Stitches

Knitting my first mitten and I'm stuck on the thumb. Help anyone?

I'm knitting my first mitten, and I've gotten the ribbing done, and I've finished with the thumb gusset. The next instructions are for the thumb (this is the left-hand mitten, by the way). The pattern (it's a flat pattern) says: With main color K 25, turn Cast on 1 stitch then purl, cast on stitch plus next 13 stitches, turn Cast on 1 stitch then knit cast on stitch plus next 14 stitches, turn purl on these 15 stitches Stocking stitch 12 rows K1, (k2 tog) repeat to end Put thread through these stitches and pull tight. Sew up thumb seam. Does this mean that I'm knitting 25 stitches into what I have, then casting on one stitch, one purl, and then casting on an additional 13 stitches? What does the turn mean? I have no idea what I'm doing anymore. Your help is greatly appreciated! http://www.ancient-tree-hunt.org.uk/NR/rdonlyres/9C07936D-6349-4EB5-AD30-257C14219730/0/3972athmittens.pdf The pattern can be found above, if it would help clarify to anyone willing to help.

Public Comments

1. I've been knitting for years, and have never seen a flat mitten pattern, much less this turn and cast on nonsense. I would cast on, then turn to keep knitting. Did this pattern come from a website or a book? Seeing more of the pattern would be helpful.
2. you are talking about the stripy mitten pattern. okay yes you will knit 25 stitches but then you will turn your work around. right after you have knitted 25 stitches you will switch needles and cast on 1. ( you can use the cable cast on method to cast that ). and then obviously. with cable cast on method you will be casting on the needle that already have your 25 stitches and the cast on1 will be in front of it. so when u purl that one you will have 25 behind it. but you will then purl 13 and turn your work again and cast on 1 so now when u knit this cast on 1 stitch you will be knitting the preious ones you purled (that will make em 15) i hope this helps.
3. This one stumped me. I have three booklets for 2-needle mittens and no pattern was like this so I dug out my needles and worked only the first 3 rows of the thumb. I agree with both Vanessa and mat. Let me try to explain what you are doing. K25 takes you to the center(?) of your mitten. This leaves you 17 sts left 42-25=17. You turn, cast on one - just loop over needle is fine. Purl that stitch and the next 13. You do the same thing going the other way - front side. So, you proceed up the thumb. Personally, I would put these 25 and 17 stitches on a holder until you are done with the thumb but it might work out. It pays to visualize just what it is you're doing. I have always found that helpful. Hope I have helped.