Felted Mittens

10 sts on needle #1

12 sts on needle #2

10 sts on needle #3

Join stitches and work 8 rnds of k1, p1 rib.

Change to reverse st st (p every rnd) and work 18 rnds.

Rnd 1: P16, M1, p16--33 sts.

Rnds 2, 4, 6, 8, 10, and 12: Purl.

Rnd 3: P16, place marker (pm), M1, p1, M1, pm, p16--35 sts.

Rnd 5: P16, M1, p to next marker, M1, p16--37 sts.

Rnds 7, 9, and 11: Rep Rnd 5--43 sts after Rnd 11.

Next rnd: P16, sl 11 gusset sts onto holder or waste yarn, p16.

-- Cont purling 32 sts for 15 more rnds.

Dec rnd 1: (P6, p2tog) 4 times--28 sts.

Rnds 2, 4, 6, and 8: Purl.

Dec rnd 3: (P5, p2tog) 4 times--24 sts.

Dec rnd 5: (P4, p2tog) 4 times--20 sts.

Dec rnd 7: (P3, p2tog) 4 times--16 sts.

Dec rnd 9: (P2, p2tog) 4 times--12 sts.

Dec rnd 10: (P1, p2tog) 4 times--8 sts.

Dec rnd 11: (P2tog) 4 times--4 sts.

-- Leaving an 8-inch tail, cut yarn. Thread tail through yarn needle and back through rem sts twice. Pull up to tighten, and secure in place on WS of fabric.

Pick up and purl 1 st at base of thumb, purl across gusset sts, dividing these 12 sts evenly on 3 needles. Pm on first stitch to note beg of rnds. Purl 8 rnds.

Dec Rnd 1: (P2tog) 6 times--6 sts.

Dec Rnd 2: (P2tog) 3 times--3 sts.

-- Purl 1 rnd and cut yarn, leaving an 8-inch tail. Draw yarn through rem sts, pull tight, take to WS, and weave in all ends.

For each mitten cut 32 pieces of 12-inch-long yarn. With 2 pieces held tog, fold lengths in half and attach as fringe to each rib. Attach every other st around cuff. Loosely braid each fringe and tie knot at end (16 braids). You'll be able to trim braids evenly after felting.

To felt the mittens, machine-wash in hot-water-wash, cool-rinse cycle with a small amount of detergent; machine-dry on high heat and steam-press.