The Wilderness Project: Springbank Mittens

“I see the great blue heron
Rising among the reeds
And floating down the wind,
Like a gliding sail
With the set of the stream.

I hear the two-horse mower
Clacking among the hay,
In the heat of a July noon,
And the driver’s voice
As he turns his team.

I see the meadow lilies
Flecked with their darker tan,
The elms, and the great white clouds;
And all the world
Is a passing dream.“

-- Bliss Carman, The Blue Heron

About the Wilderness Project:

We live in a beautiful world full of creativity and striking natural imagery. For the Wilderness Project, I’ve designed a series of mittens that draw inspiration from different natural habitats such as wetlands, prairies, forests and mountains. Knit a pair to celebrate Canada’s 150th birthday, or to show your love of the natural world.

These mittens portray wetland herons and cattails similar to those I saw growing up in Southwestern Ontario, but with an art deco twist.

Materials:
Set of 5 DPNs, size 2.25 mm, or size to get gauge
~ 150-200 yds of Main Colour (fingering weight)
~ 150-200 yds of Contrast Colour (fingering weight)
Tapestry needle; 2 scrap pieces of yarn for thumb.

Final measurements:
11 sts and 11 rows = 1” across palm; Final measurements: 3 ¾” across by 9 ½” long