Skaite-Maria created this wonderful pattern about a hundred years ago. She was a Sami from the Tourpon area in the Jokkmokk parish of northern Sweden. The mittens are sturdy and hardwearing, with a short braid at each cuff.

Designer Laura Ricketts

Finished Size10.25 inches (26.0 cm) long and 8.25 inches (21.0 cm) hand circumference after blocking, excluding braid

Yarn Rauma Strikkegarn, 3 ply, 100% Norwegian wool yarn, DK weight, 118 yards (107.9 m)/50 gram (1.8 oz) ball, 1 ball each of #136 Black (MC) and #124 Bright Red (CC); www.theyarnguys.com

Needles Set of five double pointed size 1½ (2.5 mm) or size needed to obtain gauge

Notions Scrap of smooth waste yarn for thumb; Stitch marker; Tapestry needle

Gauge 15.5 sts and 16 rnds = 2 inches (5.1 cm) over Checked pattern