Monday, April 30, 2012

Oak Grove Mitts ~

Growing up in Central California I have always been surrounded by oak trees. They are ubiquitous in that region and where I live now in Southern California. If its not California's state tree, then I think it ought to be.


For that reason, it's only natural that I wanted to knit these mitts.  Not only do they feature an oak leaf motif but they are also knit in a fingerling weight yarn which is perfect for the climate and casual lifestyle enjoyed in California.  Because while it's not often cold it is often cool outside early in the morning when it is nice to hike or bike or whatever you enjoy doing.


But no matter where you live there are activities that take you outdoors.  And fingerless mitts are a great way to keep your hands warm while allowing you the mobility to actually do something with your hands.  For example, I like to wear this style of mitt out for coffee and you would be surprised how many comments I receive both from men and women.  There's something very appealing, apparently, about sipping coffee wearing mitts if the attention they receive is any indicator.  "Those are nice gloves" says a wistful admirer.  Smiling I say "Thank you. I knit them myself."


Particulars:  Oak Grove Mitts designed by Alana Dakos (nevernotknitting); madelinetosh pashmina (left over yarn from my Autumn Vines Beret); US 3 double pointed needles.  I made the version with fingers but found knitting the fingers a bit tedious and another time I would simply make the fingerless version.  I love fingerless mitts and there are a number of cute free patterns in blogland including: Kyla Mitts; Horray for Me Gloves; Susie's Readings Mitts; Garter Stitch Mitts; and Great Weekend Mitts.  Incidentally, its my Kyla mitts that have received so much attention.  

Santa Barbara Botanical Garden

For those who may not be familiar with oak trees and California flora, I took the following pictures at the Santa Barbara Botanical Garden which is ten minutes away from where I grew up in the beautiful foothills of Santa Barbara, California.







April and early May is probably the nicest time to visit the botanical garden as the wildflowers including masses of California poppies are in bloom.  And, I am reasonable certain, poppies are in fact the California state flower.


Until next time, be well and love well and follow your heart on whatever path it leads you.

20 comments:

SissySees said...

Beautiful mitts and photos! I've found that I prefer to wear the with finger hole mitts. I'm not sure why, but I do reach for them more than the just fingerless mitts.

Monika said...

Those mitts are lovely. I like the yarn, and the design. Love the nature pictures as well, so beautiful.

missyinedmonds said...

Beautiful mitts and thank you for the little tour of the SB Botanical Gardens!

Willow said...

Oh yes! Santa Barbara Botanical Garden is one of our favorites because much of it has been left in a natural state where oak trees and poppies abound.

Now I think I need to make a pair of those mitts. I particularly like the way the fingers are also covered as mine are often cold.

Anonymous said...

So pretty! I was wondering about the "fingers" and if they were a pain to do or not... I love the look, but not sure I'd have the patience to do all the little fingers! Love the oak leaf motif!

Robin V said...

Oh, those photos are beautiful - especially the one with wildflowers in the foreground, mountains in the background. How lucky to have such beauty in your own back yard, so to speak.

The mitts are lovely too!

Sue said...

The oak mitts look beautiful. I have to say that I love california poppies as we had them at our other house and they were so bright and colorful!

Brenda said...

Would that be Mad Tosh's Earl Grey colorway? It is a favorite! Mad Tosh just opened their first retail location about 8 miles from my door last Saturday. Busy enough opening to warrant valet parking. And way too crowded to get anything. Will go back later.

Allie said...

They really are lovely, Claudia! I have some fingerless gloves that my friend in England, Midge, made for me and I LOVE them. They're nice and thick for my cold climate. Beautiful pics of the scenery!!

Kristen Rettig said...

Beautiful mitts. I am a fan of Alana but I'm not familiar with this pattern.

You and I share a love for beautiful California. We're so lucky!

Renee said...

Beautiful mitts! Fingerless are my favourite. Your knits are so lovely!
The Botanical Gardens are gorgeous!

Gail said...

Love the mitts! Taking orders? Beautiful gardens too.....the sunshine looks divine! I'm tired of liquid sunshine:( Thanks for sharing Claudia!

Lap Dog Knits said...

beautifully done...
the perfect glove for southern california
thank you for sharing all the information-I hope to one day make and KEEP a pair for myself...
if anyone comments on my knitting I tend to give it away..
and sometimes regret it later:-(

betty said...

The mitts are lovely. I believe you're the one that got me started on knitting and wearing fingerless mitts. I've just finished a simple pair in malabrigo worsted that I should photograph.

As far as oak trees, go, I hate the oak weeds that keep cropping up in my yard. They have long tap roots and I cannot pull them up!

Tracy said...

The mitts are LOVELY, Claudia! Such a pretty design, and the yarn is perfect--I like the heathery colorway. Such wonderful photos and enjoyed this time in the great outdoors with you. :o) So nice to catch up with you after being away for some days. ((HUGS))

Prairie Rose said...

The mitts are beautiful!
And the garden looks like such a lovely place to visit.

gMarie said...

You've done it again! Beautiful knitting, stunning model and fantastic photos. The perfect trifecta! g

Andi said...

You are just amazing. These mitts are beautiful!
The images of the Botanical garden are lovely. Thank you for sharing them.

Rachel said...

Beautiful mitts! This pattern has been on my 'to knit' list for a long time as I also love oaks (from growing up in the east). This past year, I worked in SW Oregon and got back into oak country and I loved it!

knittingdragonflies said...

These are beautiful! And you look wonderful also! Love all of the photos!!
Take care
Vicki