While we were perusing the bookstore at Uwajimaya in Seattle, I ought a book, “Handmade Mittens,” by Toshiyuki Shimada, (written in Japanese which I cannot read) in order to try these mittens. There are great diagrams so I could figure it out. My friend Junko helped me make sure that I was really on the right track by translating the words too.

They begin from a crocheted chain, and the thumb is woven together before creating the rest of the mitten. After weaving the sides together with Kitchener Stitch the stitches wrap diagonally around the hand. (Note to self, use a contrasting yarn for the crocheted cast on!)

Have one finished. These are too small for me and my size L hands but would fit a large child or small to medium woman.

The hibernation caused problems--I forgot about the wrap and turns or missed them the second time through. Frogged #2, reknit it. Now #1 looks a bit lame in comparison, so I frogged it and am reknitting it too. Finished with #3 and #4. Hip hip hoorah!