Knit Mitt Kit Swap


I have signed up to paricipate in my very first swap. The fabulous Knit Mitt Kit Swap, could not have come at a more serendiptous time. I was just looking for some message from the universe that I should knit mittens right this minute. As you know, I'm easily distracted during long projects and I can't resist knitting small, sweet things.

The existence of the KMKS validates my decision to set my Malabrigo Mama aside for just a few days in the name of warm hands. I know. I'm weak, but I will finish the sweater, if for no other reason than that I have an audience (of about six readers, at last count) to keep me accountable.

I've already received a very gracious (and tantalizingly mysterious) message from my secret kit granter. Hello there. Below find the answers to my KMKS questionnaire and thanks again!

Thanks also to Scout and Bev!

The Questionnaire:

What are your favorite colors?
I love deep indigo blue, burgundy, deep red (and just about any red ), vivid, rich orange, chartreuse green, celadon green, warm chocolate brown.

Are you a new mitt knitter? How long have you been knitting mittens?
I knit my first mittens for my 2 year old a couple years back. They were striped green and purple and featured different stripe patterns on each mitt. It was so much fun and quick ( i did them in one night). Then I knit myself a pair of gloves from one skein of red Manos that I'd been coveting for sometime.

Do you prefer solid or multicolored yarn?
I like both, but I love the semi-solid effect found in some hand-dyed yarns. I love the luminosity of so many shades of the same color. I would say that generally, I prefer solids over multicolored.

What fibers do you prefer in mitten yarn?
Anything soft and luxurious. Merino, Alpaca, cashmere (ahem), silk. Or a blend of any of these is lovely.

Where do you usually knit mittens?
I usually knit in bed, late at night while I watch Seinfeld re-runs, or on the couch, midday, as my kiddos swirl around the room trying to distract me. I also can often be seen in my car under a shady tree, knitting as the kids sleep in the back.

How do you usually carry/store small projects?
I have a few little project baskets that I always plan to use, but they keep getting filled with things that aren't complete. I love little bags that are sewn of pretty fabric. Also, little square felted bags are nifty.

What are your favorite mitten patterns?
I am dying to make some Zimmermann Norwegian Mittens something like Jessica made herself. All traditional folk mittens are cool. I also love the big thick Morehouse Merino mittens in the Weekend Knitting book. I love fingerless mitts too, because my four-year-old will think I look like a fast bike racer if I wear those. I especially like them if they have really long wrist-coverage.

What are your favorite mitten knitting techniques?
In the round. I recently made mittens with the patented (?) Zimmermann curled-tips. Extremely cute and elfish.

What new techniques would you like to try?
I would love to try double knitting some mittens someday.

What are your favorite needles for knitting mittens?
Really that depends on the yarn. I use whatever I have on hand. I've never knit with pretty hardwood needles and I'd love to try it someday.

What are some of your favorite yarns?
What a question!
Malabrigo Merino, Blue sky Alpaca, Koigu, Fiesta yarns, Mountain Colors, Karabella, Jo Sharp Tweed, Rowan Kidsilk Haze, Cashmerino....

What yarn do you totally covet?
Tilli Tomas, A.L. de Sauveterre hand-painted Pippen in Briar Rose colorway (aran weight cashmere) gulp.

Any pattern you would love to make if money and time were no object?
A big bedspread in some alpaca/wool blend inspired by this book.

Favorite kind of needles (brand, materials, straights or circs, etc)?
It depends on the yarn, but I tend to prefer addi turbos for their speed. I usually knit with circulars whenever possible. I do love wood though...

If you were a specific kind of yarn, which brand and kind of yarn would you be?
I'd be something plump, decadent and many plied like Karabella Aurora 8.

Do you have a favorite candy or mail-able snack?
I like milk chocolate. I like licorice and love dots.

What’s your favorite animal?
giraffes and mountain lions

Would you prefer super warm mittens or something more like fingerless mitts?
Either one. I plan to make both at some point.

If you were a color what color would you be?
Deep, ruby red.

What is your most inspiring image, flower, or object in nature?
Succulents, like jade plants and cacti. Magnolia flowers. Bunches of jewel-toned Dahlias. Jellyfish. My childrens' perfect little bodies.


Do you have a wishlist?
I have a list on wists.com (under knittingmolly). It mostly references things I want to make someday.

Anything else you’d like to share with the group today?
Here's to toasty digits!

Labels: KMKS

  ¶ 8:11 PM