Yarn: KnitPicks Wool of the Andes in avocado, Williamsburg and cranberry; 100% wool; worsted weight; (I think the teeth are made from leftover Cascade 220)Pattern: Later Gator Mitts (Ravelry link) from Stitch 'N Bitch Nation
Needles: US5, US7 dpns
Size: child 8-12
Started: 9/29/09
Finished: 10/6/09
Jackson can be described as "mitten-averse," which is a sad way to be in this chilly Northland state. Luckily, I was able to persuade him that wearing mittens may not be such a bad idea this year with this adorable pattern. He was on me every day about knitting them "Mom! Have you finished my alligator mittens yet?!" and seems to really enjoy them already. They may not be the most practical mitts since the thumb is so large and it's really more like a hand-puppet, but they'll keep his hands warm. That's all I can ask.
I originally cast-on for the child size 2-6 (you know, since he's 3 and all) but it was way too small. I had gauge so I can only assume that Jackson's hands are large for his age (we've been told that before but I guess I never really listened until I was knitting mittens for him). I knit the child size 8-12 and they fit perfectly.Modifications:
• Added length to the cuff (doesn't everyone always add length to the cuff? You have you keep the snow out somehow!) and made them stripey instead of just green.
• Added protruding alligator teeth instead of just the embroidered French knot teeth suggested in the pattern. Jackson REALLY digs the teeth.
• Used buttons for eyes instead of googley eyes. More vintage looking, IMO.
Don't be surprised if you see Amelia sporting a pair of these 'gators soon too, since I already have the first smaller sized one done. And watch out for snapping 'gators around my house. We're trying to teach them to "kiss" instead of "pinch!"
P.S. Yes, the witch hat is adorable, isn't it? And seasonally appropriate again, finally. He's had it out since last October, so we don't really notice when he wears it out and everyone oohs and aahs again now. Oh! Right! Halloween. Yeah...he just likes his witch hat. :)
4 comments:
Very cute hat and mittens!! I am on a run of adult size socks and am due to knit something small and sweet! My boys want the ski masks from "Son of Stitch and Bitch" so those will be upcoming. I think they are sort of scary looking but they think they are very cool. sigh.
Your kiddos just get cuter all the time!!
Cool mittens!
Have a great weekend :)
Oh, they are so cute! I've always told myself that I'm not going to become a knitter because I have too many other projects to work on... but, oh my, this could be the reason i become a knitter. Love them! Love the tweaks you made too. Lucky boy, he is!
Ok can I just say that this auntie-kid-at-heart really wants a pair ... love love love them.
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