All this is to say that this morning I woke up and decided to scrap yesterday's ideas completely, because a whole new and better idea had come to me somehow overnight. I'm going to knit these gloves in the traditional way (with a few quirks, see below) from wrist to fingertips. The important thing, though, is to invest them with meaning. They will feature the following:
1. Chevrons, ribs, and steps, a gansey pattern from Inverness (photo from a favourite book, "Cables, Diamonds, and Herringbone" by Sabine Domnick). Why Inverness? Because, of course, it's the jumping off point for "Outlander", the book.
However, I plan to separate the elements, with the herringbone on the back of the hand,
and the bars and ribs on the cuff.
2. I intend to try out a different kind of gusset (which isn't really a gusset), cleverly designed by my friend Deb Gemmell. This "arched" gusset follows the lifeline on the palm of the hand. "Outlander" readers: think of Claire's tea leaves reading with Mrs. Baird.
3. What yarn will I use? I've chosen a wool/silk mix because that would have been available in some form in the 18th century for luxury items. Wool for warmth, silk for beauty and strength.
This is a dk weight. Fingering wouldn't provide sufficient warmth (as a Canadian, I know all about that). And I'm knitting on size US 3 needles to make a dense fabric that will not only keep the wind out, but will highlight the texture of the stitches.
See you in a couple of days.....
P.S. This is NOT an attempt to design and knit historically accurate gloves.
