It takes two baby

I have a new obsession.  Yes, another one.

The new obsession is wristies/mitts as I call them.  Or they can be sleeves, arm warmers, cuffs.  Whatever you call them, they are simply a tube of yarny goodness to keep your lower arm and wrist regions cozy on chilly days.  They are super easy, not even thumb holes to worry about and better yet, they are supersonic quick.  I find I can whip a pair up in a day nicely. Maybe a little longer if I'm adding some fancy touches, like those gorgeous roses above, but still.  That's fairly instant gratification in the slow and steady world of handmade.

That's why these are such a favourite of mine, not only are they wonderful to own and wear, they are also wonderful to make.  I started off making a replica of the pair I made this time last year.  These were my absolute favourite thing to wear throughout winter, together with that cozy shawl.

The need to make a replica came about because Mrs Stupid (Me), deciding that they could do with a wash, just shoved them in the washing machine.  For some reason, I was convinced they were made from 100% cotton.  They were not.  Things did not end happily.

I knew I would probably end up making a replacement but I didn't have any more of that particular yarn left and I wasn't able to get more.  There was much mournful wailing and sorrow at the time, but when it started getting all dark and yucky this year I knuckled down to find another yarn and set about making Polar Warmers, Take Two.

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POLAR WARMERS TAKE TWO

You can see the original post for all the pattern details.
That link will also give you details of where I got the inspiration for the additional bobbly bits too
 (Not my idea, but they really make them in my oh so humble)...
Instructions for the modifications I made are on my Ravelry page.

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I'm so pleased to have these little wristies back and I love them just as dearly now as I did before.  The yarn I used this time round was Debbie Bliss Cashmerino Aran and if I wanted to pick a fault, it isn't quiiiite as super soft and snuggly as the originals were which surprised me.  I picked the DBCA because I thought it would be very soft and gentle indeed.  But as I say, it's a minor difference and I'm just so pleased to have them back that it simply doesn't matter at all.

: :

After I'd righted that terrible wrong I decided to make up another set of wristies using an idea that popped into my head one day, as ideas will.

The plan was to use the basketweave style of pattern from my Cherry Basket Mitts, but in the spirit of keeping things as easy as possible, to dispense with the top part and just basketweave all the way.  It's a stitch pattern that works up into a nice and thick material so I knew it'd keep me wonderfully warm.

It was also the perfect opportunity to try out Heather's wonderful Roses Pattern.  I saw them when she posted them and I've been waiting for an opportunity to use them and this was the perfect one.

I made them from crochet thread, so they are nice and weeny and I love how they look.  Plus the fact that it's a super easy and quick pattern, so it's very fitting for the instant gratification factor that I'm looking for when making these mitts.

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MUSTARD BASKET MITTS

Pattern:  Based on Cherry Basket Mitts
Yarn:  See my Ravelry page for details
Roses:  Coiled Rose Crochet Pattern by Pink Milk
(It's well worth checking out Heather's blog while you're there too.
 It's a lovely place to be and you'll feel right at home amongst all her gorgeous makes.)

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You might think that 2 new pairs of these wristies would have got the obsession out of my system.  But no.  More are in the works and ideas are a buzzing.  Plus, it's such a good way to use up spare yarn balls too.  So many positives...


S x

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