Saturday, January 16, 2016

Failure or Success?

A short time ago I saw a pair of mittens a friend had knit that I really liked.  She was nice enough to share the pattern with me so I could make some for myself.

In typical fashion (sigh), I didn't have the brand of yarn the pattern called for and not wishing to purchase more yarn since I have a large (you could hide a body in it) tote full of yarn, I used some that I had.  I knew the yarn was a little different than that called for since I had to change needle size from those called for in the pattern to attain the correct gauge.

Followed the instructions for a "ladies" size, but (boo-hoo-hoo) they came out just a smidge small for me.


My daughter's hands are slightly bigger than mine so she couldn't wear them either, but she does have a good friend with small hands so that's who is destined to get the mittens this weekend.

I like the mittens so much -- they seem as if they'll be very warm as they feel almost like a felted item -- that I'm going to make another pair, in the men's size, hoping those will fit me.  If those turn out too big, well, then my daughter may get a new pair of mittens yet.  

22 comments:

Dawn said...

oh such a shame but good that some-one can make use of them, they look lovely and cosy too :-)

Kev Alviti said...

I think that if someone will wear them and love then it's a success.
My wife loves knitting too. She knitted me a pair fo fingerless gloves years ago and I'm yet to find a pair that fits better. Later in the week I'll do a post showing my wife's blanket she's knitted for the baby.

Mama Pea said...

Dawn - After completing the first one and being so disappointed at the size, I contemplated not even making the second mitten. For about 2 minutes. Then knew I had to finish them for someone to have.

Mama Pea said...

Kev - You're right, the mittens are certainly more success than failure!

I love to see other people's handmade projects. Please do post the new little guy's blanket. Love seeing the pictures of your beautiful family.

hoosier girl said...

I vote success. I have so much unfinished stuff that I am calling everything that gets done a success -whether I'll use it or not!

Nancy In Boise said...

I have big hands to!

Mama Pea said...

hoosier girl - I like your way of thinking!

Mama Pea said...

Nancy - I don't think I'd classify my hands as big . . . but I do think using a different yarn than the one called for in the mitten pattern made them come out smaller. Shoulda known . . .

DFW said...

I think they are beautiful. So glad someone will get to put them to good use!

Laurie said...

Bummer but, cute as can be! By the way, love your header.

gld said...

Re: the header picture: I have that one in a frame.

I like those mittens too! Dang, I wished they had fit you.
That friend will be delighted.

You make me want to knit again.

Mama Pea said...

DFW - Thank you! Yes, I don't feel bad that they don't fit me knowing someone will use them.

Mama Pea said...

Laurie - Thanks! My grandma had framed pictures of the four seasons by Currier & Ives on her living room wall so this header is particularly nostalgic for me.

Mama Pea said...

gld - Currier & Ives prints have certainly withstood the test of time, haven't they?

I'm still debating whether I should start another pair of the mittens in the larger size for myself . . .

Yes, yes, yes, I think you should pick up those knitting needles again before spring time arrives!

Anonymous said...

Love the mittens, I'm hoping to take a class on knitting. Love your header, mom had the same picture.
Coni

Mama Pea said...

Coni - Thanks for commenting! Taking a knitting class or having someone sit next to you and teach you is the best way to learn to knit, I think. Hope you can take that class. Although my first love is quilting, I admit knitting is more relaxing.

I'm partial to the "four seasons" paintings of Currier & Ives, too.

Pioneer Woman at Heart said...

Those look so warm and cozy.

Mama Pea said...

Kristina - They were (have gone to a new home now) very warm, almost felt like a felted mitten. I almost started another pair for myself (larger this time around) last night but then (probably fortunately) got side-tracked onto something else!

Sandy Livesay said...

Mama Pea,

Great looking mittens. Sorry to hear they don't fit, maybe the next ones will. :-)

Mama Pea said...

Sandy - I'm pretty sure if I made the men's size with the same yarn and needles they would fit me. Can I start now? Huh, huh? Please?

Dirt Lover said...

If someone can get some use out of them, they are a success!! I love the look, they are beautiful. And I think you should try them in the men's size.
As for your weather...... it's way, way too cold for this girl!! Good luck keeping warm.
~~Lori

Mama Pea said...

Lori - I started a pair in the men's size today! Have almost all of the cuff done. I'm sure these will fit . . . unless they're TOO BIG! In that case, they'll probably fit my daughter. :o)