For the Birds

My mother-in-law is an avid birder, with a capital B. When she came to visit us for the first time in our new home in beautiful Cumbria, UK, during the summer of 2011, we were renting a house that featured a spacious kitchen adorned with large windows along the back wall. This setup offered lovely views of our garden, creating the perfect backdrop for our meals. During her visit, she would sit at the table with her binoculars around her neck, eagerly stopping conversations mid-sentence to grab them and catch sight of the delightful wildlife that passed by. Inspired by her passion, I designed these fingerless mitts specifically for her to use outdoors on those crisp spring or fall mornings, which are often filled with birdsong and the promise of a lovely day ahead.

The design creatively incorporates a touch of delicate lace at the cuff and features vikkel braids for added interest, making this a quick and enjoyable project for the advanced beginner or intermediate knitter. It's perfect for anyone looking to expand their knitting skills, particularly in colorwork techniques. The mitts are knit in the round at a gauge of 9 stitches per inch (or 2.5 cm), requiring approximately 60 grams of a Main Colour (opt for a solid or semi-solid shade) and about 30 grams of a highly contrasting colour (variegated yarns could work well too) in fingering weight yarn.

This knitting pattern is aimed at the "Intermediate" level, as it involves techniques such as knitting in the round, lacework, stranded knitting, and a vikkel braid embellishment. Whether you're an experienced knitter or someone eager to challenge yourself, this pattern will not only keep your hands warm while you birdwatch but will also enhance your knitting repertoire. With both style and functionality, these fingerless mitts are the ideal accessory for any outdoor activity, especially for those chilly mornings in nature. Grab your needles and join us in crafting something special for the bird lover in your life!