Ophelia's Garden Mittens by Rosemary Cox

Ophelia's Garden Mittens

Knitting
March 2015
Fingering (14 wpi) ?
32 stitches and 35 rows = 4 inches
in stranded colorwork pattern on larger needles
US 2 - 2.75 mm
US 1½ - 2.5 mm
693 yards (634 m)
Women's M; hand circumference: 7.5" / 19cm
English

Given the Nordic setting of Hamlet, I immediately thought of using stranded colorwork. The aim of the mitten is to create a garden scene with a warm and soothing creamy oatmeal background, used to counteract the icy cold (both weather and human) that surrounds Ophelia. Two contrasting colors—green and purple—add the details. The outer side of each mitten is covered with a vertical sprig of green rosemary and three sets of purple pansies as comforting reminders of Laertes. On the palm-side, the green color is used to create a trellis pattern.

In her sane moments, it may have reminded Ophelia of the coming spring, while in her less sane moments, it could have served as a backdrop for her imaginary garden.

Ultimately, these mittens are a warm, fancy addition to any winter wardrobe.