Rugged Knits Pattern Highlight: Blueberry Paws

When I was designing this week's Rugged Knits pattern highlight, Blueberry Paws, I played around with gauge and fit a lot. Because the mitts are such a quick project, I was able to knit up several iterations of the pattern before I decided exactly how long I wanted them, how snug I wanted the gauge, and how I wanted them to fit. And I've actually been wearing the "not-quite" versions of these mitts since I finished them over a year ago. I'm planning to make myself a couple more pairs in different colors and yarns because they're so useful. (I was thrilled to see the first project pop up on Ravelry today in a cheery yellow!)

CONSTRUCTION

- Worked from the cuff to the finger with a shaped thumb gusset.
- Right and left mitts are different for a great fit, and the cable is placed on the outside of each hand rather than centered.
- A textured rib pattern adds durability, resilience, and a great rugged look.
- A tight gauge means these mitts will be long-lasting.

FIT

- The mitts have a snug ribbed cuff and are designed to be worn with a bit of negative ease. They come in two sizes and are very stretchy.

YARN

Hazel Knits Entice MCN (70% superwash merino wool, 20% cashmere, 10% nylon; 400 yd366 m/115 g)

- A heavy fingering weight plied yarn with a fairly tight twist gives great stitch definition.

- The semisolid color combined with the stitch pattern gives a lovely watercolor look.

- A merino/cashmere/nylon blend combines luxurious softness with durability. Since each pair only takes about 150 yards of yarn, you could make a couple pairs with a beautiful skein of sock yarn.

TIPS FOR SUBSTITUTING

- Use that special skein of yarn you've been saving! Keep in mind that if it's super soft without any nylon content, you might get some pilling since mitts get a lot of abrasion.

- Try a wooly tweed like Jamieson& Smith 2 Ply Jumper Weight for super rugged farm chore mitts.

- For extra warmth and a delicate halo, Berroco Ultra Alpaca Light could be a great choice.

MY FAVORITE DETAIL

I love the cable and placement on the outside of each hand.

GENERAL TIPS

This is a great quick knit. Make a few pairs for gifts (and a few for yourself!)

Be sure to use the hashtags #RuggedKnits #BlueberryPaws, and #AndreaRangelKnits when you post pics of your Blueberry Paws projects!

PATTERN DETAILS

Finished Size

To fit a hand circumference of 6–7 (7–8) in/15–18 (18–20.5) cm, mitts measure about 5.5 (6.25) in/14 (16) cm in circumference and 6.5 (7.5) in/16.5 (19) cm long.

Shown in size 5.5 in/14 cm).

Yarn

117 (153) yd (107 140 m) sock weight (#1 Super Fine).

Shown here: Hazel Knits Entice MCN (70% superwash merino wool, 20% cashmere, 10% nylon; 400 yd366 m/115 g): color Laguna, 1 skein.

Needles

Size U.S. 3 (3.25 mm) set of 4 or 5 double- pointed (dpn).

Adjust needle size if necessary to obtain the correct gauge.

Notions

Markers (m); stitch holder or waste yarn; tapestry needle.

Gauge

28 sts and 44 rows = 4” (10 cm) over Broken Rib.

12-st cable panel = about 11⁄4” (3.2 cm) wide.

Errata

Page 110, Left Mitt should read:

Rnd 1: Work 12 sts in established patt, [p1, k1] 9 (10) times, pm, m1, k1, m1, pm, [k1, p1] to end—43 (49) sts, with 3 sts between m for gusset.

Rnds 2 & 4: Work 12 sts in est patt, knit to end, slipping markers as you come to them.

Rnd 3:Work 12 sts in est patt, [p1, k1] to m, sm, knit to m, sm, [k1, p1] to end.