Crazy 8 Mystery Mittens

Today, I am feeling Crazy!   ?!Let's post a mystery mitten and see what happens?!

Taking inspiration from the mission and guidelines of Wool-Aid, Crazy 8 Cable Mittens are designed to create warm woolen mittens for a child who lives in the coldest climate and has the least access to resources. The cables are worked with 5 stitches held to back, and 3 knit from the left. The set is worked with rhythmic rib patterns, can be knit in a weekend or two, and makes the mittens perfect for a charity such as Wool Aid. This may be considered an intermediate level pattern because knowledge of cable and stitch construction is helpful.

Finished size: Adult/teen

Mittens: flat 6”, stretch to 12” circumference;  height 12”

Gauge: 5 stitches = 1” Adjust needle size to match gauge.

Materials:

Yarn: bulky wool 200 yards,150grams

Photo: Crazy 8 Cable Mittens are knit in Knit Picks Wool of the Andes Bulky, color: Navy

Needles: Size US#8 (5mm) your choice: two 16”or 24”circular needles, or 9”circular needles, and

size US#8 set of double pointed needles for the mittens.

Notions: Stitch markers, cable needle, tapestry needle, 2 yards yarn different color,

set of smaller double pointed needles

Abbreviations: 

  k = knit      p= purl      Rnd/s=round/s

 yo= yarn over       k2tog=knit 2 together

p2tog=purl 2 together       st/s=stitch/es

M1= make one stitch

(Helpful hint: I prefer the M1 (m1tbp): place point of working (right-hand) needle behind other needle, inserting needle from the top through the purl stitch below next stitch, and knit, then knit the stitch above.)

Special Stitches:

t3 = twist3: slip one stitch, knit1, yarn over, knit1, pass slipped stitch over the three stitches

c8B = cable 8 Back: slip 5 stitches to cable needle and hold in back of work, knit 3 from the left-hand needle, then work the 5 stitches from cable needle as purl 2, knit 3.

Directions: Make two mittens.

Use the long-tail cast-on method, with size US#8, your choice of two16” circular needles, set of double pointed needles, or 9” circular needle. The mittens are worked from wrist to fingers.

(Helpful hint: I prefer working both mittens, at the same time, on two 16”circular needle. KNITTING circles around SOCKS by Antje Gillingham is an excellent resource for getting started.)

Cast on 40 stitches. Place marker & join together by knitting first stitch being careful not to twist.

Work ribbing as follows:

Rib rnds 1-13: * K2, p2; repeat from * to end                      40 sts (back of hand 16sts, palm 24sts)

Rib rnd 14: (M1, k2, p2)4 times; * k2, p2; repeat from * to end.      44sts (back of hand 20sts, palm 24sts)

Rib rnd 15: t3, p2, c8B, p2, t3, p2, * k2, p2; repeat from * to end.

Work mitten/s as follows:

Rnds 1- 4: (back of hand) (K3, p2)4 times, (palm) * k2, p2; repeat from * to end.

Rnd 5: t3, p2, (k3, p2) twice, t3, p2, * k2, p2; repeat from * to end.

Rnds 6 - 9: (K3, p2)4 times, * k2, p2; repeat from * to end.

Rnd 10: t3, p2, (k3, p2) twice, t3, p2, * k2, p2; repeat from * to end.

Rnds 11 -14: (K3, p2)4 times, * k2, p2; repeat from * to end.

Rnd 15: t3, p2, c8B, p2, t3, p2, * k2, p2; repeat from * to end.

Rnds 16- 19: (K3, p2)4 times, * k2, p2; repeat from * to end.

Rnd 20: t3, p2, (k3, p2)twice t3, p2, * k2, p2; repeat from * to end.

(The mittens are identical. The next five rounds will determine the right and left thumb placement.)

Right thumb gusset:

Rnd 21: (back of hand) (K3, p2)4times, then (palm)k2, p2, pm, (M1,k1)twice, pm, p2, *k2, p2; repeat from * to end.

