This project was made as an attempt to diversify my knitting portfolio. Of course, I’ve made myself countless shawls (that I never wear), many socks, and enough hats to fill a drawer in my nightstand… but I’ve never made myself a pair of mittens. All in spite of the fact, being the irrational knitter I am, that I would actually wear (and have often desperately needed) mittens. Every month this year, my knitting group is drawing a number that correlates to a project on a prewritten list of twelve knitting/crocheting projects we’d like to complete this year. This month I drew mittens: Jack-in-the-Box Mittens.

This pattern and Grove were both in my sights for many years, but I never managed to actually knit either of them. The idea for this project sparked from the desire to have both Grove and Jack-in-the-box mittens… why not both? So, naturally, I donned my Dr. Frankenstein costume and spliced together the parts I liked best about both. Overall, both patterns were fun to work with and much easier than I previously imagined. I’m quite happy with how these mittens turned out.

Cuff: Using largest size in JBM pattern, CO 2 sts less than total stitch count (after cuff). Work 12 rows twisted 1x1 ribbing. Inc 2 sts in GM chart row 2.

Using magic loop, work 1st needle as front half of GM chart and 2nd needle as back of JBM pattern. Change all 1x1 ribbing to twisted 1x1 ribbing.

Top: Extra repeat of GM chart added for length. Work back flap decreases even with GM decreases, add a row of k2tog before closing the top with kitchener stitch.