Sunday, November 15, 2009

Gearing Up


A friend and I saw a really cute pair of mismatched mittens earlier this fall. Given their $50.00 dollar price tag, there was no way I could afford them, but I thought, "I can make those!" So I found this book in the library, and tested the pattern this weekend. I thought I would start out simple and make a matching pair first, before I went and got all wild and crazy. Plus I thought, if these worked out, they would make a perfect Christmas present for my husband. (Though after he politely informed me that he isn't a mitten person - I went back and added the buttons. Purple really isn't his color - he's really more of an autumn.)

Once I tweaked the pattern they were really easy and quick to make. Perhaps two hours from start to finish. They are done mostly by machine, but I did stitch on the cuffs by hand. Another reason they took so long is they are lined in fleece so it took extra time to make the lining. But it was worth it because I love how soft they are inside. They're going to be warm too, with a layer both felted wool and fleece they're going to be perfect for our chilly Mackinac Island winters.

A bunch of us island gals plan to get together after school during the first week of December and have a Mitten Making Party. We figured if everyone brought a felted sweater or two we would have enough different colors and patterns to choose from to make some really funky mittens. I'll be sure to get pictures and post them after the party. I can't wait to see what we all come up with!

15 comments:

Indy Mom said...

Love it! You are so clever. They sure LOOK knitted in the picture.

Joanna said...

Awesome! would you ever part with the pattern?

Allie said...

Those look SO warm and pretty - a mitten making party sounds wonderful!

Mama Said Sew said...

Those are fabulous Liz! Can't wait to see the results of the Mitten Making Party. How about a mitten tutorial? :)

Kelly Fletcher said...

Hi Liz. Thanks for the good wishes. Your mittens are fantastic, they look so pro. Just the thing for a cold winter...

Manoute said...

They look really warm. Well done :o)

stitching under oaks said...

great job! I'm such a mitten person...these are beautiful and they look so warm!

Val said...

Would you be willing to post instructions on the blog some time? I want to trying felting, but am a bit afraid...

Fern said...

Wonderful idea, and they look so cosy!

pam said...

Oh Liz, won't you pleeeeez share the pattern and how-to with all of us?

Anonymous said...

Love your mittens... well done! I had to pop over to tell you that your comment on my blog made me laugh out loud!! No wonder you haven't seen any fairies! Too funny!
Blessings and magic.

The Magic Onions said...

That last comment was from me... don't know why it said Anon?
Blessings and magic.

The Magic Onions said...

That last comment was from me... don't know why it said Anon?
Blessings and magic.

Anonymous said...

Great job! Don't you feel smart when you craft things that are overpriced all by yourself? WEll done.

miranda said...

I heart them like the kids heart strawberry milk! They make me have lingering thoughts of snowmen and hot cocoa. Adorable in every sence of the word.... And I agree, "A" is more of an autumn :)