Unleash the Mystery with the July KAL - Mittens!

You know you're going to need them this winter (don't remind me!), and they're a small project that easily slips into your purse or beach bag for the summer ... a great summer project!

I'm looking forward to knitting the Unleashed Mittens.  What do they look like?  We don't know!  The Unleashed Mittens are the latest KAL (Knit A-Long) project from Michelle Hunter. 

We do know that the Unleashed Mittens are convertible mittens.  Not familiar with convertible mittens?  Well, they're fingerless mitts with a handy flip top that covers your fingertips to keep them toasty or buttons back out of the way to let you tap on your tablet, get a grip on your keys, or dial your phone (perfect if you're cell-phone-dependent). If you've never worn these, you're in for a treat, and if you've never knit them, you're in for another. Regardless, you'll be delighted when Michelle unleashes her informative and well-paced instructions and videos.

SimpliWorsted in Edgy Eggplant (# 45)

Never done a KAL?  It's easy ... Michelle will reveal the pattern on her website in four segments, starting on Thursday, July 2nd.  How much does it cost?  Nothing!  You don't have to register or pay any fee to participate.  Have a question?  No problem, Michelle posts photos and online video instructions, plus you can post questions on Michelle's KAL site or in her Ravelry group. Questions are typically answered daily.  It's like having a knitting tutor right by your side!  And it's OK to get video help at 3 am - perhaps your grandmother isn't so accommodating!

Materials you'll need . . . .

The first step is to pick your yarn - which may be the most difficult part of the project.  Michelle has knit the Unleashed Mittens in HiKoo's Simpliworsted, a squishy soft machine washable wool blend - and there are over 50 colors to choose from!

Bonus:  We've got every color of Simpliworsted on sale at 20% off!

The Unleashed Mittens pattern will feature two sizes, children (approx. 4-6 years old) and adult.  You'll need one skein of Simpliworsted for the child size and two for the adult.

SimpliWorsted in Iris Blue (#12)

You'll also need:

• Two buttons 1/2 - 3/4" in diameter.
• Size US 8 [5.00 mm] and US 6 [4.00 mm] double-pointed needles or sizes needed to obtain gauge in Stockinette stitch on larger needles.

Note:  Mitten hands may also be knit with two 24″ circular needles or one 32″ circular needle for the "Magic Loop" method. See Michelle's Magic Loop Tutorial Video if you're not familiar with the technique. Michelle's own sample was knit using the Magic Loop method on 32″ Addi needles. For the thumbs, a set of four US 8 double points are recommended.

And you're ready to get unleashed!

Happy Knitting . . . . Amy