Rnd 22: (K3, p2)4times, then k2, p2, sm, k4, sm, p2, * k2, p2; repeat from * to end

Rnd 23: (K3, p2)4times, then k2, p2, sm, M1,k1, k2, M1,k1, sm, p2, * k2, p2; repeat from * to end

Rnd 24: (K3, p2)4times, then k2, p2, sm, k6, sm, p2, * k2, p2; repeat from * to end. (48sts)

Right thumb opening:

Rnd 25:(back of hand) t3, p2, (k3, p2)twice, t3, p2, then (palm)k2, p2, drop MC yarn, with a strand of different colored yarn(working between markers), k6, turn, p6 back. Drop colored strand, pick up MC, k6 across 6 stitches once more, and continue p2, * k2, p2; repeat to end. The thumb will be put in later.

Left thumb gusset:

Rnd 21: (back of hand) (K3, p2)4times, then (palm)(k2, p2)4times, pm, (M1,k1)twice, pm, p2, k2, p2.

Rnd 22: (K3, p2)4times, then (k2, p2)4times, sm, k4, sm, p2, k2, p2.

Rnd 23: (K3, p2)4times, then (k2, p2)4times, sm, M1,k1, k2, M1,k1, sm, p2, k2, p2.

Rnd 24: (K3, p2)4times, then (k2, p2)4times, sm, k6, sm, p2, k2, p2. (48sts)

Left thumb opening:

Rnd 25: (back of hand) t3, p2, (k3, p2)twice, t3, p2, then (palm)(k2, p2)4times, drop MC yarn, with a strand of different colored yarn(working between markers), k6, turn, p6 back. Drop colored strand, pick up MC, k6 across 6 stitches once more, p2, k2, p2. The thumb will be put in later.

Continue to work mitten/s as follows:       (remove markers)

Rnds 26- 29: (K3, p2)4 times; * k2, p2; repeat from * to end

Rnd 30: t3, p2, c8B, p2, t3, p2, * k2, p2; repeat from * to end

Rnds 31- 50: work mitten Rnds 1-20.

                            (4.5” from yarn thumb marker)

Work mitten decreases as follows:

Rnd 1: (K3, p2)4times, * k2, p2; repeat from * to end.

Rnd 2: (K3, p2tog)4times, * k2, p2tog; repeat from * to end.

Rnd 3: (K1, k2tog, p1)4times, * k2, p1; repeat from * to end.

Rnd 4: *K2, p1; repeat from * to end.

Rnd 5: *K2tog, p1; repeat from * to end.

Rnd 6: *K1, p1; repeat from * to end.

Rnd 7: *K2tog; repeat from * to end.

Cut 12” yarn, and thread end through remaining stitches. Pull together, and tie off neatly.

Work thumb/s as follows: 
Carefully slide the 6sts below, and 6sts above the colored yarn to 2 (smaller spare) double pointed needles. Carefully remove the colored yarn.

Attach MC yarn, working with Size US #8, double pointed needles, k2, p2, k2, then pick up 2 stitches and purling at the end of each needle, working one round. (You'll have the rib pattern established, and 8sts on the two needles. This will help avoid “holes” on the sides, and offer comfort for the thumb.) Now, work the thumb onto 3 double pointed needles, or two circular needles.

Thumb rnds 1-13: * K2, p2; repeat from * to end.

Work the thumb 2.5” then begin the thumb decreases.

Work thumb decreases as follows:

Rnd 1: * K2, p2tog; repeat from * to end

Rnd 2: * K2, p1; repeat from * to end

Rnd 3: * K2tog, p1; repeat from * to end

Rds 4: * K2tog; repeat from * to end

Cut 12” yarn, and thread end through remaining stitches. Pull together, and tie off neatly.

Finishing: Weave in tails. Make the second mitten.

This mystery pattern is available on http://marilynnsgardenknitdesign.blogspot.com

This pattern is not yet available on Ravelry.com

Copyright 2018, Marilynn Blacketer. All rights reserved. 5/07/18

Please contact me  Ravelry . "send a message"

For pattern support please contact: marilynnblacketer@gmail.com

Wintery Mittens and Hat

Early in November, while in Seattle, and getting ready to happily push a stroller through the snow, I knew I needed a good pair of wintery mittens and hat! 

Once I returned home, I ordered yarn, gathered supplies, designed and knitted the Wintery Mittens and Hat.  I would be ready for our New Year's visit!  
(And the pattern is ready to publish in celebration of Groundhog Day)

Wintery Mittens

Marilynn Blacketer '18

 

The Wintery Mittens are a companion to the Wintery Hat. They are designed left & right hand neutral, and if finished neatly, reversible! The mittens are worked from wrist to fingers in bulky weight yarn, with a gusset-afterthought thumb. They can be knit in a weekend, or two, making them a perfect accessory, gift, or for charity. This may be considered an intermediate level pattern because knowledge of stitch construction is helpful.

