The plugin generates the proper image into the $ovenmitts variable. I confirmed this by putting the variable into the forumdisplay template and it shows properly. I also did a couple diagnostic print statements in the plugin to make sure the $ovenmittcount varialbe was getting the correct number from the field12 variable.
Either the $ovenmitts varialbe is getting wiped, isn't scoped correctly or I'm not calling it correctly to display in the postbit template. I'm just not sure where to go from here.
I appreciate your help though