Before Felting
Length: approx. 13[15] inches
Circumference: approx. 12[14] inches

After Felting
Length: 8[9.25] inches
Circumference: 8[9.5] inches

Pippikneesocks Handspun [100% wool, 70yd/64m per 2.8oz/73.7g skein, 9 WPI, Bulky+ weight]; color: Lost Sailor; 2[3] skeins

1 set US #15/10mm double-point needles
1 set US #10/6mm double-point needles
Stitch markers
Split ring marker or safety pin
Waste yarn
Tapestry needle
Sewing needle
Sewing thread
2 buttons

10 sts / 13 rows = 4 inches in stockinette st before felting

Using larger needles, CO 28[34] sts.
Divide evenly between needles and join to begin working in the round, being careful not to twist. After a few rounds have been worked, place split ring marker or safety pin in work to indicate beginning of round.
K 10 rounds.

Thumb Gusset
Round 1: M1, k1, m1, place marker, k to end.

Round 2: K all sts.
Round 3: M1, k to marker, m1, slip marker, k to end.
Repeat these 2 rounds 3[4] times more. 38[46] sts.  

K 1 round.
Next Round: Place first 11[13] sts of round on hold on waste yarn; remove marker and k to end of round. 27[33] sts.
K 10[12] rounds.

Shape Top of Mitten:
Round 1: [K7[9], k2tog, place marker] 3 times. 24[30] sts.

Round 2: K all sts.
Round 3: [K to 2 sts before marker, k2tog] 3 times.
Repeat these 2 rounds 5[7] times more. Break yarn, draw through last 6 sts and pull tight.

Thumb
Place held sts of thumb on larger double-point needles and rejoin yarn.
Round 1: K all sts, pick up and k 2 sts in space between thumb sts and hand, pick up and k 1 st in hand of mitten, pick up and k 2 sts in space between hand and thumb sts. 16[18] sts.
K 7[9] rounds.

Shape Top of Thumb:
Round 1: [K2, k2tog] 4 times, k0[2]. 12[14] sts.
Rounds 2 & 4: K all sts.
Round 3: [K1, k2tog] 4 times, k0[2]. 8[10] sts.
Round 5: [K2tog] 4[5] times.
Break yarn, draw through remaining sts and pull tight.

Loop
At desired point, using smaller circular needle, pick up and k 1 st in edge of mitten.
Work this st in stockinette st until work measures 6 inches.
Break yarn, draw through st and pull tight.
Sew yarn tail into cuff of mitten next to picked-up st, forming a loop.

Weave in ends.  

Felt Mittens:
Set washing machine to hot setting and fill for small load.  
Place mittens in machine with a small amount of detergent, and an old pair of jeans (or some other heavy article of clothing), to help provide agitation for felting process.
Run through cycle, checking intermittently until bag reaches desired size.
Remove from machine and rinse.
Shape mittens as desired, then lay flat and allow to dry completely.
Sew on buttons.