Finished sizes:

Adult: Flat 6”, stretches to 12”circumference, height 12”

Child: Flat 5”, stretches to 10”circumference, height 10”

Infant: Flat 4”, stretches to 8”circumference, height 8”

Gauge: (size #8 needles) 6 stitches =1” flat 2x2 ribbing; Adjust needle size to match gauge.

Materials:

Yarn: Wool or wool blend in bulky weight;

Adult: 200 yards/7oz; (two skeins);   Child 125yds/3.5oz;   Infant: 95yds/2.5oz

Photo: Wintery Mittens are knit in Knit Picks Chroma Twist Bulky; color: Lupine

Needles: Two Size US#8, 16”or 24” circular needles, set Size US#8 double pointed needles

(I prefer to knit both mittens at the same time on two circular needles.

KNITTING circles around SOCKS by Antje Gillingham is an excellent resource for getting started.)

Notions: Stitch markers, tapestry needle, 2 yards different color yarn, (smaller spare) set double pointed needles

Abbreviations: CO = cast on       K = knit       p = purl      k2tog= knit 2 stitches together p2togbl=purl 2 stitches together through the back loop       MC = main color      pm=place marker

sm=slip marker      Rnd/s = rounds       st/s = stitch/es      M1=make one stitch

(I prefer the M1 (m1tbp): place point of working (right-hand) needle behind other needle, inserting needle from the top through the purl stitch below next stitch, and knit, then knit the stitch above.)

Directions: Make two mittens. Directions are written for size adult [child, infant in brackets]

Use the long-tail cast-on method, with two Size US #8, 16” circular needles, 

cast on 40 [36, 32] stitches.     Place marker & join together by knitting first stitch being careful not to twist. (20 [16&20, 12]sts per two needles)

Cuff Rnds: *Knit 2, purl 2; repeat from * to end

Work mittens 6”[4”, 3”]

For a deeper cuff, work extra rounds before working the thumb gusset and opening.

Thumb gusset:

Rnd 1: K2, p2, pm, (M1,k1)twice, pm, p2, *k2, p2; repeat from * to end.

Rnd 2: K2, p2, sm, k4, sm, p2, * k2, p2: repeat from * to end.

Rnd 3: K2, p2, sm, M1,k1, k2, M1,k1, sm, p2, * k2, p2; repeat from * to end.

Rnd 4: K2, p2, sm, k6, sm, p2, * k2, p2; repeat from * to end. (44 [40, 36])sts

Thumb opening: K2, p2, drop MC yarn, with a strand of different colored yarn (working between markers), k6, turn and p6 back. Drop colored strand, pick up MC, k2, p2, k2 across 6 stitches, p2, then * k2, p2; repeat from * to the end. Remove markers, and the thumb will be put in later.

Hand Rnds: Continue * K2, p2; repeat from * to end

Continue to work mittens 5” [3.5”, 2.5”] from thumb marker, then begin the finger decreases.

Rnd 1: * K2, p2togtbl; repeat from * to end (making the mittens very reversible)

Rnd 2: * K2, p1; repeat from * to end

Rnd 3: * K2tog, p1; repeat from * to end

Rnd 4: * K1, p1; repeat from * to end

Rnd 5: * K2tog; repeat from * to end

Cut 12” yarn, and thread end through remaining stitches.

Pull together, and tie off neatly for a very reversible mitten.

Thumb: Carefully slide the 6sts below, and 6sts above the colored yarn to 2 (smaller spare) double pointed needles. Carefully remove the colored yarn.

Attach MC yarn, working with Size US #8, double pointed needles, knit 2, purl 2, knit 2, then pick up 2 stitches and purling at the end of each needle, working one round. (You'll have the rib pattern established, and 8sts on the two needles. This will help avoid “holes” on the sides, and offer comfort for the thumb.) Now work the thumb onto 3 double pointed needles, or two circular needles.

Thumb Rnds: * K2, p2; repeat from * to end.

Work the thumb 2.5” [2”, 1.5”] then begin the thumb decreases.

[Infant: Work Rnds 1, 3, 5]

Rnd 1: * K2, p2togbl; repeat from * to end

Rnd 2: * K2, p1; repeat from * to end

Rnd 3: * K2tog, p1; repeat from * to end

Rnd 4: * K1, p1; repeat from * to end

Rds 5: * K2tog; repeat from * to end

Cut 12” yarn, and thread end through remaining stitches.

