Using yarn I brought in Lerwick, Shetland, and a pattern by a Shetland designer.

I like my mittens to be very fitted, so I went down in needle size, to 2.25mm for the ribbing (I did twisted), and 2.5mm for the rest of the mitten, including the finger ribbing, (also twisted). Two extra rows of stocking stitch before starting the fingers.

Note: Next time, I’d add an extra two rows before starting the fair isle.

Did the fingers differently, by casting on two extra stitches, using backwards loop CO, on the right hand side of each finger, then picking up those two extra on the next finger, which avoided any holes.

Also adjusted the finger ribbing length. Thumb, 11 rows, index/middle/ring, 6 rows, little finger, 4 rows.

Used an entire 25g ball of MC (Rosewood).

38 ends to sew in! But worth it.

This is the first time I’ve knitted an afterthought thumb or fingers. The thumb is a nice fit and well positioned.

This pattern would also make nice fingerless mittens, which I will try next time.

Displayed on mitten blockers from the Shetland Museum and Archives, which is a really fabulous museum in Lerwick.

Note on yarn: The Spindrift is lovely to knit with, but is quite fragile. I broke it several times because I tugged too hard when turning on magic loop.