a rude awakening: what happens when you don't do a gauge swatch

i don't think that i have ever done a swatch in my life. which, up until this point, i'd argue wasn't really necessary. i don't care if my stole is an inch longer than what the pattern lists, i make my touques based on feel, and i have yet to make a sweater.

but if ever i needed a lesson in diligence, this squirrel mitten pattern is that lesson. this is what happens when you don't pay attention to needle size:


you get an arm mitten. do you need an arm mitten? because i will send you this one, shamefully. the inverted-colored mitten on the left is my second attempt (with the colors inverted) with a different burgundy color. the lighter purple heather is the same, i just switched the knitpicks palette burgundy with the gorgeous dream in color in 'november muse'. i've had that yarn sitting around forever. i've tried to turn it into various shawls, scarves, and other yarny items, but none have stuck. i usually get about a day's worth of knitting in and then realize the color just isn't right. this yarn seems perfect for the mittens, which is completely delightful. i love how i can showcase such a deeply colored yarn in all its variegated glory.

here are some more pictures of pretty colors:

for real, i LOVE dusk light. i haven't shot at sunset for so long, but look at how pretty everything turned out! love the saturated colors of almost-night.