Sheltered from the Pacific by the strong wing of Vancouver Island, green isles nestle tranquilly against the rocky coastline. The Hudson’s Bay Company brought sheep to San Juan Island in the 1850s. Finewool types like Merinos don’t thrive in this damp climate, but the hardy North Atlantic breeds feel right at home. Small, lovingly tended flocks still flourish here.

I designed these mitts to show off the natural shades Lydia spins from the multi-colored fleeces these tough and friendly little sheep produce. I chose island winter imagery — dripping evergreens and wind-lashed waves — in homage to our Northwest home. The colorwork is adapted from a Scandinavian pine bough motif that appears in traditional knitting, while the peerie waves are a Shetland design.