Can you believe it’s already the end of October? The days are getting shorter and there’s a definite autumnal chill in the air here For knitters like us, this can only mean one thing—it’s time for Mitten Day!
What on earth is Mitten Day, I hear you ask? Well, grab yourself a beverage of your choice (I’ve got coffee☕️)and let me explain. Mitten Day is a cherished Scandinavian tradition that happens every year in October. Don’t worry if it’s November, the timing is up to you. It’s a moveable feast as you need a bright, airy day to hang or lay your knits in the fresh air. It normally happens well before October 31st and I’ve just squeaked in on time this year as we’ve had some spectacular rain here on the Isle of Wight in the last week. It's a day to lovingly lay out your handknitted woollens, air them and assess what needs to be repaired or replaced before the winter sets in.
I don't know about you, but I absolutely adore this ritual. Seeing all my lovingly crafted mittens, hats, cowls, shawls, sweaters and socks arranged neatly together sparks such joy. It reminds me of the care and dedication I poured into each precious stitch. Mitten Day is a perfect time to appreciate the fruits of your hard work!
However, it’s not just about patting yourself on the back for your masterful creations. Mitten Day is also an opportunity to take stock of your knitting stash Works in Progress and plans for the coming months.
Which projects have you been itching to cast on as the temperatures drop?
What yarns and patterns have been patiently waiting in your stash for their moment in the spotlight?
For me, Mitten Day always gets me so excited to dip into my stash and start something new.
We all love an excuse to cast on!
This year, I’m keen to finally use up some of the cone of gorgeous amethyst merino silk blend that wandered over from a friend’s stash. I can just picture the Shirin Shawl it will make! And that luscious alpaca in vibrant mustard yellow is practically screaming to become the body of a Painted Cave colour work jumper. Both are swatched and ready to go!
Mitten Day also tends to highlight what’s missing from my knitwear collection. My mittens are looking a bit sad after last year’s heavy use, so although I’ve done one new pair, a second is definitely in order. And my neck gets awfully chilly, so I’ll need to cast on a fine lacy cowl. Hmm, maybe I'll treat myself to some lovely Shetland laceweight yarn for that! One sweater is planned but another cardigan is needed. Karie Westermann’s cabled Incunabula is calling to me, in some sea glass green DK I think.
I don't know about you, but I find it so motivating and inspiring to take a step back and review my knitting plans like this. It helps me focus on what I truly want to make, rather than flitting between new patterns and yarns. I can identify what supplies I'm missing and zero in on the techniques I want to practice.
Plus, seeing all my handknits together floods me with a warm sense of satisfaction. It reminds me of how fulfilling this craft can be when I stick with a project, even through the tricky parts. And it’s proof that slowly but surely, each finished item comes together stitch by stitch.
So as Mitten Day approaches, I encourage you to indulge in some woolly therapy! Clear off a table or bed, grab your precious woollen knits and WIPs and lay them all out together. Admire your handiwork, mend any holes and assess what your collection needs. Make a list of patterns and yarns that would make welcome additions this winter.
It’s amazing how restorative an annual WIP reckoning can be. You’ll probably uncover long-forgotten projects to revive and new ideas will start flowing. By the time you carefully pack everything away again, you’ll feel rejuvenated and ready to get those needles clicking! My long neglected, rediscovered Laar cardigan will be a focus on bright winter days Laceweight and a charcoal, almost black? What was I thinking! 😂
Of course, Mitten Day isn't just about pulling out your winter woollies. It's also time to lovingly pack away your lighter, summer-weight projects. I always take a moment to appreciate the time I spent knitting breezy tops and lacy socks as the weather warmed up. Though I'll miss the feel of cotton, linen, and bamboo yarns between my fingers, I know they'll be waiting for me when sunny days roll around again. Stowing my summer projects is bittersweet, but it helps me look forward to the cozy delights of the coming months.
Winter Knitting
When it comes to winter knitting, rich, saturated hues just feel right to me. Come Mitten Day, I start yearning for deep autumnal colours, jewel tones, and moodier shades. After months of breezy pastels and brights, my spirit craves the warmth and depth of wintry colors. Burgundy, forest green, deep blues— they ground and soothe me as the light fades earlier. And variegated yarns in russet, emerald and sapphire capture the twinkling magic of winter nights. So as deep autumn hits here, I'll be poring over my stash for yarns in those sumptuous tones I can almost feel wrapping around me. The colors we choose to knit with can be so nourishing, and Mitten Day reminds me to pick my next projects with that in mind.
What rich shades are you drawn to as the days grow colder?
Of course, it's not all about rich, brooding hues - we need some brightness to keep our spirits up in the long, dark nights of winter too! When casting on a big project that will see me through many a winter evening, I make sure to choose colors that are cheerful yet easy on the eyes. Soft roses, buttery yellows, peach and mint are perfect for knitting under lamplight or next to twinkling fairy lights, with a soothing cup of spicy chai if that’s your thing. It’s definitely mine! They keep me feeling upbeat during the interminable dark evenings that winter here on the island brings. I'll often choose a colorwork pattern with bold pops of color on a neutral background, maybe a fawn or a moorit. Those tones are easy to see and bring back cosy memories of winter jumpers past. That way, I get the comfortable feeling of muted tones while having splashes of vibrancy to keep me smiling as I knit away into the night. Mixing in brights and lights is crucial for my wintertime knitting sanity!
Let me know how your Mitten Day stash session goes. What treasures did you uncover? Which items will you repair or replace? And what will you cast on with your beautiful newly rediscovered yarn? I’d love to hear all about it!
I'm deep in yarn inventory atm and rediscovering how much I have in stash 😬🤦♀️🤣 only a couple more bags to sort: these contain the many MANY WIPs.... So if course I've cast on knitting a gigantic snail I will stuff 🤣🤣🤣
Wish me luck!
This is so heartwarming and happy. Hereby starting a petition for Mitten Day to be made a thing here in the UK too