Cold Hands-Warm Hearts Crochet Along

[Woven N Spun]

Hi all. Thought I would start a new crochet a long. If you are like me, you can never have too many pairs of mittens around your house. They make great gifts too. If you want to join us, please send an email to kimberly[at]wovenspun[dot]com with your info and I will add you to the list.

When you complete your mittens, send me a picture and I will put it up in CH&WH gallery.

Here's a button to get us started.
http://www.wovenspun.com/blog/mittens.jpg (http://www.wovenspun.com/chwh.htm)
http://www.wovenspun.com/chwh.htm
As always, happy crocheting.:wbrr

[cajunwhacko]

Ha! I told you I would be first! LOL

I'll have to find a pattern *hint hint* and get some WIPs out of the way, but then I'm in. Maybe once I finish my shrug. :D

[Julie]

I'm in too! I haven't made any mittens yet, but you're right, they would be great gifts and I realized today that I have no plans after giving out afghans for the last three years. Small things will be great. :wbrr

[Janie]

Sounds like fun, but I'm not sure I can fit it in right now, maybe in a few days.

Here's a link for a pattern for mittens for those who need it: http://www.lionbrand.com/patterns/kwec-2NeedleMittens.html

[Chatty]

I'm sure Crochet Pattern Central has mitten patterns.

I've never tried mittens, count me in, but I need to finish an afghan first.

:frog

[xantha]

Great idea, Kimberly! I have a mitten I love that I made last year for one of my uncles, but I never got around to the second because I (gasp) ran out of bernat denimstyle in the right color! I'll have to join this and make more. :)

[cajunwhacko]

Has anybody tried lining their mittens? I know I'm making things more complicated, but I'm picturing little hands that have to do chores outside on a ranch, and I'm afraid the wool might be a little scritchy to Evan and Ally. Any ideas? Am I being overprotective of 2 y.o. hands?

[boredelf]

I'm in!
Lionbrand also has a homespun mitten pattern!

[cajunwhacko]

I've started my first pair. Just one of those sudden 'must... make... mittens!' things.

I'm doing them in Patons Kroy Vista Sea, and to be perfectly honest I don't like how it's working up too well. I guess I'll have to put them in my gift box for someone.

I looked up a few patterns and tried them out and decided I didn't like how it was working, so I'm making up my own. So far so good...

[Woven N Spun]

great job on making up your own pattern. i think that is what I am doing as well. I prefer to make them "backwards" then most patterns (as with my socks) and start with the finger tips first.

Sorry for not really getting a web page up and started for this. I think I am suffering the summer time blahs. That and lack of sleep are just making me soooooo tired and not wanting to do anything. I will get to it soon. :)


I've started my first pair. Just one of those sudden 'must... make... mittens!' things.

I'm doing them in Patons Kroy Vista Sea, and to be perfectly honest I don't like how it's working up too well. I guess I'll have to put them in my gift box for someone.

I looked up a few patterns and tried them out and decided I didn't like how it was working, so I'm making up my own. So far so good...

[unicorn37757]

I would be interested in this too cause I've started doing some smaller things for Christmas already. Our family just keeps growing, 1 new grandson in May & another due in July! I've got grandchildren that would love these.:manyheart :hook

[Chatty]

Don't worry about the webpage, I just linked back to this thread with my button on my blog.

I know how the summertime blahs are.

I've just about got all the roses for two colors done, 4 more colors to go then I can start making them into squares and getting that afghan done so I can start at least one pair of mittens.

:frog

[cajunwhacko]

great job on making up your own pattern. i think that is what I am doing as well. I prefer to make them "backwards" then most patterns (as with my socks) and start with the finger tips first.

I'm doing mine the same way, the pattern I tried worked sideways, and had slip stitches at the wrist and top, and it just wasn't working out. Much easier to do it like a sock.

Of course, it is proving a little harder to try on than a sock... :lol

[boredelf]

I looked up a few patterns and tried them out and decided I didn't like how it was working, so I'm making up my own. So far so good...

