Camera Mittens
I test drove these yesterday, playing with light and shadow while the kids played in the deep snow in the garden.
I chose to work out the design in top down fashion, wanting to ensure that I didn't run out of the two skeins of Noro Kureyon I'd been saving (as it turns out, I needn't have worried.)
I generally need only a free index finger on each hand to manipulate dials and lenses; the gloved thumb is sufficient as a stabilizer. The problem with other convertible designs I've found is that the various holes and flaps invariably wind up leaving significant gaps for cold and precipitation when used as normal mittens. I wanted something that would keep me warm and dry on a long hike in cold and snowy conditions, and allow me to rapidly use my camera while exposing a minimum of bare flesh.
The index slit is constructed like a pocket, providing full coverage when not in use.
I'm pleased enough with these to write up the pattern, though I may combine that effort with my New Year's knitting resolution.
ETA: The pattern is now available here: Download Camera Mittens . The link is also in the right hand sidebar under Free Patterns.
I've had a brainwave to combine three different goals for the coming year:
- gift knitting throughout the year rather than at the last minute
- returning to the Patterns in Nature series
- taking the plunge into pattern writing
Fortuitously (for a year long resolution), there are 12 members of my immediate and extended family who I am inclined to knit for, approximately evenly divided between adults and children, male and female. Each month, I will select a photo taken that month, analyze the colours and patterns and translate it into a colourwork mitten pattern, to be published (hopefully) by mid month. Family can choose not to read the mitten posts if they wish, but no one will know until the big day which pair is theirs, so there will be an element of surprise regardless.
I'm thinking of offering the patterns for sale at a smallish fee, but including some sort of interesting "extra" related to the original photo. Still mulling over the details for that one. Thoughts?
Wishing you all a safe, happy, and love-filled New Year!
Bree lleee ant!
Posted by:becky | 31/12/2007 at 10:09 AM
Terrific idea, those camera mitts, and I love the colours too.
Posted by:Paula | 31/12/2007 at 10:25 AM
Clever idea on your gift giving for family. The mitts are are gorgeous and practical. Wishing you luck in 08 and in accomplishing your goals!
Posted by:Lucy | 31/12/2007 at 10:33 AM
Nice mitts! Can you tell me the number of the colour, perchance? I wouldn't mind a bit of that colour myself!
Posted by:Deb | 31/12/2007 at 12:27 PM
What a wonderful idea! I love your Patterns in Nature series. What about including a print of the photo with the pattern purchase? Your photography is wonderful, I for one would love to be able to hang it on my wall.
Happy New Year!
Posted by:Megan | 31/12/2007 at 12:36 PM
I think the mitten series sounds like a lovely idea. Perhaps the pattern could be accompanied by notecards printed with the inspiration photograph? I'm not sure exactly what's available in Canada, but many photo sites will print notecards with photos on them.
Posted by:Emilee | 31/12/2007 at 12:46 PM
I love that photo, and the pocket construction for the finger slit.
Posted by:naomi | 31/12/2007 at 04:06 PM
I love that idea. I love the mittens and the photo too. I hope to be a fraction as organized as you are about next year's gift knitting. But I'm still working on this year's for now.
Posted by:Ronni | 31/12/2007 at 05:05 PM
Oh yes please! I'd love to see more of the Nature series, and any patterns that may result would be awesome.
Posted by:moiraeknittoo | 31/12/2007 at 07:21 PM
SUCH a good idea!
Posted by:--Deb | 31/12/2007 at 07:40 PM
Great mitts! I love the idea. And I applaud your determination to return to your Patterns in Nature series.
Happy New Year!
Posted by:Priscilla | 31/12/2007 at 08:46 PM
Oh now these are cute! But you had me at "hello" Mittens and Noro. Two of my favorite things.
Posted by:Judith | 01/01/2008 at 06:20 AM
Sounds fantabulous! And I love your Noro mittens.
Posted by:Kim | 01/01/2008 at 07:32 PM
What a great idea! I can't wait to see the pattern!
Posted by:Jenni | 02/01/2008 at 01:57 PM
camera mitts - GENIUS! pattern much appreciated! I NEED a pair of these!
Posted by:katie | 08/01/2008 at 11:04 AM
yes! You are a genius! I wish I knew how to knit, I only crochet and still a novice so even if these were crochet, they'd come out all goofy! ha!
Posted by:lisa | 30/01/2008 at 05:36 AM
This would solve my problem when walking the dog- I need to access my ipod. We don't get a lot of cold days in the Fraser Valley, but I do wear gloves or mitts.
Posted by:Angie | 30/01/2008 at 03:00 PM