Autumn is definitely here, and it’s chilly. I’ve been experimenting with wooly ways to be warmer, and my current infatuation is with thrummed knitting. Here’s its latest incarnation.
Thrumster is either a cowl or an earband, depending on where you like your warmth. Or do both! Me, I don’t like messing up my hair, so I got DH to model the earband. I’m all about the cowl.
Things look pretty straightforward from the outside, but the inside is where the action is. These babies are *warm*, because they have thrums knitted in. So cozy!
What are thrums? They’re bits of fleece that you work into your knitting. Thrummed knitting originated in northeastern Canada, where they know how to deal with cold! I’ve written a pattern for this thrummed earband and cowl set, and it explains all about the art of the thrum. I’m also teaching a class on thrumming at Twisted next month on Tuesday, December 6, from 6 to 8 p.m. Come learn a new technique with me!
Not in PDX? The pattern is for sale through Ravelry. I made a video tutorial, too.
What’s your newest knitting technique? What did you knit with it?
PDXKnitterati 
Fabulous!
& Totally adorable.
Just a minor point of correction. Thrummed knitting originated prior to colonization of Canada. The thrummed caps originated from the Monmouth cap back in the 1500s and became the ‘welsh wig’ in the 1800s by the British Navy – http://www.isca-morrismen.com/monmouth.htm, Granted in the 1800s those British naval people would have been in Canada. 😉
Very nice idea with the earband/cowl though and lovely colors!
Still plan to learn double knitting for some holiday gift giving ideas. Need to get a shawl done first.
Lovely couple in matching accessories. I am working on ways to tidy backside of intarsia work without long float vertically, cutting/re-attaching yarn, and minimizing ends to weave. I’m getting there. It’s looking better each time.
When you perform thrumming, Michele, it looks divine. About ten years ago it was a popular idea among east coast knitters. Intrigued, I tried. What came out was far from your gorgeous results.
Never hear of thrums but I love the idea. Looks super warm and cozy.
It’s not hard and it can go in lots of things: mittens, muffs, hats, slippers…I’m going to be using this again before I’m done with them. You just have to make sure to make your item bigger than normal, because it’s going to be full of fluff!
What a clever idea. And that picture of you and your husband is TOO CUTE!!!!
thrumming is one of those things I’ve seen over the years and every time I see it, I think I must do it. Then I forget. Perhaps 2012 is my year!