Yeah I tried the LB pattern last night... just did guage swatches, and I thought the fabric was much too stiff! So I may try another pattern using a sock yarn instead to see if I like that better. Or just try to wing it, but I'm a little afraid of doing that!

[crochetfun]

I sent you an e-mail, Kimberly. I have no idea how crochet-alongs work.

I had an idea for a mitten design, I'd love to do. I just need to work out the little details.:)

[Chatty]

^You make the item in question, post a pic and whoever is hosting it will put the pics up in a gallery. They can be for yourself or gifts or whatever, even your own patterns.

I'm thinking about winging some myself-when I get this blasted roses afghan done, seems like it's going to take forever just to do the roses.

:frog

[Woven N Spun]

I am so excited that we are getting some more people signing up. I will get a gallery going soon. I have another pair completed and 2 more in the works. I like working with sock yarn. It's really portable and I can work on them while outside with the kids.

for now to view my second pair....check out my blog. There is a close up picture of the stitch that I used and I really like how the colors turned out. Hopefully I can write up a pattern for this soon.

[cajunwhacko]

The picture of the second pair turned out great! Of course, they turned out great too hehe. I love the colors!

Must finish my mittens now... lol

Oh, I have a question for you, do you do the thumb like an afterthought heel? Do you increase the chain for the base of the thumb, or does it just have enough give? Or do you have some other magic trick? :think

[crochetfun]

^You make the item in question, post a pic and whoever is hosting it will put the pics up in a gallery. They can be for yourself or gifts or whatever, even your own patterns.

I'm thinking about winging some myself-when I get this blasted roses afghan done, seems like it's going to take forever just to do the roses.

:frog

Thanks. I think I am ok now.:)

Love your afghan btw.

[cajunwhacko]

I finally finished my first mitten. It went out to dinner with dad and I lol. He sat there watching me crochet and said, "I have no idea how you can do that." I told him he should see my size 30 thread project! :lol

So, here it is. I don't like how the yarn worked up. There's nothing wrong with the mitten itself, it's just not one I think I would wear. I'm going to see if my friend at work wants them for his 10 yo son, and if not I guess I'll put them up for offer here. I think they're about the right size for Dave, but I already have the yarn for his ordered so hrmph.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v688/cajunwhacko/th_PICT2681.jpg (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v688/cajunwhacko/PICT2681.jpg)

I have to say, the thumb was the worst part... I don't know if it was such small rounds or what, but it just seemed awfully tedious. Oh well, at least it's done! Now to make the second one!

Oh, and don't mind the dangling ends, I never seem to take pics after I sew them in lol

[Chatty]

Thanks. I think I am ok now.:)

Love your afghan btw.
The roses? Thank you, it's a gorgeous afghan once it's assembled, it's getting it crocheted and assembled that's tedious :wink

Once it's done it's really worth all the trouble and fussing :hook

:frog

[Woven N Spun]

i think it looks good, Anne. If you truly don't want them, I am sure they would quickly be snatched up by others :)

Keep up the great work everyone. Can't wait to see what's on the horizon for everyone else. Just think...here in the good ole US...the first day of summer has past, the days start getting shorter from here and only 6 more months until Christmas. ;)

[Woven N Spun]

Thought I would share something I shared with Anne the other day.

I did an informal survery of various children in my neighborhood last week. I measured their hands to try to find out more about how mittens fit. What I discovered was really cool. Almost every time I measured a hand, I found that the width *around* the hand (palm around back of hand back to palm) was the same as the length from fingertip to wrist. And in nearly all cases the thumb was half that size.

For example, if the hand measured 5 inches in length from fingertip to wrist then it also measured 5 inches around the palm area and the thumb was 2 1/2 inches.

Just thought that this might come in handy if you need to make mittens for someone who isn't there to try them on, or it's going to be a secret gift or something like that.

