These mittens have been bouncing around in my head for such a long time. And then they spent just as long on my needles, while I experimented with different 4 ply yarns before finally deciding they were ready to be shared with you all.
I am currently obsessed with 4 ply yarns and even now as I write this, I’m thinking should I do just one more version before I release them to all you lovely knitters? It’s because I keep getting new 4 ply yarns in the studio and I want to try them out with these mittens!
My obsession with 4 ply is with mittens instead of socks at the moment, although I do love seeing all the beautiful socks you make! But the thought of winter means I want my hands warm too, and mittens are perfect for that. I want to keep my fingers cosy when walking the dog or out and about, but easy to fold down when I need my fingers free for when life happens. Keys, phones, market shopping, hot flushes… you name it.
As always, I wanted the design to be simple so the yarn could really shine. And wool is magic in that way: it regulates your temperature, keeping you warm when it’s chilly but never too hot when you’re moving around. It’s like a little vacuum flask for your hands!
I’ve knitted these mittens in three different wools so far, and each one brings its own character:
- Donegal Darnie 4 ply, a soft Irish lambswool tweed, which is new to the Purl Jane family – I loved every stitch.
- Jamieson’s Spindrift, a Shetland fleece spun with traditional methods in Shetland – windproof, drizzle-proof and full of subtle glimmers of colour.
- ByLaxtons Sheepsoft 4 ply, a British fleece spun in Yorkshire — a short version, soft and perfect for beginners or anyone wanting something quick to knit.
For me, patterns are at their best when they are simple, approachable and enjoyable to knit. Beginners can learn new skills, and experienced knitters can have a relaxing, satisfying project in between other works. I love dpns for these mittens – yes, the first few rows can be tricky, but once you get past them, the rhythm is soothing and gentle.
The Chelsea Mittens are now available for you to make in your choice of yarn and size. I hope you love knitting them as much as I loved designing and creating them. And if you’re anything like me, you’ll start imagining all the other wools you could try them in next!