Mittens, Mittens Everywhere!

They're done! I made it! I had them done by my deadline, Sunday night. Then they all took a nice bath and sat out by the heat register to dry. Today they are ready to be packed up and sent off to Alaska. (You'll notice the striped ones that I finished this summer... those were the PLANNED ones. The rest... done in last minute budget panic! Good reasoning for stash!)

First up, my favorite... Moms Cabled Mitt's. I made up this pattern myself. I'm a liiiiitle bit proud. Mom is a wee bit of a thing, so these are a little small on me, but should fit her well. The prototype actually fits me. I need to knit it a mate and then Mom and I can match.

Pattern: My own!
Yarn: Lorna's Laces Shepherds Worsted, Red Rover (Mom and I share our love of RED!)

Next up... Dad's Dashing Mitt's. These are as you can see, huge on me. But my Dad is a big guy. I get my own big hands and feet and bones etc... all straight from him!

Pattern: Dashing Mittens, size Large
Needles: US size 6
Yarn: Cascade 220 Superwash, Walnut Heather
Mod's: I shortened the cuff a bit and lengthened the hand. Hoping it fits!

And last, but certainly not least... the Viking Mittens! Inspired by my state champion basketball playing brothers. :) One of those brothers is also headed for state next weekend for wrestling! Then it's on to defend the basketball title. The last time our town won the championship was when my Moms Grandpa 'Swede' was on the team. It was pretty special for her to have her sons on the team.

Pattern: My Own!
Yarn: Cascade 220 Superwash

You might have noticed here that all the yarns are superwash. That's for good reason. My mother... she does not get along with wool. One would think a lifelong Alaskan would be friendly with it. Alas, she has a history of felting clothing. My Dad hides his wool from her. I had a conversation with him yesterday that went something like this... "I got some new merino long underwear. I better be careful to keep them away from the laundry room this time. Your mother... (sighing, head shaking) I don't want them to fit your brothers this time. " Yes, several years ago I was there to witness my mother felting my Dad's long underwear. Merino long underwear are not inexpensive. And I have to say... I'm not sure I've ever seen my Dad so upset with her. SO... this will also be included in Mom's gift.

Sudz 'n Dudz is my favorite wool wash. It's yummy beyond belief and organic to boot! I'm sending mom some Liquid wash in Lemongrass. Yum!

So now I'm left with 15 days until Christmas. I have Hub's socks to finish. I have another brother who will be at my home for the holiday. I have yet to decide what to make for him. And there are a few other things I had thought of doing as well, but we'll see. For my last brother, well, he falls under the "has children" rule... my niece is getting some Curious George books. :) So yes, if you are counting, I am one of 7 children. And all 4 of my brothers are twins. How's that for crazy?! And my sisters are both adopted. Different races even. So we... are quite a big crazy happy patchwork!

For this afternoon, I will be wrapping and packing and making a trip to the post office. 14 days for the gifts to arrive. They just might have a chance. You see, the town my parents live in gets their mail via two airplanes a day. And in winter... if the weather is bad, they can go a week or more without a plane, or mail... and things get just a bit backed up. Here's hoping for good weather!