The high contrast two colour palette and motifs are inspired by mittens from the Selbu region of Norway. Very unusually we're able to attribute the first of these mittens to Marit Guldseth, who began making them in 1856, starting a tradition that would spread around the world.
Traditionally the thumb is worked entirely on the palm side, with a symmetrical gusset. For fingerless mittens and gloves, which I’m generally wearing because I need to use my hands, I prefer a wider range of movement. Consequently the thumbs are worked closer to the side of the hand, and shaped with a single column of decreases on the palm. This allows the colourwork pattern to flow from the back of the hand over the thumb.
Knitting sixteen or eighteen stitches in the round is no-one's idea of fun, so the fingers on these gloves are worked flat — exactly like I-cord. This innovative technique is clearly illustrated and was first developed by Meg Swansen, building on techniques developed by her mother, Elizabeth Zimmermann. There’s a whole lot of knitting history in this little project.
belyse_v1.2.pdf
Sport weight wool yarn.
175 yds / 160m MC, 55yds / 50m CC
MC: Ysolda Blend No.1 (50% merino, 40% Polwarth, 10% Zwartbles, 345 yds / 315m, 100g)
CC: Easyknits.co.uk Squidge (80% NZ Polwarth, 20 % Merino D’Arles, 360 yds 330m, 100g) in Harvest.
3mm crochet hook, scrap yarn, safety pins
Build your skills by following the links to our clear step-by-step tutorials.
30 sts and 34 rnds = 4” / 10cm in stranded colourwork in the round
The Stranded Colourwork Basics course is a 4 week self-guided online knitting course, with continued access to the course so that you can return to each chapter for a refresher, again and again, whenever you need. The course is comprised of short, easy to digest videos and photo tutorials as well as a discussion group to ask questions and share your achievements with other knitters. Includes a complimentary copy of the Tyrie Hat pattern
Sport weight wool yarn.
175 yds / 160m MC, 55yds / 50m CC
US 3 / 3.25mm dpns or circulars for magic loop. Spare needles in the same size or slightly smaller are helpful for holding stitches.