[cajunwhacko]

I took the first mitten to work with me today. As soon as I saw Lawrence I asked him if he thought his son's hands are bigger than mine, and he asked why lol. So I pulled the mitten out of my pocket and explained that I was making them for practice and I won't ever wear them, would he like them?

He looked at me like I was insane and said, We live in FLORIDA!

So I told him I know, but you never know and it does get sorta cold to some people here in winter, and if he'll wear them he can have them. Lawrence laughed and said, yeah, he'll wear them. So I need to finish the second one and make the hat to match so I can give them to him. I even got the ends sewn in before I showed it to him! Amazing, isn't it? LOL

[crochetfun]

http://i4.photobucket.com/albums/y113/crochetfun/mittens.jpg
This is the first pair of mittens I have ever made. This is also the first time I made something without other pattern help. You will note a discrepancy between the two halves, it is intentional - I was correcting the pattern as I was making the second half.
It is definitely not perfect, but I am very proud of it. I am planning to work out the remaining little issues, like the square tops, in my next pair.
Thank you Kimberly for the encouragement and help. This was a good experience.

[cajunwhacko]

Your mittens look great! What kind of yarn did you use? They look nice and warm! :hook

[crochetfun]

Oh thanks. The yarn is Paton's Decor (ww. wool/acrylic). I really like the yarn, it is very warm and nice to work with. This is Taupe. (but if you ask me it's just beige).

[Woven N Spun]

great job on them. Like i told you before, I like the cabling look. And Anne...you are too funnt with yoru story. Thanks for the smiles this morning.

[Chatty]

I like them, how did you do the cabling?

:frog

[crochetfun]

I like them, how did you do the cabling?

:frog
Thank you. For cables I followed Etaria's instructions. After I made her hat I had this urge to make mittens::)

http://www.lilyrain.com/crochet/winterhat.html

[crochetfun]

great job on them. Like i told you before, I like the cabling look. .

Thank you:)

[unicorn37757]

Your mittens look great!:clap

[cajunwhacko]

great job on them. Like i told you before, I like the cabling look. And Anne...you are too funny with your story. Thanks for the smiles this morning.

:think I wonder what story I told? :lol Glad I got you smiling though!

[Chatty]

I have a question:

Would wrist warmers count? I really need a pair of those before winter cause for some reason my hands get cold when I'm at the computer and I thought I'd crochet some.

They are pretty much fingerless mittens/gloves.

Which reminds me, if we want to make gloves, can we?

:frog

[Woven N Spun]

I say they all count because I want to make some of those warmers too :)



I have a question:

Would wrist warmers count? I really need a pair of those before winter cause for some reason my hands get cold when I'm at the computer and I thought I'd crochet some.

They are pretty much fingerless mittens/gloves.

Which reminds me, if we want to make gloves, can we?

:frog

[cajunwhacko]

LOL I say they count too, because I'm going to make Jack Jr. some fingerless gloves instead of mittens I think. He has so many chores on the ranch that I'm sure he'd nail his hand to a horse stall in no time if he had mittens to fuss with :lol Especially if he's anything like his uncles! :devil

[crochetfun]

Is there some pattern out there for the type that is convertible into mittens? (Do you know what I mean?)

Also, is it ok to make more than one pair, i.e. different ones?

[Chatty]

I have a knit pattern that's convertible, I think you just make the top separate then put a button on the warmer and a buttonhole on the top and button them together to wear them.

Lemme see if I can scan in a pic of them, maybe you can get an idea from that.

:frog

[Chatty]

Here's the pic of the knitted convertible mittens, maybe you can get an idea of how to crochet some:

http://img270.imageshack.us/img270/7062/mittens20lk.jpg (http://www.imageshack.us)

I did get one wrist warmer done last night, in this (http://www.hipvintagecrochet.com/WRISTWARMERS.pdf) pattern, it's very quick and easy. I used RH Soft Baby in #7046 Bunny Print, it's really nice looking.

