Shell-easy mitts

These mitts are made in one piece and seamless so there's no sewing after. They're lacy, yet warm and will allow you to type if you get cold hands in winter. Or you can wear them over a plain pair of gloves to dress them up and add extra warmth. They're ambidextrous-you can wear them on either hand.

Materials:
Red Heart Shimmer, 1 skein will make at least two pairs, if not three
Crochet hook size H
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Other yarns you can use:
Caron Simply Soft
Red Heart Super Saver
Really, just about any yarn can be used, with appropriately-sized hook, you'll just need to adjust the pattern up or down to compensate. Also be aware that different weights of yarn will make the mitt look different from that pictured. Lightweight yarn will look delicate, while WW yarn will look sturdier. If you use a lightweight yarn, you may want to ch 2 for the thumbhole, and then do a dc dec in the two chs on your next rnd to bring it back to one dc.
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Make 2

Loosely ch a multiple of 6 so that it fits around your hand without stretching and join to form a ring, being careful not to twist sts. Alternatively, use a size I crochet hook to make starting ch, then switch to the size H hook for the remainder. This will make the starting ch a bit more flexible since there is no ribbing.

Rnd 1: Ch 1, sc in same st as joining, sk 2 ch, 5 dc in next ch (shell), *sk 2 ch, sc in next ch, sk 2 ch, shell in next ch. Rep from * around, join with sl st to beg sc. 5 shells on a ch of 30. your shell count will vary if your chain is larger or smaller.

Rnd 2: Ch 3, shell in 3rd dc of next shell (shell on shell), *Dc in next sc, shell on next shell. Rep from * around. Join with sl st in 3rd ch of beg ch-3


Rnds 3-7: Ch 3, shell on next shell, *dc in dc bet shells, shell on next shell. Rep from * around. Join with sl st in 3rd ch of beg ch-3.

Rnd 8: Rep prev rnd, except when you reach last dc bet shells, ch 1, sk the dc bet shells and make a shell on the last shell. Join with a sl st to 3rd ch of beg ch-3. This space will be the thumb hole.

Last 4 rnds (Hand). Continue in pat as established, making a dc in the ch-1 sp of the thumb hole bet shells on rnd 9. End off after rnd 11. Weave in loose ends.

Alternative construction:

If you're a beginner and have trouble making the shell pattern in the foundation ch, or you want a sturdier foundation to work on, once you get your foundation ch joined, ch 1 and sc in each ch around. Join with a sl st in the first sc and then continue on with pattern as written.

Long mitts:

If you want elbow-length mitts, start with a size J hook and do about three rnds of shells, switch to a size I hook and do three more, then switch to a size H hook and finish mitt out. I also suggest that you start with a rnd of sc in your foundation ch before you start the shell pattern.