Warm Pink Mittens

Mittens are a form of  winter wear that keeps the hands warm and come in a variety of styles. Unlike gloves they are easier to knit because they lack defined fingers other than the thumb. Mittens are one of the easiest garments to create because you only need to use minimal shaping techniques. Knitting mittens is much like knitting socks, they're quick, easy, inexpensive, and make an ideal gift.This pattern is suitable for novice knitters. Once you've got the hang of it, you can customize the fit and design to the suit the needs of your intended recipient.
This pattern size is Teens/ Adult
To knit these mittens you will need:

1 ball Chunky Type Yarn

Knitting Needles: Size 5 mm (U.S. 8) or whichever needles you require to produce the tension given below.

Tension: 18 sts and 24 rows = 4 ins [10 cm] in stocking st.

Instructions:
Left Mitt: **Cast on 34 sts.

Row 1: (RS). K2. *P2. K2. Rep from * to end of row.
Row 2: P2. *K2. P2. Rep from * to end of row.
Rep these 2 rows K2. P2 ribbing for 2 ins (6 cm) ending on a 2nd row.

Box Pattern:
Row 1: * k2, P2 rep from * to end
Row 2: as row 1
Row 3: * P2, K2  rep from* to end
Row 4: as row 3
These four rowws form box pattern

Work 4 rows box pattern**
Shape thumb: 1st row: work 15sts in pattern. (M1. K1) twice. pattern to end of row.

2nd and alt rows: pattern but Purl thumb stitches.       

3rd row: pattern 15 sts. M1. K3. M1. pattern to end of row.

5th row: patten 15 sts. M1. K5. M1. pattern to end of row.

7th row: pattern 15sts. M1. K7. M1. pattern to end of row.

9th row: pattern15. M1. K9. M1. pattern to end of row. 44 sts.

11th row: pattern27. Turn. Cast on 1 st. P13 (including cast on st). Turn. Cast on 1 st. K14.

 ***Beg with a purl row, work 9 rows in stocking st.

 Next row: (K2tog) 7 times. Break yarn. Thread end through rem sts. Draw up and fasten securely. Sew thumb seam. With RS of work facing, join yarn to last st on right hand needle. Pick up and knit 2 sts at base of thumb. pattern across sts on left hand needle. 34 sts.

Cont even until work from top of ribbing measures 6 ins [15 cm] ending with RS facing for next row.

Shape top: 1st row: K1. Sl1. K1. psso. pattern 11. K2tog. K2. Sl1. K1. psso. pattern 11. K2tog. K1.

2nd and alt rows: Pattern (no shaping)

3rd row: K1. Sl1. K1. psso. pattern 9. K2tog. K2. Sl1. K1. psso. pattern 9. K2tog. K1.

 Cont in this manner, having 2 sts less between dec every alt row to 18 sts. Cast off purlways. Sew top and side seam.***

Right Mitt: Work from ** to ** as given for Left Mitt.

Shape thumb: 1st row: pattern18. (M1. K1) twice. pattern to end of row.

2nd and alt rows: patter but Purl across thumb sts.

3rd row: pattern 18. M1. K3. M1. pattern to end of row.

5th row: pattern 18. M1. K5. M1. pattern to end of row.

7th row: pattern 18. M1. K7. M1. pattern to end of row.

9th row: pattern 18. M1. K9. M1. pattern to end of row. 44 sts.

 11th row: patern 30. Turn. Cast on 1 st. P13 (including cast on st). Turn. Cast on 1 st. pattern14. Work from *** to *** as given for Left Mitt.

Mittens are an excellent project for using up all those leftover yarn scraps you don't need special supplies, not much yarn. Why not donate a set of mitts to a Christmas gift fayre. Or if you're looking to do a good deed, try knitting mittens to donate to charities in the winter months and help keep someone warm.
If you would like to knit these mittens for charity please see :
'Thoughtful Thursday' Warm Winter Project
'Knitting to Help Bridge and Beyond'
'Knit with loving hands'
'knit with love' earlier posts also on this blog. These charities and many more like them, need your help.

Earthquake Victims Need Help!

In september I dedicated this blog to Knitting for charity and covered many worthy causes that need knitters help. Now I am asking for help as an  7.2 Earth quake has hit Van in Eastern Turkey and blankets are urgently needed as temperatures are due to drop. The quake hit yesterday triggering the collapse of buildings and killing many people, at least 10 buildings in central Van and 25 buildings in the Erciş district, including a dormitory, collapsed. Aid teams handed out parcels of bread and food, while people wrapped in blankets huddled around open fires after spending a cold night on the streets. Blankets and warm clothing are urgently needed.

Knitters Can Help!

To make and send 8"/20cm squares takes little time, costs little and DOES make a difference.

Knitting Instructions: For one 8"/20 cms square, you will need:

Yarn from a 100 gram (3.5 oz) ball of yarn or scraps of yarn or wool. worsted (USA), double knit (UK)

Size 6mm needles (Aus) 4 (UK, Canada) 10 (US

1.Cast on 32 stitches (try to make your stitches neither too loose nor too tight to help ensure uniform squares)

2. Row 1: knit

3. Row 2: knit. These two rows form the 'garter' stitch knitting pattern for your square

4. Continue knitting as per these two rows until you have knitted a square

5. To ensure you square is 8"/20cm either use a tape measure or form a triangle by folding one corner of your square over to meet the opposite corner - if all sides are equal - then you have a square!                            

6. Cast off
7. Use your yarn sewing needle to sew in all the yarn ends using a darning method

VERY IMPORTANT

Leave a one metre (one and a quarter yards) length of your yarn attached to your work after you have cast off. This will be used to join the squares together. If you're an experienced knitter and enjoy working with different stitches, (eg stocking, moss, basket weave) or a combination of stitches and patterns, then please enjoy yourself and be creative with your squares.
Apart from blankets also scarfs, hats mittens also needed.

Please Help If You Can

Once you have your knitted (or crochet) donation please get intouch to arrange delivery you can reach me by leaving a message here (don't forget to leave your contact details)
or www.facebook.com/knittinggalore
or dbjones5559@yahoo.com
or dbjones5559@hotmail.co.uk