Pull together, and tie off neatly for a very reversible mitten.

Finishing: Weave in tails. Make the second mitten.

Wintery Hat

Marilynn Blacketer '18

The Wintery Hat is a companion to the Wintery Mittens. The hat can be knit in a weekend, or two, making it a perfect gift, accessory or for charity. This may be considered an advanced beginner level pattern because knowledge of stitch construction is helpful. If finished neatly, it's reversible!

Finished sizes:

Adult: flat 14”, stretches to 22”circumference, height 13”

Child: flat 12”, stretches to 20”circumference, height 11”

Infant: flat 10”, stretches to 16”circumference, height 9”

Gauge: (size #8 needles) 6 stitches =1” flat 2x2 ribbing. Adjust needle size to match gauge.

Materials: Yarn: Wool or wool blend in Bulky weight

Adult: 140 yard/5oz (possibly two skeins); Child: 125 yards /3.5 oz; Infant: 100 yards/2.5 oz

Photo: Wintery Hat is knit in Knit Picks Chroma Twist Bulky; color: Lupine

Needles: Size US#8, 16”, [16, 12”], circular needles, set size US#8 double pointed needles

Notions: Stitch marker, tapestry needle

Abbreviations: CO = cast on      k=knit      k2tog = knit 2 stitches together      p = purl

p2togbl= purl 2 stitches together through the back loop       Rnd/s = round/s      sts = stitches

Directions: Directions are written for size adult [child, infant in brackets] (Notes in Italic)

Use the long-tail cast-on method, with size US#8, 16” [16”, 12”] circular needles, cast on 80, [72, 64] stitches. Place marker & join together by knitting first stitch being careful not to twist.

Hat Rnds: * Knit 2, purl 2; repeat from * to end

Work hat 12”, [10”, 8”]. (10 to 7 yards/grams remaining for crown decreases)

For a taller hat, or deeper fold-up brim work extra rounds before starting the crown decreases.

Crown Decreases: Change to double pointed needles when needed.

Rnd 1: * Knit 2, p2togbl; repeat from * to end (making the hat very reversible)

Rnds 2, 3: * Knit 2, purl 1; repeat from * to end

Rnd 4: * K2tog, purl 1; repeat from * to end

Rnds 5, 6: * Knit 1, purl 1; repeat from * to end

Rnds 7, 8: * K2tog; repeat from * until 10 [9, 8] sts remain.

Finishing: Cut 12” yarn, and thread end through remaining stitches.

Pull together, and tie off neatly for a reversible hat.

This pattern is available on  marilynnsgardenknitdesign.blogspot.com.

Wintery Mittens and Hat pattern pdf is available on Ravelry (login needed)

Copyright 2018, Marilynn Blacketer. All rights reserved. 2-02-18

For pattern support please contact: marilynnblacketer@gmail.com

Here are photos of the process: 

I gathered supplies.

 

I balled the yarn, and selected the two most similar to work the mittens.  The third would be worked into the hat.

I worked the cuff, gusset, and ready to work in the scrap yarn for the afterthought thumb.

 

Holidays and family arrived, I finished the mittens, and hat forgetting to take progress photos.

Wintery Mittens and Hats were ready for a New Year's Day adventure.

This pattern is available on  marilynnsgardenknitdesign.blogspot.com.

Wintery Mittens and Hat pattern pdf is available on Ravelry (login needed)

Copyright 2018, Marilynn Blacketer. All rights reserved. 2-02-18

For pattern support please contact: marilynnblacketer@gmail.com

MixMatch Hockey Socks (and Hat)

Have fun working the MixMatch Hockey Socks with a gradient, self striping, or create-your-own-from-stash acrylic or acrylic blend in worsted or aran weight yarn. The hockey socks (and hat) can be worked in a weekend or two making them the perfect gift or accessory for any young skater. The MixMatch set is designed to fit a 6 to 8 year old, but can easily be made larger by working with larger needles.

MixMatch Hockey Socks

Finished size: top cuff: 10” flat, stretch to 14” circumference; ankle cuff: 8” flat, stretch 10” circumference; leg height: 27”

Gauge: 4 stitches = 1” Adjust needle size, and row count to match gauge.

