The Lower Peninsula of Michigan is in the shape of a mitten, and that’s the reason Michigan is referred to as “the Mitten State.” I live in the northwest corner of the Lower Peninsula (near the tip of the pinkie finger). Winters are long here; it can start snowing in October, with snowfall sometimes continuing throughout April. Mittens, therefore, are essential winter wear. They need to be warm, and they need to hold up to long and hard use. For the warmth requirement, I chose a slipstitch pattern to create a thick fabric. For the hardiness requirement, I chose to spin and knit with Montadale wool and to knit at a fairly tight gauge. This wool is not soft, but it is sturdy. In addition, it’s very elastic, so even tightly knitted fabric from this wool tends to “hug” the wearer, a nice characteristic for mittens. I also take some regional pride in knowing that the Montadale breed was developed in the Midwest.

Finished Size 7.25 (8)“ hand circumference and 9.75 (10.75)” tall. Mittens shown measure 7.25”.

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Fiber 3 (4) oz 100% Montadale wool combed top in wildberry jam.

Yarn 2-ply; 200 (230) yd; 1,000 ypp; 12 wpi; DK weight.

Needles U.S. size 4 (3.5 mm): set of double-pointed. Adjust needle size if necessary to obtain the correct gauge.

Notions Markers; stitch holder; tapestry needle.

Gauge 24 sts and 60 rnds = 4” in nubbly tweed patt.

Notes These mittens are worked in the round from the cuff up.