Miss Rumphius mittens are named for the “Lupine Lady” in Barbara Cooney’s eponymous children’s book. Legend has it that Miss Rumphius, in retirement, walked about in her coastal Maine village tossing lupine seed everywhere she roamed, somewhat in the manner of Johnny Appleseed, to spread beauty in the world. The displays of massed purple, pink and white lupines along Maine’s roadsides in June are reputed to be descended from her initial efforts.

These mittens are a great choice for girls and teens, as well as women. Knit in Maine’s own Quince & Co. Chickadee yarn, they are cozy and warm, in cheerful colors that are just the thing to brighten up drab winter days. This design has a comfy hem with a decorative picot edge, making it a great choice for a dressy mitten.

While the pattern calls for 8 colors, only 2 are ever in use in any one round, with no carry longer than 5 stitches. The thumb has a gusset and is located slightly onto the palm of the hand, making for an excellent fit, and causing no distortion of the pattern when worn.

SIZES: Small (Medium, Large)
These three sizes all call for the same gauge and yarn weight. There is a separate chart for each size. These will fit a range of sizes including most adults and older children.

FINISHED MEASUREMENTS:
Circumference: 7 (8, 9) inches
Length: 8 (9.75, 10.75) inches
Changes to gauge or yarn weight, or adding length, may require extra yarn

GAUGE: 27 sts and 32 rnds = 4”/10cm (over blocked colorwork pattern).

NEEDLES:
US 3 (3.25mm) or size needed to obtain gauge
Choose needle types base on your preferred method of working small circumferences in the round. Options include magic-loop on a 32-inch circular needle, DPNs, or 2 24-inch circular needles.

YARN: Sport Weight Yarn (sample made in Quince Chickadee)
Amounts (for medium size): 100 yards pale pink, 75 yards natural white, 60 yards each of dark and light green, 50 yards each of 4 shades of purple and dark pink.

NOTIONS: 2 stitch markers, a length of smooth yarn for a holder, tapestry needle

SKILLS USED: working in the round, decreases (k2tog, ssk), increases (M1) using a chart, 2-color colorwork, picking up stitches