Snow Leopard Mitts
by Meli Alness
Mama Snow Leopard, high in the Himalayas, trains her eyes on a small herd of yak. She’s hungry, and her cub is too. The yak, thin and mangy, graze on the depleted grasslands. They were designed for this weather; their course shaggy guard hairs and the soft, downy under-coat keep them warm at immense altitudes, and mama yak produces milk high in fat content for the growing calves. Mama Nomad depends on the yak milk too, for with it she makes yogurt, hard cheese, and butter. Night is falling. Sister Nomad rounds up the herd with a glance toward the twinkling lights, the first stars of tonight’s sharp, clear sky.
The mystical cats, still and silent, appear transfixed by the explosion of stars above the desolate landscape…
Spring will come soon.
These slim fitting mitts are so fun to knit; you won’t be able to put them down! Pair them with my Snow Leopard Cowl for a stunning and unique stranded-colorwork set. The ONLY sadness I have when spring weather approaches is saying, “See you next fall!” to this dynamic duo. You will love your yak-yarn snow leopards too!
This pattern is a digital download.
Yarn
Reywa Fibers Harmony
(50% Tibetan yak down/50% fine merino, sport, 325 yds/100 g)
Yardage
Measurements are approximate.
Any change in gauge, row gauge, or yarn will affect yardage and dimensions.
MC (Charcoal) - 30 g
CC (Bone) - 33 g
AC (Playful) - 11 g
Finished Dimensions
Approximately 10” (25.5 cm) long & 7” (18 cm) in circumference
Gauge
19 sts & 21 rows = 2”/5 cm in stranded colorwork, knit in the round & blocked
Needles & Notions
US 1 (2.25 mm) 24” or longer circ. needle or DPNs or size needed to obtain gauge
tapestry needle, scrap yarn, stitch marker