What I’ve been knitting this November
I’ve been knitting more than crocheting lately. So many knitting patterns suit the colder months! I’ve been learning a lot. I started crocheting about 3 years ago and only tried knitting this past year, so I’m still relatively new to the craft.
Mittens in spring colors
For the first time ever, I used double pointed needles to make mittens. I found a colorwork pattern that featured a lovely floral motif all around the mitten, so I decided to go for it.
It’s the Flowers of Fortrose mittens pattern, and you can get it as a kit if you choose. There’s also a cute matching hat—haven’t made that yet.
I decided to work with the colors and yarns that have been sitting in my stash for weeks. The pattern called for fine/fingering weight yarns—and I tried my best to stick to that. Some of the colors I chose were rated closer to sport/weight 2, but it ended up being close enough. I really wanted to use up some yarn I already had.
The pastel pink/purple yarn is a 100% merino wool that I got on sale from Hobby Lobby before we moved out of Utah. For the motifs, I used what I’d call celery green, bright yellow green, ice blue, and this random white blend with hot pink flecks.
While the colorwork was challenging, I’m so excited by how these turned out. Now that I’ve tried switching between the many strands of yarn, I think I’ll be able to make these again! Maybe with a darker main color, so that the contrast is a little stronger.
Here’s a photo of the finished pair, taken in front of the rock display at Quincy’s in Dollar Bay.
Aurora Borealis hat
More colorwork in the round! This was another beginner pattern—so that I can keep getting the hang of reading charts and switching between yarns. The Learn to Knit Fair Isle Cap has a cute star/flower motif. Such a classic knit!
The colorful purple yarn (100% wool) and bright, almost neon green (100% cotton) reminded me of the northern lights when paired together.
I love the end result, although my gauge was a little bit off from the pattern. My hat ended up slightly too large, so I added a silly-but-cute chin tie to keep it more secure. Very gnome core.
Great for keeping warm on a walk with Cooper.
More mittens—but with holiday colors
I do have some holiday-themed patterns I want to work on next, but first felt the itch to make another pair of mittens. I found another pattern featuring a floral motif—the Botany mittens. This time, I used worsted acrylic yarn that’s been sitting in my stash. I chose to use pine green and bright red, on theme for the upcoming holidays.
With the thicker yarn, you’d think these would knit up a little faster than the first, more complicated pair… but I feel like they took me just as long (between 1-2 weeks).
Honestly, this pattern was a bit challenging. It featured a folded over picot edge at the wrist. With the bolder florals, I found that I had to remember to float the yarn behind even more than usual—to maintain good tension. I would also frequently miscount and have to backtrack rows.
But I’m so happy I stuck with it, because I love the end result! They’re surprisingly warm, too, despite using acrylic yarn.
What’s next?
I have some holiday-themed patterns in my queue! Ornaments, garlands, maybe a cute stocking for the fireplace at our new home??
I am planning to make some Christmas gifts—but I’m carefully choosing simpler patterns this year so that I don’t get fatigued halfway through.
Happy holidays and good luck with your own gift planning! Whether you’re handmaking some or not, it’s all a lot of work. I do love seeing loved ones opening them all. :)
