My Red Mittens

These are my red mittens. 

I love my red mittens, because I love their story. It starts with red yarn, received nearly nine years ago, part of a Christmas gift from a sweet friend that I love dearly. It continues as the yarn helps me write one of my first knitting patterns, Mittens With a Flap, and I knit it into those mittens. When I first received the skein, I knew almost immediately that it was destined to be mittens. And it did become mittens, and I love my red mittens! I love them so much that I take them outside in the cold, gray rain to take their photo. Then I post the pictures on all manner of social media. I want everyone to have a pair of red mittens to love!

My red mittens, though I love them, they are not perfect. They have seen some life, some wear and tear, and they have been repaired a time or two. I have even re-knit the thumbs into a turtle-neck style, so I can have my opposable digits free for texting if I like. Truth be told, the thumbs have sustained the majority of the repetitive stress injuries, and I keep wearing through them as the steering wheel slips through my hands at every turn. Each winter, I go in search of the last bits of this yarn to repair the thumbs. Usually I find it.

A couple of years ago, I could not find the yarn. My thumbs were actually in good shape, but there was a place on the right palm that was nearly worn through. I did the only thing I could do. I repaired it with the first yarn I found, and made plans to re-do the repair when I located the red yarn. 

Eventually, I did find the yarn again, but I never have redone the repair. Could be lazy-knitter syndrome...but as I pulled out my red mittens yesterday for their first drive of the year, I once again looked at that repair, and I don't think lazy is a factor. I actually think that I prefer them just as they are, even with this very visible flaw. My mittens, you know, are not the only part of me that is flawed...and I like me pretty well, flaws and all.

I am squishy in places that should not be squishy. My hair does not dance in the wind, shining with the vibrance of youth. One of my front teeth was chipped pretty good, and it has a visible repair that is just "out there" every time I smile. There is a sizeable scar at my left hip, where another repair was made, and the fingers of my left hand are not as straight as they should be. Like my mittens, my patience wears thin from time to time, as I let this life full of imperfect people slip through my fingers. As it turns out, I am not the only one who is flawed. Still, there is something to be loved in each of us, just like my red mittens.

When I wear my red mittens, I remember that I am a smart and talented woman who can knit and write knitting patterns for other knitters to enjoy. I remember that I am loved by my friends and family, and I am liked by knitters I have never met in person. When I wear my red mittens, I remember that I am vibrant and I have a lot of life left in me. I look forward to the warmth I receive and offer to those around me. I remember, and I am thankful for all of those things. My life is good, and my red mittens are just one tiny reminder, especially on the cold, wet, yucky days that come around.

When frost chills me to the bone, physically or emotionally, I can always reach for my red mittens and what they represent to me - love, kindness, joy and comfort. I'll say it again here: Everyone should have a pair of red mittens.

Thanks for stopping by, and Knit in Good Health!