I know it seems like I’m just knitting Log Cabin Mitts here, but that’s not how it feels to me. There’s something primordial about it. I’m having a reaction. Succumbing to an addiction. Scratching some itch that I don’t quite understand and am enjoying more than I can describe. I mean, the knitting is really fun, and the finished mitts are super cool and useful and feel good on my hands, so on that level they’re an obvious delight. There’s also something almost subversive about it, since I add onto them in life’s interstices — knitting a patch in a stolen moment here and there. But more deeply, they’ve stirred the old graphic designer and art director in me. Plotting out a succession of compositions and color combinations (and photos thereof) is feeding my creative self in a way I haven’t felt in awhile. And when I’m not knitting them, I have intense withdrawal. I literally dream about them, and my hands yearn for them when I’m doing other things. I can’t think of a parallel experience.
With the multiples — which show no sign of letting up anytime soon — I suspect I may have embarked on an epic art project of some sort, the shape of which hasn’t fully revealed itself yet … if there is one. (I’m imagining my obituary: Elderly woman found dead in her sparsely furnished home, next to boxes containing hundreds of pairs of fingerless gloves …) For now, I’m content to just keep making them, as often as possible! Exploring the possibilities presented by my Porter Bin of odds and ends, which I’ll keep dipping into for as long as doing so feels this satisfying.
This pair — number three to reach completion — is the most graphic one yet, and I adore them. The undyed wool is Tolt’s Snoqualmie Valley Yarn and the off-black is Brooklyn Tweed Shelter in Cast Iron. (Here’s this pair on Ravelry if you’re inclined to put a like on it!) And I’ll tell you about that toffee-colored one in progress, soon …
Of course, it’s also really fun seeing so many of these showing up in the #fringeandfriendslogalong and #logcabinmitts feeds, as well as on Ravelry. Have you cast on yet?
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PREVIOUSLY in Log Cabin Mitts: Glorious grey, the originals, and the free Log Cabin Mitts pattern
Love these! My favorite so far.
Those particular mitts and your story reminds me of the work of Ethan Cook, piecing colours together.
His work was one of my first pinterest finds : https://www.pinterest.fr/pin/375065475196672924/
Keep knitting those Karen, in the end you’ll know why.
Oooh, love those. There’s a slight resonance between these (so far) and my husband’s work, he pointed out: http://www.bobbechtol.com
I so much admire Bob’s work (please do tell him). It makes me dream of indigo dying, quilting, sashiko embroidery, and at the same time it reminds me of the research architects and artists made in the 20’s and 30’s around simpler shapes, patterns, chromatic scales and so on.
And I can see the connection with your own work and creative process, you seem to match perfectly !
I had no idea Bob is your husband!
Mine’s a great fan of his work!
I’m trying to get my mom to knit a pair with me, seems like a great first project. Might also be a great and soothing project if you knit in somewhat stressful situations: https://www.npr.org/sections/thetorch/2018/02/13/585556301/finland-takes-olympic-chill-to-the-next-level-team-knitting
Yes, they’d be perfect for the coach — or anyone who wants to keep a tiny project in their pocket at all times.
I love these and I know what you mean! I finished my first one yesterday and immediately wanted to make another, in different colors. But mitts are best in pairs so I am making the second before I go on. Thank heavens they are small!
They do infect you with thoughts on what to do next, don’t they?
It’s okay for knitting to just be joy. Have fun with them for as long as they are fun!
I , too, love making these mitts. Though I am much slower than you. Still on pair#1 but see more in my future. Thank you so much for the beautifully detailed pattern!
They are so … I don’t know – it must be the artiness of them with the combination of color possibilities. They’re so satisfying to look at! My eye goes right to them on the Ravelry page “Hot Right Now” and then I think, “oh, ya! Those are Karen’s!” Yes! I have cast on!.
Yowza – 114 projects on Ravelry already!
They are so … NEAT ! Like, perfect … It’s the every-direection of them thst appeals to me.
When I complete my 2-colour brioche lace scarf (we have an annual scarf compeitition down here) it will be a seasonally excellent time to venture out upon this challenge.
I think you have found the perfect cure for the sock-in-the-purse-for-quick-knits, only it’s a mitt-in-the-purse!!
Hah! Made me laugh, you serious, intensely organized person, you! Your obituary! Thank you. Good writing. Clear thoughts!
These are your best yet! Very cool.
Your joy in this project is so infectious. And the obituary bit made me laugh out loud! Have you ever done any quilting? Because I get a bit like this especially with modern improv quilting. Just so many options. And a lot of modern quilt designs are very graphic and geometric.
I’ve just started making a pair of these, just so I could join in the log cabin fun. They are really great Netflix knitting for me. But I’m starting to see the possibilities for a Mondrian pair….need to have a think about colour placement, hmmm.
Always love black and white. These ar stunning and are inspiring me to put black and whites on my must knit list. Thanks for sharing. Black and white is always smart looking and so very in…
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You are making me laugh with your obsession description! These are exceptionally beautiful, so I can’t say I blame you. I’m almost afraid to cast on. Will I become lost in obsession too?
I love these! No surprise, since I also love Log Cabin quilts.
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