Owl-ish Thumbless Infant Mittens

It's been over a year since I've posted anything.  This year has flown by.  What a difference a year makes!

For the past 15 years I've been "raising kids."   It's either been my own kids, grandkids, nieces, nephews or, for a short period of time, I even did some child care in my home.  My youngest child is now 15 years old and the only one of four still left at home.  My remaining grandson not yet in public school has started going to pre-school to prepare him for "big school," as he calls it.

I can now make an appointment without needing to call and make arrangements with someone else.  Whereas, I never had any time alone before, I now have hours at a time in my own company!  

I loved having the opportunity to be a part of the lives of these children that I love so dearly.  But, now, it is time for me to spread my wings once again.  

I published an e-book on Amazon a couple of months ago.  Truthfully, this book was originally written while my youngest was tiny and before I had such a string of kids passing through my house.  This fall I had the time to edit and re-write this to the point that I felt it could be published.   The book is called Restless Angel.   I would appreciate you clicking on the link and at least reading the first few pages that are available online for free and maybe even consider purchasing it!

One thing that hasn't changed is my obsession with knitting and crocheting.

In looking for a hat for a baby gift I found the Owlie Hat Pattern by Teresa Cole from Comfort Wool Blog. While I was making this I decided this new little sweetheart should have a pair of thumbless mittens to go with her hat.

I searched all of my best sources online and couldn't find a pattern like I wanted, so I decided to make one! This is the result.

(For easier printing, download now).

Owl-ish Thumbless Infant Mittens

Materials:

Worsted Weight Yarn

Size 5 double pointed needles

Gauge:

12 rows = 2 inches

9 stitches = 2 inches

Knitting terms:

kfb: knit front and back to increase.

C4B: (Cable 4 Back.) Slip next 2 sts onto a cable needle and hold at back of work, knit next 2 sts from left-hand needle, then knit sts from cable needle.

C4F - (Cable 4 Front or Forward.) Slip next 2 sts onto a cable needle and hold at front of work, knit 2 sts from left-hand needle, then knit sts from cable needle.

Construction:

Cast on 24 stitches and join for knitting in the round.

Rows 1-8: Work in k1p1 rib

Row 9: *k3, kfb* repeat around. (30 stitches)

Rows 10-11: knit

Row 12: k 9 stitches, p2, c4b, c4f, p2, k 9 stitches

Rows 13: k9, p2, k8, p2, k9

Row 14-17: repeat row 13

Row 18: repeat row 12

Row 19: repeat row 13

Row 20: repeat row 12

Row 21: repeat row 13

Row 22: knit across

begin decrease

Row 23: *knit 2, k2tog*; repeat from *
Row 24: Knit 1 row
Row 25: *knit 1, k2tog*; repeat from *.
Row 26: Knit 1 row.
Row 27: k2tog around.

Cut yarn, leaving long tail. With tapestry needle, thread this tail through the remaining stitches and pull up tightly, fasten. Weave in ends.

Make second mitten. Knit an i-cord (or chain with a C crochet hook) 27 inches long and attach a mitten to each end.

**I have placed two embroidered french knots for “eyes.” I have seen beads placed for eyes in different patterns, but I would caution that this could be a choking hazard with an infant.**