May I present … the Gansey Style Fingerless Mitts, released on Ravelry and at Yarndale this weekend!
This knitting pattern came about as part of an ongoing collaboration with my good friend, Helen, business buddy and the owner of Woolly Chic. If you remember, I designed a cushion cover pattern using her beautiful Alpaca and Welsh DK Wool and that pattern was released at Wonderwool Wales in April 2017. So we thought why not have another pattern for release at Yarndale, the next big yarn event that Helen would be attending?
Well, Yarndale is on this weekend, and as I type this blog post, Helen is there. I am delighted that she has taken my pattern for the Gansey Style Fingerless Mitts to the show, along with a selection of samples that we have knitted up between us. Thank you, Helen, and everybody who buys the pattern at Yarndale!
Once again, I wanted to take full advantage of the crispness and great stitch definition of Helen’s DK yarns and so I used a textured pattern inspired by the stitch patterns used on Gansey sweaters, incorporating just knit and purl stitches. I’m rather pleased with this design and I hope you like it too.
These mitts are knitted in the round. I used the Magic Loop technique on one long circular needle, but you could use two circular needles or double pointed needles, whatever is your preference for knitting in the round. If you can knit and purl in the round, then you should be able to tackle this project with ease.
The pattern uses a cable cast on, a stretchy cast off, and an afterthought thumb. Full instructions for these techniques are provided. The pattern includes charts as well as full written instructions. It includes instructions for 2 sizes – Small and Large.
The samples have been worked in Woolly Chic Alpaca and Welsh DK Wool, Wensleydale/Pembrokeshire DK Wool, DK Pembrokeshire Wool and Natural Welsh Wool (undyed). 2 x 25g balls are sufficient for a pair of large size mitts.
For more details, and to purchase the pattern, please hop over to the Ravelry page here.
A huge thank you to my test knitters, Helen, Jane and Fiona, for checking the pattern and providing valuable feedback!
I wonder what the next Woolly Chic collaboration pattern(s) will look like? I have a hankering for some colourwork. Or maybe some cables. Perhaps a hat? We’ll see …
If you want to stay up to date with all the goings on at GardeningWitch Designs HQ, why not sign up for my email newsletter here.
p.s. You can find all of my other patterns on Ravelry too – please take a look!