Beautiful Projects – Garter Stitch Mitts, with a difference

Particularly at this time of year, I find that simple is sometimes the best. Ysolda’s free Garter Stitch Mitts pattern was the first of her designs I ever made, and before I’d met her, which seems a long time ago now! That original pair are long gone, and the first thing I’ll be doing after my gift list is wrapped up is remake them in some glorious cashmere I’ve been hoarding. While I wait, I did what I always do and gaze at Ravelry projects. There are some really wonderful versions, and with simplicity comes a perfect canvas for modifications. Here are a few of my favourites. 

Mrssingh’s Garter Stitch Mitts were her first ever knitting project! And very impressive too…

Kikioknit’s pair, called ‘Would you like scraps with that?‘, are a reminder that sideways knit mitts are a great project to use up leftovers. She made a few changes including buttons, a crochet edging, straps and lengthening the thumb.

Sandraknits felted version look incredibly warm! She made changes to the size and yarn weight so they’d be the right size after felting, and then needle-felted snowflakes. There are notes on her project page in case you’re tempted to do the same.

There’s a lot to love about tma’s Fraternal Mitts – knit with less short row shaping but with the thumb from the pattern, this version has cuffs, and obviously, fair isle!

anatsuno’s Green Winter Mitts were made as an exercise in Japanese short rows, and they turned out beautifully! Lots of changes here, with the different size, gauge and stocking stitch, and she has also added helpful notes on her project page if you want to see how its done.

Melissa of Melissa Jean Designs has made a few pairs, but this one caught my eye straight away. They’re knit up in handspun and the lovely crochet edging is an idea I might play around with for my own pair.