Coco MIttens

I got hooked on Downton Abbey last year when a couple friends recommended it. I watched the first 2 seasons thanks to my friend Sally who owns the DVD's. I finished just in time for Season 3 to air. Then I was shocked to hear that I'd have to wait a whole year (almost) for Season 4. I was so immersed in Downton and felt like a part of the family that it was hard to wait for Season 4 to start a few weeks ago. Then Charming Doodle started her incredible Downton Sewing Series and I was truly in heaven. I was reading her blog daily, staring at the pictures, and rewatching the recorded episodes a few times each. There is something about it all that just completely captivates me.

You can't imagine how I happy I was then to win one of Charming Doodle's giveaways!!!Yay!!! I won a yard of fabric from Andover Fabrics and it arrived today!!! Gorgeous! Too many explanation points, I know, but I'm so happy :-) I also won a really cool pattern - Coco Mittens from Violette Field Threads. So cute fingerless mittens to make out of either upcycled sweaters or knit fabric. That was truly lucky because the PDF arrived in my inbox the evening before my 15 year old daughter was leaving for a couple of days in Washington DC. She had seriously just asked a week earlier about making some for her. What amazing timing.

I made her the knit version in an Adult medium in the long length. I used the same olive green sweater knit from Joann's that I used for this top for her. It took less than an hour to print, read the instructions twice, and then go sew them up, complete with bows. The thumb part is a little tricky and you have to be careful and precise there, but I really enjoyed the process. I have said before that I am spatially challenged and I'll say it again. I simply cannot picture things sometimes and see how it's possibly going to work. It makes it that much more enjoyable to flip it right side out and see that it really does work. Just awesome.

That is my ugly hand, not hers. They are a tad big on her so if I make her more, and I'm sure I will, I'll use the small for her. The medium fit me well and this fabric is so soft I can see why she wore them a ton those 2 freezing cold days while she was at the March for Life in DC. They make it so easy to use a phone or other device.

Sadly, she thought the bows were cute, but not for her. So they are rather plain, but she likes them like this.

I thought Elena would like some too so I made hers in the sweater version out of thick anti-pill fleece. Embellished with lace trim they are sweet and practical. I had to choose between 12mo-2T or 3-5 so I went with the smaller but added about a 1/2 inch to the width. I used the medium length again. These match her Zermatt Bow Swing Coat which only has 3/4 length sleeves so this will fill the gap a bit.

I love it! So, so cute. And pretty handy for my little thumb sucker!

You can see that the one on the right is a little narrower than the left. I made the one on the right first and couldn't believe that it would actually fit Elena. I know she's thin, but it seemed soooo skinny and she was in bed so I couldn't try it. When I sewed the next one I used a slightly smaller seam allowance so it added about another half inch. Both fit her just fine it turns out. I wish I could have gotten her to pose cute with them but man, she is so uncooperative lately. 

 I made a quick beret using Simplicity 2745 and the same fleece. I made a flower, and sewed it on with more lace and some pearls but it completely overwhelmed her a little head. She has such a tiny face. So I took that off and made a simple lace bow and it works much better. She still wouldn't pose though. More frustration. Trying not to let her see it because I swear it fuels hers stubborness.

I hope you can just imagine how cute it's going to be all together with this jacket.

I am planning another pair of the mittens for my niece's 10th birthday. I have a purple sparkly sweater to use for those and it'll match her coat. Sewing for other people always makes me nervous, especially when it'll be opened in front of a crowd so wish me luck, please.