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Thursday, July 28, 2016

Rugged Knits Pattern Highlight: Blueberry Paws

When I was designing this week's Rugged Knits pattern highlight, Blueberry Paws, I played around with gauge and fit a lot. Because the mitts are such a quick project, I was able to knit up several iterations of the pattern before I decided exactly how long I wanted them, how snug I wanted the gauge, and how I wanted them to fit. And I've actually been wearing the "not-quite" versions of these mitts since I finished them over a year ago. I'm planning to make myself a couple more pairs in different colors and yarns because they're so useful. (I was thrilled to see the first project pop up on Ravelry today in a cheery yellow!)


CONSTRUCTION
- Worked from the cuff to the finger with a shaped thumb gusset.
- Right and left mitts are different for a great fit, and the cable is placed on the outside of each hand rather than centered.

- A textured rib pattern adds durability, resilience, and a great rugged look.
- A tight gauge means these mitts will be long-lasting.

FIT
- The mitts have a snug ribbed cuff and are designed to be worn with a bit of negative ease. They come in two sizes and are very stretchy.

YARN
Hazel Knits Entice MCN (70% superwash merino wool, 20% cashmere, 10% nylon; 400 yd366 m/115 g)
- A heavy fingering weight plied yarn with a fairly tight twist gives great stitch definition.
- The semisolid color combined with the stitch pattern gives a lovely watercolor look.

- A merino/cashmere/nylon blend combines luxurious softness with durability. Since each pair only takes about 150 yards of yarn, you could make a couple pairs with a beautiful skein of sock yarn.

TIPS FOR SUBSTITUTING
- Use that special skein of yarn you've been saving! Keep in mind that if it's super soft without any nylon content, you might get some pilling since mitts get a lot of abrasion.
- Try a wooly tweed like Jamieson& Smith 2 Ply Jumper Weight for super rugged farm chore mitts.

- For extra warmth and a delicate halo, Berroco Ultra Alpaca Light could be a great choice.

MY FAVORITE DETAIL
I love the cable and placement on the outside of each hand.

GENERAL TIPS
This is a great quick knit. Make a few pairs for gifts (and a few for yourself!)

Be sure to use the hashtags #RuggedKnits #BlueberryPaws, and #AndreaRangelKnits when you post pics of your Blueberry Paws projects!

UPCOMING EVENTS
Come to my book launch events and take my intro to color work class using the Boreal Toque pattern!

Tolt Yarn and Wool, Carnation, WA - July 30, 2016
Boreal Toque Workshop 10am-2pm
Book Launch Party & Signing 3-5pm

Beehive Wool Shop, Victoria, BC - August 6-7, 2016
Book Launch Party & Signing, August 6, 11am-3pm
Boreal Toque Workshop, August 7, 1-4pm

PATTERN DETAILS


Finished Size

To fit a hand circumference of 6–7 (7–8) in/15–18 (18–20.5) cm, mitts measure about 5.5 (6.25) in/14 (16) cm in circumference and 6.5 (7.5) in/16.5 (19) cm long. 
Shown in size 5.5 in/14 cm).

Yarn 

117 (153) yd (107 140 m) sock weight (#1 Super Fine).

Shown here: Hazel Knits Entice MCN (70% superwash merino wool, 20% cashmere, 10% nylon; 400 yd366 m/115 g): color Laguna, 1 skein.

Needles 

Size U.S. 3 (3.25 mm) set of 4 or 5 double- pointed (dpn). 
Adjust needle size if necessary to obtain the correct gauge.

Notions
Markers (m); stitch holder or waste yarn; tapestry needle.

Gauge

28 sts and 44 rows = 4” (10 cm) over Broken Rib. 
12-st cable panel = about 11⁄4” (3.2 cm) wide.

Update on Errata: 
A kind knitter pointed out some errors on the left mitt. On page 110, Page the Left Mitt should read:
Rnd 1: Work 12 sts in established patt, [p1, k1] 9 (10) times, pm, m1, k1, m1, pm, [k1, p1] to end—43 (49) sts, with 3 sts between m for gusset.
Rnds 2 & 4: Work 12 sts in est patt, knit to end, slipping markers as you come to them.
Rnd 3: Work 12 sts in est patt, [p1, k1] to m, sm, knit to m, sm, [k1, p1] to end.

See it on Ravelry

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