Everything is Going to be Alright. And a Recipe for Fingerless Mitts

Not all knitters like to knit to recipes. Personally, I'm all for them, but I do know many people who aren't that keen. But, that's okay.

Just like it's okay to be analytical. And I think it is just as okay to be someone who wings it and veers off the path with or without fear. I'd be thrilled if I were more analytical, however.

But speaking of Girlfriend, she wings it. We had a meeting with her teacher the other day. Apparently, Girlfriend lays down her thoughts on paper sort of messy-like. When the teacher said that, I replied: "I get it. Disorganized thoughts; disorganized paragraphs. She likes to write, though. She will work it out. I'm not concerned."

And then the teacher surprised me by saying: "It's because she is an artist."

You know, so many people over-value things like jumping really high, "training" their newborn to pee in a potty, or reciting the Canterbury Tales whilst demonstrating how to split an atom using their toes as props.

Call me a hippie, but I tell you what: I'd rather have her happily navigating her future through whatever it is that makes her tick than a lot of things. Imagine her at the local soccer league: misery incarnate. 

So, she's an artist. She may not make a million dollars when she grows up. But I do know this: She rocks a bandanna and is a happy child.

And she won't take off that damn tie-dye shirt.

So, here's a recipe. If you don't like recipes, Google "Free Fingerless Mitts Pattern," and I'm sure you'll find one you like!

Fingerless Mitts Recipe the Knit and Tonic Way

Swatch!
Take a
measurement of the circumference of your palm (or recipient’s).
Using
double point needles cast on enough stitches to equal your hand
measurement, rounding to a number that will accommodate your chosen rib pattern. If you’re concerned that it will be too loose, go down a needle
size for this portion of the mitten. Keep it simple by rounding to an even number and do 1x1 rib. Place a marker and work for about 1 - 2 inches.
Work a couple rounds of stockinette.
Start
your thumb gusset: Work to where you want to start your thumb gusset (it can be anywhere. Just keep track and do the same thing for the other mitt).
Place a marker, increase 1 stitch, place a marker and work to end. (I just do make-ones).
Work 2
rounds.
Increase
Rnd: Work to the first gusset marker, slip it, increase 1 stitch, knit the center
stitch, increase 1 stitch, slip the marker and work to the end. You will
have 3 gusset stitches.
Work 2
rounds.
Continue
working an increase round as in step 7 and working 2 rounds even until the
gusset measures about 3” wide for an adult and about 2.5” for a child. If
the height of the gusset doesn’t reach the place on your hand where the
thumb separates from your palm, work an extra few rounds without
increasing. Typical gusset heights are between 2 and 2.5” for an adult.
For children, aim for between 1.75 to 2”.
On the next round, work to the marker
separating the gusset stitches, transfer the gusset stitches onto waste
yarn, using backward loop method, cast on one stitch and work to the end.
Continue working the body of the mitten
in the round until it reaches about an inch under the knuckles (or about 1" less than how long you want it to be).
Next rnd, decrease 1 stitch so your stitch count is the same as it was when you began your Stockinette Stitch.
Change to 1x1 rib (or the rib you used on the cuff) for about an inch (a little less for kids). BO in pattern.

Finishing the Thumb 

Place the reserved
stitches onto 3 dpn and pick up and knit 1 stitch over the gap. Join yarn and
work a few rounds. Count the stitches and if you have an odd number, decrease 1 stitch. Change to 1x1 rib and work the same number of rounds as you did at the knuckles. BO in pattern. 

Keep notes so when you work the second mitt, it looks the same as the first one!

BTW: I'm using Knitterly Things Vesper Sock Yarn in Rainbow Love. It is fantastic. You could easily make little kids' socks and mitts with just one skein.