I started this year with a commitment to reduce the size of my stash and a fuzzy notion of attacking some knitting projects that I had never done before. I thought that I would like to learn how to do double knitting. Maybe some herringbone stitch. Definitely, thrummed mitts.
I was really motivated to knit some warmer mittens, and I’ve heard that thrummed mittens provide serious warmth. They just look so cool, they can felt and mold themselves to fit hands well, and then there is the insulation factor. My Raynaud’s has gotten worse over the last year and I have some concerns about digital ulcers. Nope. I don’t want one of those!! I need to be able to function in the cold without taking risks with my fingers.
I found a promising pattern online, Warm Paws by Carol Ullmann, dug out some worsted weight yarn from the stash, and watched videos on YouTube to learn about knitting in thrums. Pretty straightforward, and the pattern gave excellent instructions too.
The finished mitts are just fantastic and fit like a dream. I wore them as I drove home from my son’s last night in the cold and snow; my hands stayed warm and for the first time in a long while I didn’t have a Raynaud’s attack during the drive. I’m still researching battery operated warm mittens, but in the meantime these thrummed mitts are going to be a game changer for me. The way that merino felted so quickly I figure that I can just stuff more loops in to increase the insulation as needed. Here are my project notes.
So, how am I doing on my New Year’s resolutions? I can check thrummed knitting off my list, and with this project I have now removed 14 skeins of yarn from the stash. I’m pretty sure I will make the goal of reducing the stash by 50 skeins this year. Of course, not every project is quick to complete. Check out how I’m doing on the fabulous, colorful mitts (that would make a unicorn cry with envy…) that I’m making for my knitworthy niece…
Happy knitting everyone, and I do hope that the weather is behaving for you.
Yarn, Books & Roses 
Thanks for explaining how to make the thrummed mitts, they sound great. Wow those for your niece are so difficult looking, more techniques I need to add to my list.
I didn’t show how to knit the thrums in as the are great sources on YouTube that show how to do it, but it was really simple. The mitts for my niece really are taking time… the herringbone braids take a lot of time, but I am speeding up with practice!
I really want to make some thrummed mittens. Yours look great! Thanks for sharing your photos!
They really worked up fast and are so comfy and warm. Go for it!
I love your thrummed mittens! Thank you for showing how you did the thrums. I’ve got yarn and fiber but have put off knitting the mittens for maybe 5 years. Now I feel more confident about giving them a go:)
The mitts for your niece are going to be gorgeous! You’re so lucky to have a knitworthy person to knit for!
There were several techniques on YouTube so I played around with thrum types. I think the double loops with the felted centers work the best so that’s what I showed in the pics. I’d love to see what you do.
Your thrummed mittens look great, and so cozy! I have a pair and they are super warm 🙂 So glad they helped with your Reynaud’s, too!
Thanks! They are so nice and warm I’m thinking of making another pair with homespun and some locks of fleece.
That would probably be really cozy! Post pics if you do 🙂
I’ve never heard of thrummed mitts. They’re beautiful and intriguing. What a fun project, too. Those mitts for your niece are stunning as well and make me long for your skills. Thanks for sharing such delightful cat photos. I’m glad you’re still knitting, even with all you have going on.
I have to admit, these thrummed mitts are the first ones I’ve ever actually seen; I’ve seen pictures online and was intrigued. They are WARM!
The mitts for my niece are really a stretch for me. At one point I was computer, two magazines and notes from the original source to work on them. The first one is now done, so things will be easier from now on.
I just read your follow up post for your niece’s mitts. They’re lovely, but oh my gosh so much work. Your brain got a really work out.
My brain has been thumped for sure! They sure came out cute, though, didn’t they?!
They did! I’m so impressed.
Thrumming? Interesting, glad the wool is working for you. Love to see the mitts.
I’ll put them on the car! That roving worked great!!