The mittens are based off of the traditional mittens that fisherman use on the East Coast. They are knitted big and then shrunk to a perfect fit. The pattern is that of a compass and is worked in beautiful contrasting colors.
Finished Size Refer to the chart in the pattern.
Yarn The samples were made in Bartlettyarns 2-ply Fisherman 100% wool yarn in Blue Loch (MC) and Natural (CC); Bartlettyarns 2-ply Fisherman often is used in Maine for mittens designed to shrink; other worsted-weight wool yarns will work; in Canada, Briggs & Little 2-ply medium weight (with no nylon) or MacAusland’s 2/12; Superwash treated wools and synthetics do not shrink and cannot be used for these mittens
Yarn Weight #4 - Medium
Needles set of 4 double-pointed, size 8 (5 mm), or size needed to obtain gauge
Notions Tapestry needle 12 inches (30.5 cm) of waste yarn to use as a holder; Supplies for fulling: 2 large dishpans, 2 to 3 gallons (7.6 to 11.4 l) of boiling and cold (tap) water, washboard or felting board, stiff brush, Murphy's Oil Soap or other natural soap, paper large enough to trace around the mittens, permanent marker
Gauge Before shrinking, 10 sts and 13 rnds = 2 inches (5.1 cm) in Compass patt; after shrinking, 10½ sts and 14 rnds = 2 inches (5.1 cm) in Compass patt
Originally Published PieceWork Jan/Feb 2010