Trenchwork

I finally (!) finished the mittens for the Mittens Swap. I should have been finished with them at least two weeks ago, but illness and a suddenly hectic work schedule pretty much threw all plans out the window. Nevertheless, they’re all set to go to their recipient in tomorrow’s mail.

The pattern is Gjestal 60-2, and a modified Selburose design. Because the recipient asked for a very soft yarn and is in a warmer environment than Norway, these are made with Dalegarn babyull, on 2mm and 2.5mm needles. Unfortunately, the increased keyboard activity (you know, that stuff which pays for your yarn habit?) means that my hands are causing me a little bit of trouble, so the tension is not everything it should be in some places on these mittens. I’d have liked for them to be perfect, but fine yarns and small needles seem to be problematic right now. Still, they feel great, and I think the tension will balance out a bit more after they’re worn a few times and then given one more good wash and block. In any event, I hope she’ll like them. I’ll include enough of the same dyelot for her to make herself a simple scarf or hat to match the mittens.

I very much like the design on these, and have already picked up some Vestlandsgarn to make a pair for myself. If you’re not familiar with it, Vestlandsgarn is a a hand-wash, pure wool yarn just a hair heavier than Heilo. The heavier gauge and slight increase in “stickiness” will help “hold” the stitches in place better than did the smooth baby yarn.