Yesterday started out with skies clearer than we've seen, but it was so co-o-old and it stayed cold all day. When the weather is frightful it's so nice to wrap up in the warmth of wool scarves, hats and mittens. I've found that fingers just don't stay warm enough in gloves.
Fingers are happier snuggled together in a warm nest of wool. In my last post on mittens I said they weren't very comfortable and it was Sylvia's comment that helped me see the light. She said the fit of a mitten could make a difference and it was then I realized fingers confined in a too small area were unhappy. One must find the right mitten, the right fit and style.
In an effort to find the perfect fit I wore all the mittens shown in that last post. When wearing them one after the other the one I thought would be the least likely to be comfortable was best pair for comfort and warmth. The worsted weight yarn of the Bird in Hand has softened with wear and the stranded fabric is extra warm for very cold days. The best part is there is plenty of room to wiggle the fingers. Wiggle room makes them easier to wear and easier on the psyche, abating finger claustrophobia. The answer is to find mitten patterns with a nice sized "finger box".
Now that I have some idea of what it is that makes a mitten work for me, which styles best fits my needs, I'm ready to start knittin' mittens. Leftover worsted yarn (ahh, Beaverslide!), along with Kirsten's new mitten pattern (ONE of her many new mitten patterns) combine to make a very nice project. Who'd a thought a month ago I'd be joining NaKniMitMo09 (another Rav link). Maybe this mitten thing will work out after all. Are you happy now, Katherine?
No. Way. You've joined another knit-a-long? Thank wool I'm not worried about keeping up with you crazy Utah gals! (Susan with her three sweaters and all, and now you with the mittens!) :o)
Posted by: elizabeth | January 28, 2009 at 01:52 PM
My Bird in Hand mittens worked great for shoveling duty today.
Posted by: claudia | January 28, 2009 at 02:35 PM
I'm a big mitten fan! I tend to like them snugger than loose, but too tight? nope!
Posted by: lisa | January 28, 2009 at 06:17 PM
I do love mittens, though I agree that gloves are more nimble for things like working keys... mittens certainly keep your hands warmer if there is adequate circulation. I love the term 'finger box/ - just perfect. Looking forward to seeing what you concoct; how's the next sweater doing?
Posted by: Birdsong | January 28, 2009 at 06:47 PM
So true, finger claustrophobia is real.
Posted by: Tan | January 28, 2009 at 07:08 PM
Have you looked at these (bella mitten - http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/bellas-mittens)mittens? They are adorable and look like they'd fit the bill for roomy yet warm, knit in nice cascade 109.
Just a thought.
Posted by: Kim D. | January 28, 2009 at 09:53 PM
I never thought of that, so specifically. But it is true. I always make my mittens large, even tho my hands are small. :) Maybe that is why I don't like gloves, I don't like each finger trapped LOL
Enjoy the new freedom to love a mitt!
Posted by: Knitting Mistress | January 28, 2009 at 10:30 PM
Those are beautiful, new mittens. I also love your Bird in Hands. I think about knitting them for myself every time I see a pair someone else has knit.
Posted by: Sarah | January 28, 2009 at 11:09 PM
Glad (and surprised) to have helped a bit. It's always fun to watch you run with a concept -- can't wait to see what you figure out next!
I've knit mittens and gloves for people with severe hand injuries, fewer fingers, atrophy and curl, etc., which got me thinking in a different way about fit.
May I please use your term, "Margene's finger box," in the future?
Posted by: Sylvia | January 29, 2009 at 10:45 AM
I love that mitten! And it reminds me of some socks I have languishing... I am past the heels, and I got stuck on the leg design, but now I am just going to motor on through.
Posted by: Lucia | January 29, 2009 at 02:17 PM