Starri

Various types of mittens can be found in Iceland. Some were clearly inspired by the well-known Selbu mittens and knitted with fine handspun Icelandic wool. My Starri mittens are a modern interpretation of this type of mittens. Instead of the more usual geometrical or stylised motifs, they are decorated with a lively starling bird eating berries in a rowan tree, a typical sight in the gardens of Reykjavík city during the autumn. The Starri mittens are knitted in the round in stranded knitting, with a lovely lace cuff. The oblong tip, shaped with symmetrical decreases, makes for a snug fit around the fingers, a common feature in Icelandic mittens as opposed to the Norwegian mittens. The red berries and a few details in the bird are embroidered afterwards

The pattern has written instructions and colour chart and includes pictorial step by step instructions for special techniques.

Grýla is a rare Icelandic 2-ply lace yarn with an exquisite halo, inspired by the Old handspun yarns. Made from pure Icelandic sheep wool, specially selected for its quality, it is plied which makes it particularly sturdy and perfect for knitting hardwearing accessories such as mittens. Washing softens the wool considerably and ads a lovely bloom to the delightful colors inspired by Icelandic nature.

Design: Hélène Magnússon

Size: one size. You can achieve more sizes by changing needle size (2,25 to 3,25 mm / US 1 to 3 are suitable sizes)

Gauge: 4”x 4” / 10×10 cm = 30 sts and 34 rows in stranded pattern on 3 mm/US 2 ½ needle.

Yarn: Grýla Tvíband from Hélène Magnússon, 100% new wool (100% Icelandic wool), 2-ply, lace/light fingering, 25 g / skein = approx. 112 m/ 123 yds.

• MC: white, 2 skeins (116 m / 128 yds used)
• CC1: black, 1 skein (54 m / 59 yds used)
• CC2: red, 1 skein (approx 4 m / 4 yds used)

Total yardage: 170 m / 187 yds

Needles: sizes 2,5 mm and 3 mm / US 2 and 2 ½ circular needles (using Magic loop) or DPN’s. Adjust needle size as necessary to obtain correct gauge.

Notions: markers, sharp needle and blunt needle.

Techniques: The mittens are worked in the round with an afterthought thumb.

Knitting in the round (Magic loop or DPN’s), stranded knitting, after thought thumb, increases, decreases, embroidery (spiderweb rose and straight sts).

Pattern: once you’ve made your payment, you will receive an email with a link to download the pattern PDF. We don’t send patterns by snailmail.

Errata: unfortunately, a mistake was found in this pattern. Please check the errata. Files purchased after the 6.02.2015 are correct. Actual PDF StarriMittensENG2