These mitts are really all about the yarn. Which I bought at my first Rhinebeck in 2007. It was near the end of the day and I was wandering through one of the sheep barns when I saw three little skeins sitting all forlorn by themselves. The husband was tending the area and he didn't know much but I also don't recall asking any questions. It was priced right and seemed lovely, but didn't give it much thought beyond that.
The yarn went to live in my stash till now. I pulled it out to try this pattern (Natalya by Jody Pirrello) and that's when I started to observe what I was really working with. Oooh. A very simple straightforward two ply, but quite special in it's honest presentation. Probably hand spun. Maybe by the farmer's wife? And the color? Very rich, Garnet Red. I'm not completely sure, but it seems the base wool was dark - perhaps a gray or moorit? So was it dyed after it was spun? Was the wool carded with multiple colors? There are glints of gold, green and blue in here. And a shadow of gray or brown. Really lovely stuff.
After these soaked and blocked, the yarn bloomed beautifully. And now the mitts are soft yet sturdy enough for everyday. Best of all, they don't look likely to pill (my nemesis). The cabled pattern makes a nice warm mitt. These are winners in my book.
I started the project fully intending to gift them (as seems to be the normal course of things lately - all gifts, all the time). But after working with the yarn a bit and tweaking the pattern a bit I could not bear to let them go. These are staying with me, and I'll have to make another pair to give as a gift. Oh well.
11 comments:
Oh, how wonderful all the way around. I loooooove the Natalya pattern, and that yarn sounds exACTly my cup of tea!
Gorgeous mitts! That yarn is just lovely.
They are beautiful! Did you see that I'm stealing your idea and morphing it into a personal handmitt club? I spent last week printing out mitt patterns, bought the ziplock bags, and I'm hoping to go through my stash and start bagging up yarn with patterns. Thanks for the inspiration!
Lisa, You are such a cutie in your colorful hat and wooly mittens. Your work is beautiful!!!
Keep them indeed! They are gorgeous.
i love mismatched (but coordinating) handknits. looks fabulous!
oooh, you made a handspun wurm hat! The gloves look great...I bet they even got some use yesterday.
Gorgeous mitts! And I love the hat, too!
That yarn is amazing! It looks perfect in that pattern -- obviously those mitts were meant to stay with you!
Love your mitts! I have been on a mitt making kick lately and yours are gorgeous!
These are very cool! I could use a pair today, as I have been keeping a fire for the last two days! Nice work
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