After the Rain mittens by Mary O'Shea

After the Rain mittens

Knitting
September 2011
Sport (12 wpi) ?
26 stitches and 29 rows = 4 inches
in stockinette stitch
US 3 - 3.25 mm
200 - 480 yards (183 - 439 m)
Child Small [Child Large/Adult Small, Adult Medium, Adult Large]
English
This pattern is available for free.

This colorful design was my first published pattern and still delights my eye! Because this design uses 8 colors, having a plan to deal with ends before beginning is a good idea. I recommend carrying each color for 8-10 sts at the end of the round just before it is needed. Also, carry each color for a similar distance in the next round when it is no longer needed. Use the same method you find helpful in dealing with long floats. Then, when you are finished knitting, lightly tug on each end to tighten any loose stitches and then trim the yarn.

The thumb is my own cross between a gusseted one and a “sore” thumb. Because it is shaped, there is no need for extra stitches on the hand to accommodate the thumb, so the hand fits snugly and comfortably. The thumb placement box is shown on the mitten hand and within the thumb chart for reference. The markers are placed outside the box. All thumb gusset increases occur between the markers. While you are working the thumb gusset, on the rows where the number of stitches is not a multiple of 6, there will be a discontinuity where the edges of the thumb and the rest of the hand meet (at the markers). This has thrown a few people, so just know to expect this. If you follow the thumb chart, and use the markers all will be fine.

SIZES: 4 sizes are included in the pattern, each with its own chart: Child Small( Child Large/Adult Small, Adult Medium and Adult Large).

FINISHED MEASUREMENTS:
Hand Circumference: 6.5 (7.5, 8, 9) inches
Hand Length (adjustable): 7, (9, 10, 11) inches
Changes to gauge or yarn weight, or adding length, may require extra yarn

GAUGE: 26 sts and 29 rnds = 4”/10cm

NEEDLES: US 3 (3.25mm), or size needed to achieve gauge.
Choose needle types base on your preferred method of working small circumferences in the round. Options include magic-loop on a 32-inch circular needle, DPNs, or 2 24-inch circular needles.

YARN: Number of yards of sport-weight wool yarn required in each of 8 colors:
Child Small: 25 yards
Child Large/Adult Small: 40 yards
Adult Medium: 50 yards
Adult Large: 60 yards

NOTIONS: 2 stitch markers, a length of smooth yarn for a holder, tapestry needle

SKILLS USED: working in the round, decreases (k2tog), increases (M1), using a chart, 2-color colorwork, picking up stitches, corrugated ribbing