we have to seek, as children do
for something like the beetle
scuttling between grass,
hidden in plain sight.

From “How Quiet” by Judith Harris

There is something quite beautiful about the way this poem begins in the lofty branches of a spruce tree and ends very close to the earth, on the scale of tiny “scuttling” things hidden in the grass. That, the poet says, is a place where we might just catch a glimpse of the divine. I find that idea comforting. Some days it’s much easier to feel like something small and scrambling than like a graceful treetop breeze! And so, that’s where I often seek my peace: in the humble day-to-day, close to the earth. In the pleasures of small things, in the pursuit of everyday wonder, and in the appreciation of even the more frantic moments of the holidays. It takes some looking sometimes, and some determination, and a touch of that childlike curiosity.

The How Quiet Mitts make a wonderful gift, either on their own or as companions to the matching How Quiet Hat. These handsome fingerless mitts knit up quickly in a soft DK weight yarn—always a boon to last-minute present makers—and the design is simple enough to show off even lively variegated skeins. The single chevron running up the centre of each mitt offers a quiet nod to the stately spruce tree of the poem. Ribbing at the wrists and fingers assure a snug fit, and the thumb is constructed with an easy gusset. This is a unisex design which comes in both a child and adult size. These are the perfect mitts to wear outside, enjoying nature: whether that’s a glorious spruce forest or just a determined little bug in the back garden going about his day.

SIZE
Child (Adult)
Finished Measurements:
Child
Length: 15cm (6”)
Circumference: 14cm (5.6”)
Adult
Length: 20cm (8”)
Circumference: 18cm (7”)

YARN
Julie Asselin Leizu DK
(90% Superwash Merino, 10% Silk, 238m/260yds per 115g skein)
Colour: Sauge Argentée
OR
Actual yardage used:
Child:
30g or 62m/67yds of DK weight yarn
Adult:
50g = 103m/113yds of DK weight yarn

NEEDLES
3.5mm (US 4), 80cm (32”) long circular needles for magic loop method or DPNs (or size to obtain gauge)
4 mm (US 6), 80cm (32”) long circular needles for magic loop method or DPNs (or size to obtain gauge)

NOTIONS

Tapestry needle
3 stitch markers

GAUGE
20 sts/32 rows = 10cm (4”) in stockinette after blocking on larger needles