“…the winter is kind and leaves red berries on the boughs for hungry sparrows…”
― John Geddes, A Familiar Rain

This is a pattern for a pair of mittens worked from the bottom up and in the round, using the stranded colourwork technique. You may work them in 2 colours or with 3 colours (there are charts for both for left and right hands).

Size is determined by the needle size. You may also work an inner rib for a closer fit at the wrist. If you prefer to line these mittens, I suggest working at least 1 size larger than your size and then work the lining 1 size smaller than the outer mitten, either by picking up sts or working them separately and sewing later.

This pattern includes notes on how to work them as mitts.

yarn:
Shetland 4ply by Gathered Sheep Yarns; Fingering; 100% Pure Shetland Wool; 233yds (213m) / 55g
approximate yarn amounts for a pair of mittens:
MC - 54 (56, 60, 65) g
CC1 - 24 (25, 27, 29) g if working 3 colour version; 38 (40, 43, 46) g if working 2 colour version
CC2 - 14 (15, 16, 17) g if working 3 colour version
If you plan to line your mittens, you will need additional yarn. (Hawkcombe Wood Collection works well as a lining)
needles:
2.0mm (us no 0) DPNs 6in/15cm; set of 5
2.25mm (us no 1) DPNs 6in/15cm; set of 5
2.5mm (us no 1.5) DPNs 6in/15cm; set of 5
2.75mm (us no 2) DPNs 6in/15cm; set of 5
3.0mm (us no 2.5) DPNs 6in/15cm; set of 5
Each size uses a different needles size pair:
2.0 & 2.25 (2.25 & 2.5, 2.5 & 2.75, 2.75 & 3.0) mm
Some knitters work stranded and single-coloured at different gauges. Change needles, as needed, to keep gauge the same throughout.
gauge:
34 (32, 30, 28) sts x 34 (32, 30, 28) rows = 4in/10cm measured over stranded stockinette
approximate finished size:
Size is determined by needles size pair.
7.5 (8, 8.5, 9) in / 19 (20, 21.5, 23) cm circumference
additional tools:
needle to weave in ends, waste yarn/stitch holder