A print version of Langsoond - A Shetland Yarn by Donna Smith is also available here.

Aald Hoose Mitts & Hat
The croft house my Dad grew up in is no longer habitable and is now used as a wood working workshop; I have fond memories of spending many hours as a child playing with the sawdust and wood-shavings piled up on the floor. I have always admired the glass panel in the front door with its zig-zag pattern interspersed with a series of dots; it seems to have a texture and a quality that is not found in modern day textured glass. The colourwork in these designs is inspired by that pattern.

Pattern Notes - Mitts
These mitts are worked in the round; a twisted rib creates the cuff and the colourwork section forms the main part of the hand. Stitches are increased around one stitch to create the thumb gusset; the stitches are then put on hold while the rest of the mitt is knitted. At the end of the project the stitches on hold are picked up and a thumb is worked.

Size - Mitts
One size to fit an average sized hand
You can vary the size of the mitts by changing the size of the needles.

Yarn - Mitts
Langsoond Double Knitting
(100% Shetland Wool, 220m (238yds)/ 100g skein)
Shade A: Shetland Black; 1 skein
Shade B: Keksie; 1 skein

Gauge - Mitts
24 sts and 28 rounds to 10cm over both colourwork and stocking stitch in the round.
Please check your tension carefully and adjust your needle size accordingly.

This sample was knitted using size 4.0mm
(UK 8/US 6) needles for the colourwork and size 3.5mm (UK 10-9/US 4) needles for the rib and plain stocking stitch.

Needles and Notions - Mitts
Set of DPNs or needles for working small circumferences, in size to give gauge over colour-work and stocking stitch
Set of DPNs or needles for working small circumferences, 0.5mm smaller than gauge needles, for rib

Stitch markers
Tapestry needle 

Pattern Notes - Hat
This hat is worked in the round: a few rounds of rib precede the two-strand colourwork section and the crown is knitted in a single colour. The project is completed by attaching an optional pompom.

Sizes - Hat
Small (Medium, Large, X-Large)
To fit head circumference:
46-48.5 (49.5-52, 53-56, 57-60) cm
18-19 (19.5-20.5, 21-22, 22.5-23.5) in
Actual brim circumference:
43 (46.5, 50, 53.5) cm
17 (18.25, 19.75, 21) in
Length from brim to crown:
21 (21.5, 22.5, 22.5) cm
8.25 (8.5, 9, 9) in

Yarn - Hat
Langsoond Double Knitting
(100% Shetland Wool, 220m (238yds)/ 100g skein)Shade A: Shetland Black; 1 skein (including a 7cm pompom)
Shade B: Keksie; 1 skein

Gauge - Hat
24 sts and 28 rounds to 10cm over both colourwork and stocking stitch in the round.
Please check your tension carefully and adjust your needle size accordingly. 

This sample was knitted using 4mm (UK 8/US 6) needles for the colourwork and 3.5mm (UK 10-9/US 4) needles for the rib and plain stocking stitch.

Needles and Notions - Hat
Circular needles, length 40cm (16in) or long enough to do magic loop, in size required to match gauge over colourwork
Circular needles, length 40cm (16in), required to match gauge over stocking st
Set of DPNs or needles for working small circumferences, in gauge size for finishing the crown
Circular needles, length 40cm (16in), 0.5mm smaller than gauge needles for rib

Stitch markers
Tapestry needle