These vintage mittens turned out perfectly!

Knitting is somewhat of a mindless activity for me.  Aside from counting stitches on occasion, I can just zone out and work the stitches between my needles.  I've been a knitter for about 15 years.  I don't love big projects.  I prefer something that is simple or small that yields a finished product rather quickly.  Knitting around the campfire can be a lot of fun.  So, I encourage you to grab those needles and keep reading!

What do you enjoy doing around the campfire?  Knitting is the perfect camping activity!

Camping Crafts - Knit Around the Campfire this Fall!

This year is the first time I have knitted in some while.  I did start on a baby sweater project last fall, and it took me months to finish two of them for our great-nieces.  Even though these are for a baby, sometimes this is a bit much for my taste.  I discovered a vintage mitten pattern, and I have really embraced this project by making a set for our son, myself, and for my husband!

The great thing about knitting a set of mittens is that you can finish a set in 3 to 4 hours if you are fast and talk less than I do.  But, overall it's just a fun project.  I love mittens because they are practical and fun.  Plus, it is an excellent craft project to travel with because they are small.  Finally, you can use up scraps of yarn to make fun patterns and color combinations.  

These mittens have a white cuff with a seafoam larger handpiece.  I love how these turned out!

When I decided to start knitting these mittens, I went through my yarn box and pulled out the balls that coordinated and seemed to have enough to use.  You could use one color for the band around the wrist and a separate color for the handpiece.  You could also piece together lots of different ones to create a stripe.  There are no rules here other than the pattern for sizing.

Mittens make excellent gifts for loved ones as well as stocking stuffers.  Or, you could make a set for you.  I've seen where people knit mittens, hats, or blankets for needy people.  You don't have to keep them all, it could be a project that you enjoy solely for the purpose of helping someone else if you like.

The supplies you will need for knitting mittens are:

• Worsted weight yarn of your choice.  But, I would encourage you to use something that is washable and practical. 
• Size 4 knitting needles.  I use the type that you use for socks.
• A set of stitch holders.
• A yard needle.
• Scissors

This one pattern can be sized for children, women, and men.  This pattern also offers the instructions and sizing for making with a set of 4 double-pointed needles or 2 traditional knitting needles.  I prefer using 4 needles.  Just don't get overly zealous and rush your work.  Make sure you measure or fit by using your own hands.  It is easy to think you have created enough length for your fingers only for it to be slightly too short.  

Knitting mittens start with the cuff that goes around the wrist.  You work up and increase your stitches to create a place for your thumb.  Next, you put your thumb stitches on a stitch holder while you finish the large handpiece.  Finally, finish off the thumb and done.  The finished results make it worth it, and these knit up fast!

I'm sure at some point I'll tire of making mittens.  But in the meantime, I'm enjoying a little time to myself and the satisfaction of a finished product.  So grab those needles and knit around the campfire or in the car on the way to the campground.  It's such a relaxing and rewarding way to spend some of that downtime!

Until next time...happy camping!

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