The original pattern in Finnish is published in Ulla 1/10.

NB! You'll find the chart for colourwork and gusset increases behind that link!

As I was knitting these mitts I couldn’t stop thinking about this flower. Vanamo. Twin flower. Linnaea borealis.

So delicate, so fragile. Tiny pale pink flowers and evergreen leaves. Little jewel of cool old forest, reminding us of ancient days.

SIZE

Women’s S[M] (shown in size S). The pattern uses gauge changes to fit two sizes.

FINISHED MEASUREMENTS

Hand circumference: 6,5[7] inches unstretched

Lenght: 9,5[10] inches

MATERIALS

[MC] ONLine Linie 155 Supercool [100 % merino superwash; 159 yd/145 m per 50 g skein]; color: #84; 1 skein
[CC] ONLine Linie 155 Supercool [100 % merino superwash; 159 yd/145 m per 50 g skein]; color: #69 ; 1  skein

Substitute yarn: Lana Grossa Cool Wool 2000 [100 % merino; 176 yd/161 m per 50 g skein]. Also known as Merino 2000

For size S:

1 set US #1/2,25 mm double-point needles

1 set US #1½/2,5 mm double-point needles

For size M:

1 set US #1½/2,5 mm double-point needles

1 set US #2/2,75 mm double-point needles

GAUGE

34 sts/37 rows[32 sts/36 rows] = 4 inches in stockinette stitch

PATTERN NOTES

Braid:

Round 1: *k1 in CC, k1  in MC, repeat from * to end of round. Wrap the next st: sl st, bring both yarns forward, replace sl st back onto left hand needle, turn. Wrong side is facing.

Round 2: Pull out couple of yards of each yarn before start knitting this round. K1 in MC. *Pick up CC under MC, k1 in CC; pick up MC under CC, k1 in MC. Repeat from *. The yarns will be twisting around each other.

Round 3: *Pick up CC over MC and k1 in CC; pick up MC over CC, k1 in MC. Repeat from *. The yarns will be untwisting as you work this round. End by wrapping one st as before. Turn work so right side is facing.

The shaping of the thumb gusset and colorwork pattern have been presented in chart form. When working the thumb gusset, the chart must be mirrored for the back of the work.

Light squares of the chart represent sts knit in MC. Filled squares represent sts knit with CC.

There is one st knit in main color on both sides of the mitten between colorwork sections. These two sts are not in the chart. Positions of these seam sts are established in the first row of colorwork.

PATTERN

Cuff

Using long tale cast-on and CC, cast on 56 sts onto larger DPNs. Join into round, be careful not to twist.

Next round: knit all sts.

Join MC. Make first braid.

Next round: knit all sts in MC.

Next round: *k2, p2, repeat from * to end.

Continue to work in k2, p2 ribbing for 12 more rounds.

Make second braid.

Next round: knit all sts in MC.

Begin colorwork

Next round: *k1 in MC, work row 1 of chart across 27 sts, repeat from *.

Continue to work in chart, remember to knit 1 st in MC as false seam st as established. Work the straight section of the chart – 29 rows.

Thumb gusset

Next round: k1 in MC, work row 30 of the chart across 27 sts, m1 in pattern, k1 in MC, m1 in pattern, work row 30 of the chart across remaining sts. Remember, that chart must be mirrored.

Next round: work row 31 of the chart.

Continue as set. Every second row of the chart is an increase round. There will be 20 sts increased.

Thumb

Next round: k1 in MC, work row 50 of the chart across 27 sts, place next 21 sts onto waste yarn for thumb. Cast on 1 st  in MC using backward loop method, work row 50 of the chart across remaining 27 sts.

Palm

Continue to work as set until the end of chart. Break CC.

Next round: knit all sts in MC.

Ribbing

Switch to smaller needles.

Next round: *k2, p2, repeat from *

Continue to work in k2, p2 ribbing for 8 more rounds. Bind off all sts.

Thumb ribbing

For size S:

Put thumb sts back onto 2 smaller DPNs.

Using MC and new needle, pick up and knit 3 sts across the gap, knit all sts to end of round. 24 sts total. Distribute sts evenly onto 3 or 4 needles as you knit.

Next round: SK2P, k1, *p2, k2* twice, p3tog, p1, *k2, p2* twice. 2o sts total, 4 sts decreased.

Next round: *k2, p2, repeat from * to end of round.

Continue working in k2, p2 ribbing for 8 more rounds. Bind off all sts.

For size M:

Put thumb sts back onto 2 smaller DPNs.

Using MC and new needle, pick up and knit 3 sts across the gap, knit all sts to end of round. 24 sts total. Distribute sts evenly onto 3 or 4 needles as you knit.

Next round: *k2, p2, repeat from * to end of round.

Continue working in k2, p2 ribbing for 8 more rounds. Bind off all sts.

FINISHING

Weave in all loose ends. Soak in cool water for 10-15 mintes, squeeze gently, roll in a towel to absorb excess water. Block with pins on a flat surface and let dry.