Sunnhordaland Hat and Mittens

I love to design with motifs from long ago and to knit in a high gauge for lots of detail. This mitten (3 sizes) and hat (2 sizes) set was inspired by a sweater from Sunnhordaland, Norway, knitted in the 19th century. I first saw this sweater in the book Nordic Knitting by Susanne Pagoldh, Interweave Press, 1991. I love the two types of stars, which the Norwegians call "eight-petaled roses". Although I chose Swedish colors for this pair of mittens, I think the design would look lovely in any number of color combinations. I added a facing for the cuffs and the brim of the hat to increase warmth and longevity. This is created with a provisional cast-on and a picot turning-edge for a crisp beginning to all the pieces. The gauge is high and requires a lot of patience, but you will be rewarded with an heirloom quality hat and mittens set.