I'll show a pic of them both when I finish the other one, I also want to get some fun fur and trim them in that which means a trip to the store ;)

:frog

[crochetfun]

Thanks, Chatty.

Fun fur... I have never used it. Sounds like the perfect opportunity:)

[Chatty]

I just edited my above post to add the picture of the convertible mittens, maybe someone can figure out a crochet version.

I've never used fun fur either, thought it would be a nice opportunity to try it out, just have to figure out which color in this print I want to match.

:frog

[Woven N Spun]

That is on my list of WIM. I want to make some as well.



I just edited my above post to add the picture of the convertible mittens, maybe someone can figure out a crochet version.

I've never used fun fur either, thought it would be a nice opportunity to try it out, just have to figure out which color in this print I want to match.

:frog

[Woven N Spun]

Hey Chatty,
I can't get your picture to come up...but here's a link to the flip top mittens.
Is this what you are talking about when you say converted mittens?
http://www.geocities.com/febmommy/openmitten.html

[crochetfun]

That's it!

Fantastic, Kimberly:)

[Chatty]

That's it, my pic is from the Knit Picks book put out by the editor of Knitty.com. I've been wanting to try them, I just might one day.

Here's a direct link to my pic:

http://img270.imageshack.us/img270/7062/mittens20lk.jpg

:frog]

[Woven N Spun]

Cool, now I don't have to create a pattern ggg

[crochetfun]

It's really cute. The strange thing is, if you read the pattern, there is very little shaping until you get to the top part.

Question to those of you with Mitten Experience:
isn't 30 a big starting chain?
(or do we just have tiny wrists? - 5,5"
(in my mitten I started w. 27 and that was on the large side)

[Woven N Spun]

I haven't had a chance to read over the pattern yet. but in a quick look it shows using different sizes of hooks to acheive the different size mittens. You may need to adjust accordingly



It's really cute. The strange thing is, if you read the pattern, there is very little shaping until you get to the top part.

Question to those of you with Mitten Experience:
isn't 30 a big starting chain?
(or do we just have tiny wrists? - 5,5"
(in my mitten I started w. 27 and that was on the large side)

[Woven N Spun]

New mittens posted on my blog. Gotta see what CJ did too. I am so amazed and sooooo proud.

[crochetfun]

He should be in the CAL.

He is an inspiration:)
Oh, I was so impressed with his work that I totally missed yours, Kimberly.
So sorry. Now I understand why he is doing so well:)
I really like yours. What pattern did you use for this?

[Woven N Spun]

Thanks for the kudos for Chris. I am so proud of him.

Hmmm pattern for mine...umm none. Just made it up as I went along. Guess CH does take after me :devil


He should be in the CAL.

He is an inspiration:)
Oh, I was so impressed with his work that I totally missed yours, Kimberly.
So sorry. Now I understand why he is doing so well:)
I really like yours. What pattern did you use for this?

[Chatty]

I'm almost finished with my wristwarmers I started yesterday, I just have the fun fur trim to do on the other one.

The picture of the finished one is in my blog here. (http://chattyscrafties.blogspot.com/2005/06/wristwarmer_30.html)

:frog

[crochetfun]

You are quick.

They look great:)

[Chatty]

Thank you but I can't take all the credit, the pattern works up that fast :)

They don't hinder typing in the least, I'll be able to wear them this winter to keep my hands warm :c9

:frog

[cajunwhacko]

It's really cute. The strange thing is, if you read the pattern, there is very little shaping until you get to the top part.

Question to those of you with Mitten Experience:
isn't 30 a big starting chain?
(or do we just have tiny wrists? - 5,5"
(in my mitten I started w. 27 and that was on the large side)

The starting chain depends on whether you're doing them side to side or sock style, and what size yarn and hook you're using. I myself have officially tiny wrists, just under 5 inches around - so it sounds like you do have pretty small wrists. I couldn't even tell you the stitch count of mine at the wrists, because I did them fingers up. :hook

[crochetfun]

Remember I am a true novice at this.

