Honour local history and traditional craftsmanship with the Little Bay Islands Mittens Pattern.
Designed exclusively for Cast On! Cast Off! by friend of the shop Carolynn Sheu, this heartfelt stranded colourwork pattern pays tribute to the resilient spirit of Little Bay Islands, the stories left behind after resettlement, and the deep-rooted knitting traditions of Newfoundland and Labrador.
Bundled with 100% Canadian wool from Briggs & Little, this kit has everything you need to knit a warm and cozy pair of wave-patterned mittens.
Kit Includes:
- Printed full-colour booklet with easy to read charts.
- Three skeins of Briggs & Little Regal wool yarn
Project Details:
- Designer: Carolyn Sheu
- Style: Traditional Newfoundland Colorwork
- Size: Adult Small/Medium (easily adjustable)
- Required Needles: 4.0 mm needles (not included)
EXCITING NEWS FROM COCO! NEW Pattern Release!
Introducing "Little Bay Islands Mittens" by Carolynn Sheu
Little Bay Islands is a resettled outport community, nestled around a picturesque harbour, on a small island off the northeast coast of Newfoundland. The designer of these gorgeous mittens had the privilege of touring the community and island with a group of avid knitters during COCO's Grand Opening in October 2022. She writes that after walking along the abandoned roads, ducked into empty structures, and saw what was left behind when the last provincial ferry left the wharf in 2019, she was left inspired.
The abandoned houses sit filled, still with personal belongings and memories, but empty of life and the living.
Carolynn Sheu reflects of Little Bay Islands:
The boat-less wharves, the fish-less flakes, and empty lobster and crab pots left wharf side represent a former time of abundance and way of life. Today, the island has two permanent residents, who occasionally host seasonal residents and tour groups.
This pattern pays tribute to the residents of Little Bay Islands, to a life and a place that once was, and to the knitting tradition of Newfoundland and Labrador.
The colourway is inspired by the Mermaid of the island and its surroundings; Turquoise for the expansive sea and the livelihood it provided, Yellow for the changing season of Fall and Green Meadow for Spring, for the return of all things living and life.
We hope you will enjoy this pattern and think of those who had to resettle.
Carolynn Sheu is a high school Art Teacher who lives and teaches in Ottawa, Ontario. Her love of knitting started at a young age when she was taught by her Grandmother. During COVID, she came across the Saltwater Mittens Facebook group and was intrigued by the tradition of Newfoundland & Labrador knitting. Giving the patters a try, her colourful knits caught the eye of Shirley Anne Scott; co-author with Christine LeGrow of the Saltwater Knitting Books and asked her to be a test knitter for their last book.
Three of her knits are featured in the book. Carolynn continues to knit and explore the word of fibres through various traditional crafts while incorporating textiles into her own art making practices.
When her needles are at rest, she busies herself in the garden, foraging for mushrooms and enjoys adventures along with misadventures when in the kitchen.
Special Thanks to Lisa Chatzikirou, Shirley Ann Scott, Christine LeGrow,
Barbara Harpur, Heather Barrett & Linda Badcock
