Pennsylvania Mitten, 1750 - 1820

This pattern reproduces the mittens photographed in Rural Pennsylvania Clothing by Ellen J. Gehret (Figure 294).  Rural Pennsylvania Clothing is a wonderful reference documenting clothing worn in Pennsylvania by the ordinary farmer, tradesmen, day laborer and their wives and children between 1750 and 1820.  It is likely that the same clothing was worn by ordinary Pennsylvanians and their decedents immigrating to other parts of the country during that time period and beyond.  I recommend this mitten as an authentic, well-documented  choice for reenactors of the Revolutionary War, the Civil War, and all eras in-between.  The kit is $14 for the adult size mittens and $10 for the child size mittens. 

 

 

Muffatee, 1838

Muffatees (also called mitts or hand warmers) are a fingerless glove that will keep the hands warm while allowing your fingers the freedom to sew, knit or stir the pot over the fire.  The modern woman will appreciate her muffatees while working on the computer, as they keep the hand warm while leaving the fingers free to type.

 

This pattern is from The Workwoman’s Guide, by A Lady, originally printed in 1838.  I recommend this muffatee as an authentic, well-documented choice for reenactors of the early 19th century through the Civil War. 

 

Muffatees were a very popular item - The Workwoman’s Guide contains five patterns for muffatees, all of which are the same basic design but with a different stitch pattern on each one.  In all five there is no thumb stub, just a vertical hole to put the thumb through. 

 

This kit contains two patterns, and the end result will look the same regardless of which pattern you choose.  Pattern A is knit with two needles as a simple rectangle, then sewn up the side.  It is an easy pattern for a beginning knitter, or anyone who prefers flat knitting (the original pattern is knit flat and sewn up).  Pattern B is knit in the round with four double pointed needles, resulting in a seamless tube. 

 

The kit is $10.