The triple spiral (triskelion) is frequently featured in Celtic art. It is an ancient symbol, however, that predates even the Celts and is thought by many to represent the three realms: land, water and sky. It’s clearly a symbol that resonates with humankind because it continues to be found today in all sorts of contexts, from diverse to unlikely (for example, the US Department of Transportation logo features a triskelion!). The Book of Kells is a masterwork of Medieval illumination and arguably Ireland’s greatest national treasure. The design genius and skill of the creators is evident on each page, and could only be the product of great love and devotion. The triskelion is found in many of the book’s illustrations – as a symbol it was already laden with deep meaning and must have seemed to the monks to be the perfect representation of their Holy Trinity. The achingly complex Chi Rho page features many spirals, both individual and triple, some in layers of details – circles contain spirals that contain more spirals within circles.

These mitts feature a large triskelion surrounded by smaller spirals, all bordered by simple Celtic braids in metallic gold. The edgings are a two-stich twisted rib that resembles tiny cables, but no cable needle is needed. They are knitted bottom up in the round with a gusseted thumb. They can be knit on double points, two circulars or with the Magic Loop method. Two sizes are given: Size 1 has a 7.5” palm circumference, and Size 2 has an 8”. Size can further be adjusted by changing needle size and gauge. Written instructions are given for the edgings, as well as full color charts for both hands in each size. These are knit in 4 colors of fingering weight yarn, but you can use more or fewer colors to suit your preference.

Skills required:
• Long tail and backwards loop cast on
• Knit and purl stitches
• Simple right and left leaning increases (M1L and M1R)
• Simple decreases (such as knit 2 together)
• Stranded color stockinette knitting
• Knitting small circumferences in the round