Malabrigo Quickies: String of Jewels Mitts
Fall always seems to usher in the knitting season era, at least for me! I’m so happy to share this months quickies project, String of Jewels Mitts, designed by Triona Murphy.
These convertible mitts are knit in Malabrigo Rios and are stylish and practical design that are warm and functional. The sample pair is knit in Arco Iris and Triona’s pattern is perfect to showcase your favorite variegated colorways.
Triona lives in Oregon, where she also writes fantasy novels for kids and teens and lives with her husband and three kids in a house overflowing with yarn, board games, and books. Triona was gracious enough to share about this design as well as the design process:
Shown in Rios Arco Iris colorway
1: What is your favorite part of your Quickies design and why?
My favorite part of these mitts is the way the technique used to pick up stitches for the mitten top makes it lie flat against the back of the hand when not in use. No buttons or snaps required—it just stays nicely out of the way until your fingers need to be toasty again!
2: What should knitters pay attention to when working this pattern? Do you have any tips or tricks to make knitting this pattern easier?
Because the method of picking up stitches for the mitten top can be a little hard to visualize, I created a tutorial video that shows this (and also what orientation the needles should be in afterward). A link to the tutorial is included in the pattern!
3: What do you think knitters will enjoy the most about this project?
This pattern was designed to show off the beauty of variegated yarn. From the cross pattern on the cuff to the mitten top to the thumb, it’s fun and interesting to see how the colors blend together. It’s a total “just one more row” project!
4: What does your design process look like?
I always start with this question: what would solve a problem in my wardrobe or accessories stash? Once I have an idea of what kind of item I’d like to design, then I either turn to my stash for inspiration or my large collection of stitch pattern books. One of my favorite things to do is find a stitch pattern that I almost — but don’t quite — like, and then try different variations of it until I love it.
5: Was there any particular inspiration you had when creating this piece?
These mitts were inspired by all the walks I take around my neighborhood when it’s cold outside. I often have to check my phone, or use my keys, or get the mail, but I don’t want my fingers to be cold! Convertible mitts were the answer. Toasty warmth when you don’t need to use your fingers, and easy dexterity when you do..
6: What is the one thing you wish people knew about you as a designer?
I’m also a fiction writer! My first published novel, a fantasy for 8-12 year olds, is forthcoming from Atheneum/Simon & Schuster in fall of 2026, and it features magical knitting! I drew on my knowledge of knitting history and my design experience to ensure all the knitting the main character does in the novel is accurate, and I even snuck a few funny bits in there just for the knitters. I’m waiting impatiently for next year — I can’t wait to hear what people think!
7. What beverage will you most likely have by your side while designing?
It’s always coffee for me, preferably made with beans from one of the many local small batch roasters here in Oregon. Later in the day, I switch to sparkling water.
Thanks for sharing another stunning design with us, Triona! You can find String of Jewels Mitts on Ravelry here: https://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/string-of-jewels-mitts
You can find Triona on
Ravelry ID: https://www.ravelry.com/designers/triona-murphy
Website: : www.trionadesigns.com
