Like many people I’ve struggled through the Covid Pandemic of 2020. Not being able to meet with family and friends was and still is especially tough. Being of a high risk group I also had to stay home for around four months – not easy for someone who is used to being on the go all the time! However like many people during this time I’ve found solace in my crafts. I spent time making scrubs for our local NHS, made face masks for all the family, spun up several kilos of fleece and the thing that has always given me most comfort in difficult times – knitted up a storm!
One night early in the pandemic when the U.K. was under lockdown I couldn’t get settled to sleep so I got up, got the sketch books out and scribbled out a few new ideas. The first of these are my Solace Gloves – there is also a matching beanie too. For the colour palette I chose shades from Jamieson & Smith which I find restful. Now the world is starting to (slowly) return to normal, I hope you can find peace and Solace in making too.

Jamieson & Smith 2ply jumper weight 100% Shetland wool (115m/25g) 1x 25g ball in each of the following shades.
• A: shade 2001
• B: shade FC17
• C: shade FC34
• D: shade FC51
• E: shade 133
• F: shade 366

• 1 set 2.5mm DPN or preferred method for working in the round for rib and fingers.
• 1 set 3mm DPN or preferred method for working in the round for body.
• Tapestry needle for weaving in ends. • Glove boards if available.
• Stitch marker.
• 2 pieces of waste yarn in a contrasting colour for thumb placement. Waste yarn for holding Live stitches when knitting fingers.

28 sts and 32 rows to 10cm over stranded colour work after blocking. Use 3mm needles as starting point for checking gauge and adjust needle size accordingly if gauge not met.