Materials: Yarn: acrylic or acrylic blend in worsted or aran weight

Photo: Premier Yarns, Sweet Roll; 100% acrylic 245yards/5oz 2 cakes= 490 yards

The model is 7 years old. Working from the inside and the outside of two cakes of SWEET ROLL, the mix-matched socks are 27” long, and remaining yarn was knit into a slouchy hat.

Needles: Size US#7 and US#8, 16”and/or 24” circular needles, or size US#7 and US#8 set double pointed needles (I prefer to knit both leg warmers at the same time on two circular needles.) 

Notions: Stitch markers, tapestry needle

Abbreviations: CO=cast on      k=knit     p=purl       k2tog=knit 2 stitches together       Rnd/s=round/s       sts=stitches

Directions: (Make two leg warmers.)

Top Cuff:

With size US#8 needles, use the long-tail cast-on method. Cast on 48 stitches.

Place marker & join together by knitting first stitch being careful not to twist.

Rnds 1-20: With US#7 needles, *Knit 2, purl 2; repeat from * to end (3”from CO)

Leg: With US#8 needles,

Rnds 1-19: Knit

Rnd 20: K1, k2tog, knit to last 2sts, k2tog

Work Rnds 1-20 six times (12sts decreased = 36sts)

Work until leg measures 24” from CO. For a longer leg, knit extra rounds before working ankle cuff.

Ankle Cuff:

With size US#7 needles, Rnds 1-20: * Knit 2, purl 2; repeat from * to end

Finishing: With size US#8 needle, bind off loosely in pattern. Weave in tails.

Make the second leg warmer.

 MixMatch Hat

Finished size: flat 15”, stretches to 22” circumference, height 11”

Gauge: 4 stitches = 1” Adjust needle size to match gauge.

Materials: Yarn: acrylic or acrylic blend in worsted or aran weight

Photo: Premier Yarns, Sweet Roll; 100% acrylic 245yards/5oz (2cakes) for hockey socks;    2.5oz remaining yarn for hat

Needles: Size US#7 and US#8, 16” circular needles, and US#8 set double pointed needles

Notions: Stitch markers, tapestry needle

Abbreviations: CO=cast on       K=knit    P=purl     Rnd/s=round/s    sts=stitches      k2tog=knit 2 stitches together

Directions: Directions are written for size Child.

Brim: With size US#7, 16” circular needles, use the long-tail cast-on method. Cast on 72 stitches. Place marker & join together by knitting first stitch being careful not to twist.

Rnds 1-20: * Knit 2, purl 2; repeat from * to end (3” from CO)

Hat:

With US #8, 16”circular needles, Knit. Work for 10”from CO. For a taller hat, work extra rounds of pattern before starting the crown decreases.

Crown:

Change to double pointed needles when needed.

Rnd 1: * K4, k2tog; repeat from * to end

Rnds 2, 4, 6, 8 : Knit

Rnd 3: * K3, k2tog; repeat from * to end

Rnd 5: * K2, k2tog; repeat from * to end Rnd 7: * K1, k2tog; repeat from * to end

Rnds 9, 10: * K2tog; repeat from * to end

Finishing: Cut 12” yarn and thread end through remaining stitches. Pull together, and tie off neatly, and weave in tails.

This pattern is available on marilynnsgardenknitdesign.blogspot.com

 MixMatch Hockey Socks (and Hat) pdf is available on Ravelry.

Copyright 2018, Marilynn Blacketer. All rights reserved. 1-21-18

For pattern support please contact: marilynnblacketer@gmail.com 

Here are photos of the process:

 

With two cakes of Sweet Roll, I needed to gather needles and a few markers.

Worked from the inside and the outside of two cakes of SWEET ROLL.

As the hockey socks became longer, I worked with them in a project bag.  I placed an orange marker to note the Rnd 20 decreases.

Following six (Rd 20) decreases, it was time to work the cuff ribbing.  I didn't take a photo of the fisnished legwarmers, but started right away on the mix-match hat.

 

With the remaining yarn, I worked a hat.

MixMatch Hockey Socks & Hat!

This pattern is available on marilynnsgardenknitdesign.blogspot.com

 MixMatch Hockey Socks (and Hat) pdf is available on Ravelry.

Copyright 2018, Marilynn Blacketer. All rights reserved. 1-21-18

For pattern support please contact: marilynnblacketer@gmail.com