These mittens are what I love about knitting.
They are functional.
And, at the same time, they’re extraordinary.
These are Rosy Mittens, a brand-new design by Arne & Carlos in Field Guide No. 23: Glow.
So much Scandinavian tradition and design is packed into this pattern.
The shape. The pointed ends are classic Norwegian mitten style. The ribbed cuffs make these snug protection against the elements.
The pattern. The knitted motifs you see are derived from the embroidery of the Setesdal region of Norway. Arne & Carlos are masters of this sort of interpretation.
The colors. The knitting is done with two colors, as stranded colorwork in the round. The bottom mitten shows what the knitting part of this design looks like.
Then [she says dramatically], the fun really begins. The top mitten shows what happens when you add more colors via duplicate stitch, one of my favorite knitting-adjacent activities. (Here’s my tutorial on duplicate stitch.)
We sew, using a tapestry needle, over and around the motifs to add colors according to the chart in Field Guide No. 23: Glow—or we add colors wherever we like.
This has been on my bucket list for about twenty years, a pair of Norwegian mittens. It’s a dream come true to make these, finally!
We have two yarn bundles for Rosy Mittens, with plenty of yarn for multiple mittens if you swap the colors around.
The palm side is a different stitch pattern. And the thumbs! When has there ever been such a fine and fancy thumb?
Such a cheerful project: practical and extravagant all at once.
Such a lovely antidote to the winter blahs!
Love the 2 color version. Perfect for showing off your sports team.
Oooh! Great idea!! Although the colorful version is just so darned cheerful
Gorgeous! I’ve never done duplicate stitching, good opportunity me thinks.
I’m excited to make these. I must admit though, I went with a different brand of wool that’s more in line with my budget. I found almost the identical colors – close enough that most people wouldn’t know the difference. When I have enough to splurge I’ll try the official Norwegian wool. Maybe for my birthday in March.
So glad you’re giving the mittens a go! I think these would be beautiful in all sorts of yarns and colorways.
I love the thumb on those mittens!
I went back to reread your duplicate stitch tutorial, and now I’m curious – have you carried your knitted MDK sign to all the new locations like a good luck charm? Or have you converted to flashing neon?
Our knitted MDK sign needs to find its place of glory at Atlas Drive! It’s resting quietly and waiting for its new destiny!
Duplicate stitch is easy-peasy when done on a flat piece of knitting or even a wide in-the-round piece. But wielding the yarn needle while working in the tight confines of a mitten? That sounds like a real challenge. I fear that the ribbed cuff would be all stretched out by the time the embellishment was finished!
Stay tuned! I’ll let you know how it goes. I’m thinking that it’ll work out ok, because the needle goes down into the fabric, then back up so that all the yanking of yarn happens on the outside of the mitten. The mitten behaves basically as a flat fabric, similar to the way embroidery works on a flat piece of cloth. Now you’ve got me curious! ; )
Maybe slip a piece of cardboard into the hand part of the mitten so you don’t sew the two sides together with the duplicate stitch?
I love these!
These are wonderful!! The Field Guide is such a treat! I have quietly made an intention, to myself, that I will learn to duplicate stitch this year. I have never had much luck with it. These mittens could be the ticket!
I’ve always struggled with duplicate stitch too, can’t understand why. We are going to get Ann to show us how it’s done!
I would be curious to see the original Norwegian patterns that served as inspiration for the decorative motifs used on these mitts. To me main motif recalls a “palmette” so often repeated in Greek painting or architecture. See also “acroterion”. Of course many an element travels through time, cultures and iterations… Yet the familiar essence remains.