles. I would rather knit with the hedgehog/porcupine than the octopus!

Coffee or tea? I prefer tea to coffee but I am really partial to Pepsi.

Paper clips or beaded stitch markers? Has anyone seen my stitch markers? I have some really pretty ones somewhere but I can't find them! I will usually use whatever I can find though.

Mittens or socks? Both! I have been making a lot of mittens lately though but I do have 2 pair of socks on the needles too.

Pullovers or cardigans? Well, I wear both but at this point the cardigans are winning. They are better for the on/off of my personal summer moments. I have to admit that I am a woman of a "certain age." I am currently sample knitting a fair isle, cardigan sweater in a fingering weight, Norwegian yarn for designer, Terri Shea. Fine yarn and itty bitty needles for an entire sweater! Yes, I know, I am insane!

Introduction...

2008-07-05T20:06:00.000-07:00

Hi, I am Kimberly over at Woven ~N~ Spun. I am an Army wife and home school mom to 5. We live a pretty crazy life these days. Knitting, spinning, and weaving keep me sane.

Left handed or right handed? I am left handed, but I knit right handed continental

Silk or alpaca? Since my brother and SIL own an alpaca farm, I should say alpaca, but how about the best of both worlds and a blend *I am currently spinning a merino/silk/alpaca blend that is just so yummy.

Circular or double pointed? Circs all the way. I do have a few sets of dpns but I prefer circs for just about everything. I especially like the wood harmony ones from knit picks

Coffee or tea? Most certainly a coffee drinker but like iced tea as well.

Paper clips or beaded stitch markers? I prefer pretty pretty stitch markers, but will use whatever is handy when a stitch marker is called for.

Mittens or socks? I used to be a sock knitter, but alas, I have become a mitten and half finger glove gal over the last year or so.

Pullovers or cardigans? I am on a toddler sweater kick and would say pullovers, but may try my hand at steeking a cardigan soon....maybe.

Introduce yourself, please!

2008-07-05T18:42:00.001-07:00

I know we can peek at everyone's profile, but this is MUCH more accurate ;)

Left handed or right handed?

Silk or alpaca?

Circular or double pointed?

Coffee or tea?

Paper clips or beaded stitch markers?

Mittens or socks?

Pullovers or cardigans?

What yarn did you pick out?

2008-07-05T16:12:00.000-07:00

Hi, fellow Mystery Mitten Knitters!

What are ya'll using for yarn? From my stash I really have only 100% wool (plus some 100% acrylic, but I don't really want to use that.) Is anyone else using all wool? What color(s) are you using?

I have a really bright yellow yarn that I might use. I'm tempted to dye some of it into variegated colors for use somehow (but it's still a mystery.)

Looking forward to starting--this will be my first mystery KAL ever (and I'm going to try to do it right without waiting to see pics at the end. :)

Maybe I'll go dye yarn now....

Clue 1 - Materials List

2008-07-03T14:33:00.000-07:00

Mystery Mittens

Clue 1

Materials List

Option 1: Solid Color Mittens

50 grams of worsted weight yarn. Lighter or medium colors will work better than darker colors. Avoid varigated yarns.

Option 2: Two-colored mittens

25 grams of worsted weight yarn (darks or varigated are OK) - Color A

25 grams of worsted weight yarn in a light or medium solid - Color B

Set of double pointed needles to get a gauge of about 5-1/2 stitches per inch. (I used American size 4 or 3.5 mm).

Cable needle or extra double point needle

Waste yarn for marking thumb placement

A small amount of yarn in a contrasting color for adding embroidered detail.

Download a .pdf of Clue 1 here

Want to join the knitalong?

2008-07-03T11:21:00.000-07:00

If you'd like an invitation to be a "contributor", email Jean through the profile link to the right.

Coming soon -

2008-07-02T09:50:00.000-07:00

This blog will be used to track participation in a knitalong in mid-July.

The knitalong project will be a pair of preschooler-sized mittens intended for charity donation.

Skill level: Advanced beginner: knit and purl in the round on double-pointed needles, read a pattern from a graph, simple cables.

Materials list will be posted by Friday, July 4.

Instructions will begin Sunday, July 6.