Two-needle convertible fingerless mitts

Been busy with more knitting, although I really need to stop knitting pretty things for myself and get on with the Christmas presents I need to make. Hmmmmm easier said than done though!

These I made this week for the drive to and from work now it's getting colder. I need my fingers free to steer, but I wanted some cover for when I'm not driving. I had again spied something similar on the high street and wanted to make my own, but couldn't find a free pattern. So I made up my own and here it is. And even better, these babies are knit on two needles then sewn up, so the pattern is ideal for beginners or those who just find knitting in the round too fiddly. I have shared it on www.ravelry.com so if you use it please go share your photos, I'd love to see it in other colours :)

Two-needle convertible fingerless mitts

DK weight yarn

Needle size 4mm / US 6

Main mitt section

Cast on 40 stitches

Rows 1 to 5 - work in K2, P2 ribbing.

Continue in stockinette stitch until your work reaches the desired length (keep checking by placing it on your hand. My finished mitts are 9 inches, which I find covers my wrists right up to my knuckles.)

Then work the final 7 rows in K2, P2 ribbing.

Cast off.

Stitch the sides together using matress stitch, leaving a 2-3 inch gap for your thumb (again check the size and location as you go)

Thumb section

Cast on 17 stitches

Work in stockinette stitch for about 20 rows or 3 inches (a couple less if you have a shorter thumb or a couple more if you have a long thumb).

Break the yarn leaving a good tail and use a needle to pull the yarn through the live stitches, pull tight and secure. Then stitch the sides together.

Stitch the thumb section to the mitt section.

Mitt flap section

Cast on 42 stitches.

Work in stockinette stitch for about 3 inches, a little less for shorter fingers, a little more for longer fingers.

Then decrease as follows:

* K5, K2tog, repeat from * to end of row. Purl one row, knit one row, purl one row.

* K4, K2tog, repeat from * to end of row. Purl one row, knit one row, purl one row.

* K3, K2tog, repeat from * to end of row. Purl one row.

* K2, K2tog, repeat from * to end of row. Purl one row.

* K2tog, repeat from * to end of row. Purl one row.

Cast off leaving a long tail, sew a small loop at the tip for the button and sew down the sides. Then with one of the mitts on your hand, work out the position of the flap and sew to the mitt. Finally sew on a button in the right position and do it all again to make a second one.

Enjoy :)

Natalie x

Easy, chunky high street beret

I made up this knitted beret pattern after lusting after so many lush chunky wool hats in high street shops this autumn - but of course buying one wouldn't have been as much fun would it?

It's seriously warm, and so thick it actually slightly reduces your hearing while wearing it!

This is only my first pattern, so if you notice any mistakes or improvements, please let me know and I'll happily amend it.

Needles:
US Size 13 (9mm) circular needles with 16" cable

US Size 11 (8mm) circular needles with 16" cable

Yarns:
I used about one-and-a-quarter balls of Cygnet Seriously Chunky yarn, but any super chunky weight yarn would suit.

Notes:
Please note, beret is knit inside out, so if you're joining yarn, make sure the knots/tails stay on the outside as you'll turn it inside out once finished.

Pattern:

Using size 11 (8mm) needles, CO 44PM, join in the round

Row 1-5: * Knit 2, Purl 2, repeat from * to the end

Row 6: * kf&b, repeat from * to the end (88 stitches)

Row 7: Change to size 13 (9mm) needles. *Knit 9, Purl 1, repeat from * to the end

Row 8-19: Repeat row 7

Row 20: *knit 4, k2tog, knit 3, purl 1, repeat from * to the end

Row 21: *knit 3, k2tog, knit 3, purl 1, repeat from * to the end

Row 22: *knit 2, k2tog, knit 3, purl 1, repeat from * to the end

Row 23: *knit 2, k2tog, knit 2, purl 1, repeat from * to the end

Row 24: *knit 1, k2tog, knit 2, purl 1, repeat from * to the end

Row 25: *knit 1, k2tog, knit 1, purl 1, repeat from * to the end

Row 26: *knit 1, k2tog, purl 1, repeat from * to the end

Row 27: *k2tog, purl 1, repeat from * to the end

Row 28: *p2tog, repeat from * to the end

Repeat row 28 until about 6 stitches remain. Cut the yarn and using a large needle thread the tail through, pull tight, weave in the ends and you’re finished!