Norwegian Selbu Mittens - Update!

I am really enjoying these mittens. I'm hoping they fit my daughter but the pattern is perfect for trying the Selbu technique. Why? I think mostly because this pattern uses sport weight yarn so there are less than 60 stitches per row (48 in the beginning). So you get pretty quick results. And it's a gorgeous design that isn't too complicated. After all of that fussing with trying a black bacground with a white design, I am really glad I went back to the traditional white background and black design. I'm already looking forward to knitting another pair. The next ones will probably be more traditional. I like Terri Shea's book, Selbuvotter, which has many beautiful Selbu patterns and provides a great history of these traditional Norwegian black and white Mittens. Check out Terri Shea on Ravelry. These patterns are gorgeous!



I think the palm side (and eventual thumb) have a beautiful design! All in all, this looks much more complicated than it really is so don't be afraid to try it.  If you look closely, you can see on the palm side that every other row is merely alternating black and white.  The most difficult part, for me so far, of knitting these Selbu Mittens (and the fair isle mittens previously) is learning how to keep the yarn tension correct.  It's getting better but does take a little practice.

Snowed In...So Why Is It So Difficult To Get This Mitten Started???

We have snow in Atlanta! Not just a dusting (which is usually enough to close school for a day) but about 6 inches! This is the view of my front yard and the street...all snow covered and a LOT icy. 

No snowplows here in Georgia!  And the roads are too hilly to navigate if you don't have four wheel drive.  Even my husband stayed home yesterday!  The kids played outside and my husband shoveled the driveway (thank you Sweetheart!).  Today, my husband would like to get on a plane for a business trip.  His flight on Monday was canceled along with a gazillion others.  Right now, all I am hearing on the news is "Stay home...the roads are too icy".  And, since there is another snow day, the kids are still asleep (teenagers!) and I am with our Westie, Stella, who most definitely does not like this much snow!  So, for now, coffee and knitting - how good is that?

So what have I been knitting? Well, the Fair Isle Mittens were completed over the weekend.  I like the way they came out but the definitely need to be blocked and there are a bazillion ends to weave in.  These mittens are much heavier than I would have thought - the yarn is 2 ply Jamieson's Shetland Spindrift.  I guess all of the carrying of yarn results in a very heavy mitten. 

I'm looking forward to trying Fair Isle again but right now I am knitting a pair of Norwegian Selbu Mittens.  Well, trying to at least. 

It took FOUR trys to get the cuff of the first mitten going.  I felt like Goldilocks with knitting needles! First, I tried US Size 2.5 needles-the cuff looked way too small after 12 rows.  Then, I tried US Size 4...the needles were metal and after 5 or 6 rows I just gave up because I kept getting jabbed in the wrist...not something I wanted for two whole mittens worth of knitting.  I tried again with a circular size 4 but I knew the Magic Loop and Stranded Knitting would drive me crazy.  So, I found a set of US Size 3 needles...kind of long and a little jabby but bamboo so not so bad.  Oh, and after trying, three times to knit a black cuff/background with a contrasting white, I switched to a white cuff/background with contrasting black.  By George, I think I got it...so far so good.  And, as a friend often reminds me, I'm not worrying about the gauge or size...they will fit somebody!  I'm using Cascade 220 Sport which is nice and soft and, hopefully, will knit up quickly...there's only 48 stitches per row.  Since I am expecting that the kids will be back in school tomorrow, I hope to get a lot done today.

New Year's Resolutions - Knitting Wise Of Course!

Happy New Year Everyone! What are your knitting resolutions and goals for 2011? I have lots planned for my needles this year! First up, NaKniMitMo - a Ravelry group for National Knitting Mittens Month.  Mittens I'd like to knit include Hermione's Mittens and Norwegian Selbu Mittens.  Of course, I'd also like to do another pair of Irish Hiking Mittens.  I actually started the Hermione Mittens a few days ago and, so far, I'm doing okay with the colorwork and the chart reading!

Hermione Mittens from http://www.ravelry.com/ - In progress!

Along with NaKniMitMo, I've joined  Allyson's (The SweatShop of Love) sweater Knit-A-Long...a sweater for me.  I'm going to knit this from Knitty

Beatnik from http://www.knitty.com/


I found yarn at KnitPicks and I'm going to use City Tweed DK Yarn in Splash.  I've already ordered the yarn so shhhh! I may get started a little early.  The Knit-a-Long officially begins January 10th!
Also on my 2011 Knitting List, finish the 2 pairs of socks that I'm about 75% complete on...why can't I finish them? And start some new socks...and some shawls...and hats...and...and...and...

So, what's on your 2011 Knitting List?  Share Here!!!