I really want to do "my" mittens from top down, but need to wait till my thumb gets a bit better. The post stitches were really killing me. (of course I love doing them)

[cajunwhacko]

I just dug out my mitten (yes, I still only have one done, I got irritated after almost finishing and having to frog it all out) and I counted the stitches around the wrist. I have 28, and I did the cuffs alternating FPDC BPDC. It fits my wrist perfectly, it isn't loose but it also isn't tight at all. Hope that helps a little bit?

Oh, and that's with Patons Kroy sock yarn and a size H hook (because I crochet very tightly).

[cajunwhacko]

My yarn came! My yarn came! It's absolutely beea-utiful, I can't wait to make my mittens with it. I guess I really need to finish the other pair first now.
Matt's getting handprints of all the kids for me so I'll be able to start their mittens next. I got some yarn for Ally's the other day, I've gotta go now but I'll post it all later.

Places to go, things to do, and have to be sure to do as much/many as I can while I can.

More later...

[Veronika]

I´ve just emailed you :)

[cajunwhacko]

As promised, here is the yarn for Ally's mittens (perfect for a 2 yo girl, no?)

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v688/cajunwhacko/th_PICT2728.jpg (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v688/cajunwhacko/PICT2728.jpg)

And here is the yarn for my mittens

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v688/cajunwhacko/th_PICT2729.jpg (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v688/cajunwhacko/PICT2729.jpg)

[Veronika]

oooooooh the blue/purple one is very loveeeeely!!

[Woven N Spun]

Love those colors Anne. Especially the one for you.

I hope to work on the web page today. Just really behind right now. Sorry :(

[unicorn37757]

Love the colors!:yay

[cajunwhacko]

Okay, we went to Joann's yesterday and had a coupon, so the yarn for Evan's mittens came home with us. Here's the yarn all together.

http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v688/cajunwhacko/th_mittenyarn.jpg (http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v688/cajunwhacko/mittenyarn.jpg)

Left to right, Jack (11), Kat (10), Dave (7 1/2), Tim (6), Evan (4) and Ally (2)

Now I'm just waiting on the handprints to get here! :hook

[Veronika]

I LOVE the one for Evan and the one for Ally is pretty cute too!
can´t wait to see all the mittens you´ll make :)

[ttbookjunkie]

Is it too late to play along?

Amanda:hook

[ttbookjunkie]

Hello All! I just joined up and I plan on making

these:http://www.lionbrand.com/patterns/chs-mittens.html
and these: http://freecrochetpatterns.lionbrand.com/printablePatterns/chs-heartsOnAStringMitts.pdf

Not sure about the yarn yet but we are headed to the city tomorrow so I will hunt some out.

Happy Crocheting!
Amanda:hook

[unicorn37757]

Hi Amanda, I like your patterns. Got to get busy on mine, been so much going on haven't had the chance!:hook

[Woven N Spun]

I finally have a web page up for this cal (and knit too if you want to).

It's at

http://www.wovenspun.com/chwh.htm

Please let me know if I inadvertantly left you name off the list or have somehow missed your finished pair (pairs) of mittens.

I am WOEFULLY behind in email and think I missed a lot.

Let me know what you think of the page.

[crochetfun]

Nice!

You just reminded me that I need to get back to my mittens. But, it is really hard to think of winter in this heat:)

[Woven N Spun]

Whew I hear ya. It's 95 outside my window right now and that window is shaded. But..I am working on wool socks :)

[unicorn37757]

I've got to get to my mittens too (want some for all the grandchildren) but it's hard for me too with our temperatures ranging in the 90s & humid as all get out!:eek

[boredelf]

I know I've fallen off the face of the earth since I joined this CAL. Just as progress, I did some mittens almost as quickly as I joined this CAL. I've been waiting to post until I get a picture. I will try to get a picture up soon. Life has been busy lately!