Alida is a whimsical pattern. The side motifs are a twisted stitch pattern based on a stitch pattern in Twisted-Stitch Knitting by Maria Erlbacher that I fell in love with. The center cable is a basic open cable. The wending cables remind me of a narrow track up a hill. I can imagine the goat kids leaping across the meadow while a young girl watches their antics. Yes, I might be romanticizing the mitts, but I hope you will too.

This pattern is meant for an adventurous novice knitter or a more experienced mid-level knitter.

Both written and charted directions are included in this pattern. Please read the entire pattern before beginning.

Yarn: Swans Island Organic Washable DK, 140 yards, 100% washable Merino wool, graphite

Needle: US 4 (3.5mm) DPNs or needles to obtain gauge

Gauge: 5.3 stitches per inch (spi) and 6.8 rows per inch (rpi) OR 21.2 stitches & 27.2 rows to 4 inches/10 cm in stockinette

Size: Women’s medium (7.5 inch width)

To alter the size: Add or subtract repeats of the chart to change the length of the mitt as needed OR adjust your gauge to increase or decrease the width of the mitt as needed. The mitt width may also be adjusted by adding purl stitches between the side and middle motif or at the ends of the chart.