This past week, I was between knitting projects, so I knit a pair of mittens.
Every Canadian has at least one pair of mittens. Most of us have more. From October until May, every coat has a pair in the pockets. They are an essential item of a Canadian wardrobe.
I taught myself to knit mittens when I was 9 or 10 years old. I came from a large-ish family, and my mother found a sale on yarn, and suggested I could make some for my younger siblings. I need to note that my mother did not knit, and I had a committee of knitters (aunts, mom's friends, my friends' mothers) who could help me when I got stuck and I had a book from Beehive Yarns. How hard could it be? I had already mastered hats.
So, I knit mittens. I knit them for my family, for gifts, for donations. Some of my mitts have no fingers, so the wearer can answer their phone. Some of my mitts have lace patterns, so they can look pretty. But most of my mitts are intended to be warm and serviceable.
This pair will likely go to the local food cupboard. They are always happy to receive another pair of mitts. These ones will fit a young teen or an adult with small hands. A gift of warmth on a snowy day.
I'm sure I'll make another pair soon.
