Mittens!

I started knitting a couple of years ago under the instruction of my dear friend Tasha. Though I no longer consider myself a beginner—I still have a long way to go, and some projects really intimidate me. One of the most intimidating projects happens to be one of my favorite knitted items: mittens! I'm not sure why, but I've always loved mittens—and I'm more determined than ever to make them.

I've scoured Ravelry (a great knitting resource/social networking website) for free and easy beginner mitten patterns, but even the beginner level patterns appeared to be too complex. Knitting mittens is difficult because it requires knitting small diameters in the "round." While I was searching for patterns, I came across a great mitten pattern (can you guess where I saw/fell in love with these?!). Since I knew this pattern was way over my head—I convinced Tasha to knit them for me.

Yesterday, she and I went to Knitch (a local knitting shop) to pick up the yarn she would need—because she is amazing and is making them in time for my trip to Washington. While there, she and the sales guy convinced me that I would be able to make them on my own based on the skills I already have. So, I picked up an extra skein of yarn and vowed to give it my best shot. We are going to make them simultaneously, so that I can learn as I go without the pressure of finishing mine by May. We are hoping to get started this weekend. I'll be sure to send updates along the way, since this is sure to be an interesting—and possibly infuriating—journey!