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:

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

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    1. 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.

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  2. 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.

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    1. 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.

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  3. 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!

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    1. 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 . . .

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

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

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

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    1. 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.

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  7. 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.

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    1. 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!

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

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    1. 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.

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  9. Replies
    1. 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!

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  10. Mama Pea,

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

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    1. 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?

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  11. 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

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    1. 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)

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