Tuesday, January 13, 2009

Res Completae: Bella's Mittens

I briefly mentioned last month my gleeful leap onto the Twilight bandwagon. I'm not going to apologize anymore -- I loved those books, darn it! I loved them. They provided just the right amount of escapism at just the right time, and the last two books actually allowed me to enjoy that 18 hour screaming-baby-fest to Buenos Aires. I mean, I really couldn't stomach a third viewing of Mamma Mia! or an 18th of that one episode of The Office. (Apparently, I was on travel so much this fall that I ran through United's entire in-flight entertainment lineup.)

Anyway, whatever you thought of the Twilight books, I bet if you saw the movie, you had the same thought my fellow knitting friends and I did: "Ooooh! Cabled mittens!" Immediately upon exiting the movie theatre, I started planning my recreation of these:



I didn't have to do much, as Subliminal Rabbit had already published a pattern!



Pattern: Bella's Mittens, by Marielle Henault
Yarn: Plymouth Yarn Homestead, less than 1 skein of color 102
Needles: US 8 dpns
Start to Finish: December 20-22, 2008



Mods: My yarn was a little less bulky than what's called for in the pattern, and though my slightly decreased stitch gauge worked ok, my decreased row gauge made for a teeny hand. So I added one repeat of the cable pattern before beginning the top-of-the-hand decreases.



Notes: Oh my gosh, I LOVE THESE MITTENS AND I WEAR THEM ALL THE TIME. Somehow, 3/4 length tops, sweaters, and jackets seem to have taken over my wardrobe, and combined with these forearm-length mitts, they make for a perfectly warm outfit for the mild San Francisco winter. I have a feeling I am going to wear them to death. Honestly, I had a little bit of a hard time separating from them when I went to Argentina and was thrilled to be reunited with them upon my return.

23 comments:

Meghan said...

Very nice! I've had mittens on the brain lately too--thanks to my cold hands!

Ashley said...

Loved the books. Love the mittens.

Clumsy Knitter said...

I gotta admit: those mittens are CUTE! I kinda want mittens myself, now. :)

Imcombobulated said...

Those are beautiful! Don't you want to mail them across the world to someone you've never met (and don't know in any way) rather than keep them for yourself? I mean, I can tell by the way you write about them that you don't really love them. And I'm in a real winter climate... so you want to, don't you?

(I'm not a crazy stalker person, don't worry. Just a friend of your cousin JoAnna.)

Thea said...

so perfect for SF. I have some leftover pumpkin colored yarn I've been eyeing for a pair, but am not sure if I should go gray..... enjoy!

Anonymous said...

i love them. i need some. time to go dig through the stash for some yarn. maybe some bright red malabrigo? this is not going to be good for those holiday gifts i still need to finish...

Teresa said...

I am so glad you blogged about this because I too have the 3/4 sleeves taking over my wardrobe, and those mitts look a-mazing! Methinks I'll have them on my needles soon :)

Mr Puffy's Knitting Blog: said...

Sounds like true love to me - LOL

Your pictures are fabulous - very Wintery feeling. I'll have to keep this pattern in mind as I do love mittens/gloves myself :)

How did I miss the whole Twilight phenom?

LizKnits said...

No need to apologize... you're one of millions and we're all addicted. Love the mitts!

sheepish one said...

love your mittens. love!
haven't read the books. my daughter is though...
and i understand about all the 3/4 sleeve love but having some drafts once winter rolls around. your mittens are perfect for just this reason alone.

Jodi said...

I missed out on the book and movie, but I sure love those mittens! They are bella, indeed.

peaknits said...

Of course, as another Twilight-a-holic - I have these mitts on my list - I have the yarn - and now seeing yours...I ned those mitts:)

Philigry said...

in love with those mittens! i must make some! love the photos too!

At Home Mommy Knits said...

Those are beautiful. I totally want a pair now! I haven't read or seen anything twilight but I have to admit I asked for the books for Christmas. No one got them for me so I might have to go get the first one and see :)

Anonymous said...

Those look great!

Team Knit said...

Those mittens are fantastic!! I love how long they are. Great job!

- Julie

the Lady said...

Ha, that is very funny - mitten reunion. I know just what you mean about being parted from your project/knitted item/spindle...

Alison said...

Mmmm, those look yummy! I love that they're huge and long- hand and arm warmers all in one pretty cabled project.

Happy knitting!

Eliza said...

those are awesome! I too need something longer... hm...

a friend to knit with said...

i adore those mittens!!!

i am so behind on those books....and i haven't seen the movie. but i can so see why you fell in love with the mittens!

Marie Adeline said...

those mittens are gorgeous, and seam to be soo cosy,
happy new year and best wishes

Katlyn said...

I love the mittens! Maybe one day I will try to improve my knitting skills so I can make a pair. :)

Caroline said...

I want to make these! You did such a great job. Do you happen to have your pattern and are willing to pass on the genius? Thanks!