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The term "Boat Oar" comes from the afghans that are knit on very large needles with multiple strands of yarn. Although the afghans use much larger needles, the speed with which you can knit these mittens instantly brought that term to mind.

These mittens are knit with 3 strands of yarn, but your choice of fibers can make a difference in the way they feel. I used three strands of a worsted weight yarn, but one was mohair and the other two were a very soft, lofty alpaca blend. This is a good pattern for using 2 strands of an inexpensive yarn and only one of luxury yarn, so they won't cost a fortune to make. This is one of those �instant gratification� projects!

Materials:

• 1 ball each, Lion Brand AL-PA-Ka in Natural and Camel.
• 1 ball of Ironstone mohair in dark brown.
• Size 9 (5.5 mm) & 11 (8 mm) double pointed needles

With #9 needles, cast on 18 sts, 6 on each of three needles.

Work in k1, p1 ribbing for 3".

Change to #11 needles and knit around in st st for 6 rounds.

Thumb Sts:

• K1, k3 sts with waste yarn (same thickness).
• Replace back on left needle and knit them again with main yarns.
• Finish round.

Knit for 20 rounds plain.

Top:

• Rnd 1: K1, k2tog around
• Rnd 2: Knit
• Rnd 3: k2tog around. Break yarn, leaving a 4-5" end. Thread through remaining sts and end off.

Thumb:

• Pick out waste yarn. You will have 3 sts on the bottom and 2 sts on the top.
• Place these sts on 2 needles.
• Join yarn. Pick up and knit 2 sts at the gap on one side and 1 st on the other (8 sts total).
• Knit for 2-3/4".
• K2tog around.
• Break off yarn, leaving a 4-5" end. Thread through remaining 4 sts and fasten off.

Make 2nd mitten exactly the same.