A cosy colourwork mittens pattern to be enjoyed over the cold and dark Winter months. Inspired by: Winter; festive holidays and Hogmanay (a time for gatherings and remembrance of family and friends); and our strong connections to each other.

Decorated with dancing people and hearts, forming a protective circle and finished with a physical tie cord to represent the ties that bind us. (I may have snuck in a wee paw print to represent our beloved pets).
The mitten is topped off with a Tree of Life.

This fully charted pattern is aimed at knitters with some experience of the techniques mentioned below.

Construction
The mittens were designed with a light DK wool and quite a tight gauge, to produce a really cosy knit with great protection from the cold. They are knitted in the round from the cuff up, have a moss stitch ribbed cuff and a joyful stranded colourwork design for the hand and thumb. There are increase stitches to work the thumb gusset and decrease stitches to shape the top of the mitten and thumb which are then grafted to close. The pattern is finished with the making of the cord and mini pompoms.

Each size has its own set of charts.

Sizes
The mittens have zero ease.
Three sizes to fit hand circumference: 16cm (6.25”), 18cm (7”), 20cm (8”)

Yarn
Black Isle Yarns, Auchen Light DK.
Largest size uses approximately:
MC 60g/156m (171yds)
CC 26g/68m (74yds)
CC2 for cords and pompoms 6g/16m (17yds)

Needles
Suitable for working small circumferences in the round.
2.25mm (US1) x 23cm (9”) circular needle for cuff
2.5mm (US1.5) x 23cm (9”) circular needle for colourwork body
2.75mm (US2) x 23cm (9”) circular needle for colourwork decrease section of mitten top (optional, depending on your tension).

Alternatively, use double-pointed needles (DPN’s) or other length of circular needle if using magic loop method.

Notions
Stitch markers x 2
Stitch holder
Tapestry Needle
Scissors
Cardboard template for pompoms or pompom maker (optional)

This pattern has been tech edited and test knitted.