Pattern spotlight: Sunflower Mittens by Mary Jane Mucklestone from MAINE knits
A book of Maine knitting patterns wouldn't be much without the grace of Mary Jane Mucklestone! Her beautiful mittens use a Maine yarn that has an awesome story. You can't get more local than a yarn raised on a Maine island! All things came together perfectly to create these mittens...
Here is Mary Jane to tell us more:
Me: Where did the inspiration for this design come from?
Mary Jane: I loved to plant sunflowers outside my back door when I lived in the woods, so they were my initial inspiration. For the actual motif, I riffed on border elements of an embroidered wall hanging my Norwegian great-grandmother made.
Me: What are your favorite Maine fibers, yarns, products, etc.?
Wool. I absolutely love Maine Wool. My favorite yarn is from my friend Jani Estell, of Starcroft Fiber Mill in downeast Maine. The wool comes exclusively from the sheep that live on a small island near her mill. My favorite Maine product is Maple Syrup!!!!!!! The best thing in the world.
Me: What people, places or things in Maine inspire you and your work?
I'm most inspired by the landscape, especially the hills and mountains. I love hiking in Camden Hill State Park and Acacia National Park, both on the coast with spectacular water vistas, and inland Baxter State Park is magical with endless trails.
Me: What is your favorite time of year in Maine?
Hmmm...I love the winter. I love the Fall for the colors. I love the Spring for leaves...finally some green after a long winter! And Summer - blissful, baking in the sun then jumping in the sea. So you can say I'm thankful for each season, and especially thankful to live in a place where each season is so distinct.
Me: Describe your perfect Maine day.
Morning coffee in the sun. A long afternoon hike to a high point with a view. Bringing my knitting along so I can spend some time at the top in the lofty quiet. Maybe jumping in a lake...Back home again, tired and happy, meeting family and friends for good food and a fire by the beach.
Thank you Mary Jane!