Red Mittens.........Dec. 1, 2005

Red Mittens

Is there anything nicer
Than red woolly mittens,
As fluffy and soft
As a blanket of kittens?      

Red mittens to keep
My hands warm as toast,
On cold winter days
When I skate or coast.

(found on numerous education sites)


I know, I know, I should have been working on the pretty purple Koigu gloves or the NE Koigu socks or the laceweight cardigan.........but the little leftover ball of red polwarth, just kept catching my eye, sitting atop my knitting basket, looking so bright and cheery.  The mittens are edged with a little chocolate angora (thanks Java!!). 

I wish you all could feel just how yummy this polwarth is.  A few years ago, I purchased a number of polwarth fleeces from Australia........this red yarn was from one of them.

*Polwarths were developed in Australia in 1880, when Lincoln x Merino ewes were bred back to Merino rams to produce a dual-purpose breed with an emphasis on wool production   (*In Sheep's Clothing)

It is only next to Merino in terms of softness and I find that it wears a bit better than Merino.  There is also much less grease in the fleece, which makes it much much easier to prepare.

The gray fleece in the above picture is one of the many that I have out in the barn and I am looking at it with renewed interest.  Earlier this summer, I spun up this skein out of some of that fleece and it went on to win a blue ribbon at Fryeburg fair this fall.  Part of the reason for it's success, is the incredible handle polwarth has all by itself.  Very nice wool indeed!

I am heading out tomorrow morning to Atlanta for a board meeting and a dog show.  I will not be showing any dogs, but one of the girls is coming along for a breeding.  I was fortunate in the timing, which is going to allow me to breed her to an English and CKCSC champion. 

I will admit though, that I am going to miss this little face while I am away.   There is nothing quite as wonderful as an adoring glance from one of our canine companions!

Have a great weekend!!

Comments

[Kristen]

those mittens are simply stunning! They are what I think of when I think about cold weather and winter. (an opposite of a red wagon in the summertime...) I hope you're staying warm and dry!

[Jean]

Those mittens look so warm and cozy. I love the little touch of gray on them! I know what you mean about missing the puppy face. I'll miss Aggie when we go to Dublin and Rome.

[Marie]

Lovely mittens and VERY cute puppy! Kim can you drop me a line? I e-mailed you but didn't hear back. Want to make sure you got it. Subject line was knitting question.

[Li_B]

What a sweet little pupcake,

Li

[Lynne]

The mittens are great, Kim! They remind me of being a little girl! I love 'em!

[Becca]

Between the mittens and the puppy ... what a marvelous life you lead! I absolutely love the mittens ... I think I will try and knit a pair.

[Michelle]

Have a safe trip. :) Hotlanta isn't all that far away from us. I wish I would have known about the dog show. I need to keep track of things like that. We just watched a dog show competition that we recorded online via tivo (tivo.com), and it is always thrilling to see the dogs compete in the show ring. :)

[susan]

Have fun in Atlanta, Kim. Perhaps you'll have no use for your wonderful red mittens there, but I'm sure you'll enjoy wearing them when you return to N.H. And thanks for the info on the Polwarth breed. I just spun up some Targhee for the first time and loved it. Nearly as soft as merino if you ask me.

[Teresa C]

I'm loving the mittens and knowing that for the moment I cannot reproduce them as I haven't yet spun any of my own yarn yet. Someday, maybe.

I also find myself falling in love with your dogs (and this from a confirmed non-dog person). They really have faces that you want to grab and hug. I have to leave now, before I find myself searching the internet to get one.

[Cindy D]

The mittens are so festive!!! The in between projects give us so much joy.

[julia fc]

Safe travels! A snow-free return!

[Maureen]

What wonderful mittens, they look so warm and toasty. Love that precious little face.

[Tracy]

Those mittens could stay there quite happily for Christmas, they look like decorations, so pretty. That little face is just asking to be picked up and cuddled. I'm just thinking of that little waggy tail when you return.

[vanessa]

wonderful photos!

[Spinner Gal]

What wonderful red mittens! Very Christmas-sy! Your Polwarth yarn is beautiful.

[Laurie]

I'm glad you blogged those. Beautiful! And the educational aspect is very much appreciated.

[Carole]

I love the red mittens. In fact, I just made a pair of red mittens myself a couple of weeks ago. Have fun on your trip!

[Melanie]

I love those mittens! I've been dying to get some Polwarth, I've heard wonderful things about it. Do you remember where you got it?

[Norma]

Death by Mittens. We may have to file charges on you for killing people with the cuteness. I can't handle it!

[Liz]

omg...those eyes! They kill me!
The mittens look so festive...it's hard to believe that its December already!

[Beth]

What a perfect bunch of photos to post to get us in the festive holiday spirit! Now I want red mittens too!

[Jackie]

I love the red mittens! I agree - there is just nothing like them.
Atlanta - I'll only be 2 hours away from there this weekend. You could come stay in the mountians with me! :)

[margene]

Enjoy your trip. The mittens are so cute and remind us of the season to come!
No one shows better fiber porn that you do;-)

[Laura]

KIM!! I! LOVE! THOSE! MITTENS!