Really Warm Fluffy Mitten Making

I've been down with a major cold for the past week. My poor sewing machines are having fits of loneliness; the pattern I designed last week is sitting untouched on the cutting table; even the Thimble Cat is feeling abandoned, as I watch (make that sleep-through) yet another really bad movie on TV. But, the end is in sight! Today I have a touch of energy. I can leave the tissue box alone for almost 3 hours at at stretch!

The new quilt design:

So, as a compromise between designing/stitching and sitting, this morning I've been researching and knitting Thrummed Mittens, aka really warm, fluffy mittens.

The mitten, so far:

For anyone who has never run across these, they are said to have originated in Newfoundland and Labrador, and perhaps also in Nova Scotia. They have "twists" (thrums) of wool rovings knitted in, with the loose tails of the rovings inside the mitts.

The inside of the mitten:

This loose wool will basically felt over time and use, and be incredibly warm. They were developed for fishermen to wear, as no matter how wet the mitts get, your hands will not be cold. I used Briggs & Little 100% wool Heritage yarn (from New Brunswick) and my stash of wool sliver from the Have a Yarn shop in Mahone Bay. I think I'd make the thrums a little fatter next time, but you get the idea. There's a pattern here:

http://www.haveayarn.ca/stitch/06_2008_stitch_of_the_month.htm

if you want to give them a try.

Stay warm; stay dry; don't catch a cold!

Happy Quilting

Maggie