The Winter Isle mitts were designed to show off the natural shades of Shetland wool. I chose island winter imagery — dripping evergreens and wind-lashed waves — in homage to our Northwest home. The colorwork is adapted from a Scandinavian pine bough motif that appears in traditional knitting, while the peerie waves are a Shetland design.

This pattern was first offered with kits of locally grown and milled Shetland yarn from Abundant Earth Fibers at the Madrona Winter Retreat in 2017. You may substitute any light fingering-weight wool — or use a slightly heavier yarn for larger mitts. Only a few yards of the contrast colors are necessary.