Wednesday, December 31, 2025

Unraveled Wednesday: 12/31/25

I’m happily joining Kat and the Unravelers on New Year's Eve, even though there's not an official linkup today. I've finished mittens for myself with plans for another pair, and continued knitting on the gray Hitchhiker.

These mittens are done and will keep my hands warmer than not wearing mittens, but I'm not very happy with the thumb gussets. I had big holes after picking up stitches for the thumbs, and no amount of tightening would fix them. I ended up using the yarn tails to duplicate stitch the holes closed, but the thumbs just feel tight and awkward. (This could be due to knitter error!) These are The World's Simplest Mittens, but I think I might try Comfy Gusset Mittens next and see how they feel.  

But I've felt like getting back to Hitchhiker knitting, so that's what I've been doing. Our weather has been kind of crazy lately, with ice, snow, freezing fog, and 50 mph+ winds for two days, so it's quite nice to stay inside and knit while the wind howls. I'll continue working on this Hitchhiker tomorrow as I intend to begin as I mean to go on.

In reading, I've just been catching up on ARCs this week, and I'll share more about them later. I hope you all have a safe, warm, and enjoyable New Year's Eve and a happy and healthy 2026! 

What are you making and reading this week? 

 

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9 comments:

  1. AsKatKnitsDecember 31, 2025 at 7:07 AM

    Those are cheery red mittens! (and perfect for this wintry blast... brrrr!) My "go to" pair of mittens are a lined pair I knit eons ago. (They are Adrian Bizilia's Fiddlehead Mitten pattern on Ravelry) These mittens can withstand the coldest winds and are quite stylish despite felting a bit over the years! I am really loving this Winter Solstice looking Hitchhiker... the perfect thing to knit as 2025 gives way to 2026! Happy New Year's Eve, Bonny! XO

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  2. Becky R.December 31, 2025 at 8:13 AM

    Those are very pretty mittens, but I understand completely the need for a gusset. You thumb only works if it is able to access its full range of motion. In the past, I have knit several "simple" sweaters that I had to frog because simple does not always equate to wearable. I have started reading Judith Viorst's Necessary Losses. It is an old book, but I was intrigued after reading a WAPO article about her. Since I am in the midst of necessary losses, I thought it might speak to me. The HH is looking great, Bonny. I have found my knitting needles, but have not sorted through the tangled mess. I need to do that so I can begin the year as I intend to continue if my old hands can still knit. Happy New Year!

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  3. AnonymousDecember 31, 2025 at 9:17 AM

    Happy New Year, Bonny! You are the HitchHiker Queen! Love this new one with winter coloring. I'm sorry I can't point you to a pattern, but look for a mitten (or glove) with a fourchette. It's the tiny triangle that makes space on the body of a mitten and adds just enough space for a well fitting thumb.

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    1. BonnyDecember 31, 2025 at 10:49 AM

      Thank you! I have seen mittens knit with a fourchette, but didn't know the name for it. I think that may be just what I want, so I'll be spending New Year's Eve looking for patterns with a fourchette. I've learned something this last day of 2025 and I thank you!

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  4. VeraDecember 31, 2025 at 9:17 AM

    Your bright red mittens look cozy and warm Bonny. Definitely needed these days (what's up with the wind???). Your Hitchhiker is simply gorgeous. The two yarns work beautifully together. I'm intending to use today and tomorrow to (hopefully) finish the 2nd shortie sock, maybe do some stitching, definitely some reading and most likely a nap. Oh, and cooking too (because I enjoy it). That's all a good start to a new year for me. Wishing you health, happiness and a calm 2026.

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  5. Vicki KnitoriousDecember 31, 2025 at 9:57 AM

    Who doesn't love a pair of red mittens?! The Comfy Gusset Mittens do look comfy -- and the gusset is really important! I usually need to pick up a stitch or two in that area. Still loving that Hitchhiker!

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  6. PamDecember 31, 2025 at 11:17 AM

    My favorite mittens are the Fox and Geese mittens from Robin Hansen's book of Maine mittens. But I think that's a general warmth issue, not a thumb fitting one. The pair I usually wear is not even on Ravelry. They are not so pretty as your red ones.

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    1. BonnyDecember 31, 2025 at 12:17 PM

      I have found a couple other patterns (with an arched thumb gusset) that I will try this winter, so there is hope. I think I might have that book, and if not, my library does, so I may take a look through it and see what strikes my fancy. Thanks!

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  7. KymDecember 31, 2025 at 12:03 PM

    I'm sorry to hear about your gusset woes, Bonny . . . because those red mittens LOOK fabulous! What a great shade of red. Personally, I hate wearing anything that binds or constrains or feels tight (or itches . . . my list of discomforts goes on and on . . . ), so I totally understand your need for a comfy gusset fit. Happy New Year! XO

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