Crafting Cozy Comfort: Getting Started with Fake Out Thrummed Mittens

As the chilly winds of winter settle in, there's nothing quite like the warmth of handcrafted mittens to fend off the cold. Recently, I took on a project that promised not just warmth, but also a unique knitting experience—creating fake out thrummed mittens. If you haven’t heard of thrummed mittens, they are traditionally knit with pieces of roving inside, which felt over time to create an incredibly warm and cushioned interior. However, this simple project introduced a new twist, opting for single-ply super bulky merino instead of roving. Here’s a detailed look at my experience, from kit selection to the knitting process as I got started.

What Are Thrummed Mittens?

Traditionally, thrummed mittens incorporate roving, a bundle of unspun fiber, to create insulating warmth. These mittens are perfect for kids and cold climates due to their cozy interior that becomes softer and warmer as it felts over time through use. Thrummed mittens can also boast intricate, attractive designs due to the color work involved with roving integration. However, working with roving can be daunting for beginners due to its tendency to draft apart.

Discovering Fake Out Thrummed Mittens

In an attempt to innovate and simplify the thrummed mitten-making process, designer Cynthia Spencer of Really Clear Designs introduced the fake out thrummed mittens kit. The key difference lies in swapping traditional roving with super bulky single-ply merino yarn. This yarn offers roving-like aesthetics and warmth but with the durability and ease of handling that comes with regular yarn. This adjustment makes the project more approachable for beginners and knitters unfamiliar with roving.

Materials and Design

The kit I ordered included Malabrigo Rios in the Archangel colorway—a vivacious blend of pinks, oranges, and purples—and Pragmatic from Virtuous Yarn Company, a beautiful, bold purple. Both yarns are stunning and promise a striking finished product. The pattern by Cynthia also stood out due to its dual design approach—providing both color work charts and written instructions, catering to knitters of all preferences and skill levels.

Challenges in Preparation

Having moved recently, many of my knitting tools, including my ball winder and swift, were packed away. To adapt, I opted to hand-wind the super bulky merino into balls. For those without these tools or in a pinch, this method, though cumbersome, worked adequately. I offer a tip: place the skein over your knee or the back of a chair to maintain tension while winding.

Practical Knitting Tips

Cynthia's pattern instructs selecting needle sizes based on the yarn weight used—critical advice that ensures proper sizing. For example, Malabrigo Rios, a worsted weight yarn, was perfect for medium adult mittens. Adjusting needle size according to one’s knitting tension is also important; I used size 8 needles, a compromise between the suggested size and my tight knitting style.

Another tidbit for knitters: casting on can be particularly tricky. I used the backward loop cast on, a method not usually recommended for cuffs—but I was on auto-pilot and didn't even pay attention when I started casting on. Ensure your stitches are loose enough to prevent twisting when you join in the round.

Organizing Your Project

Keeping your materials organized is essential for a smooth knitting experience. I used a medium-sized project bag to separate and manage my yarns, enabling hassle-free color work. This bag even featured yarn guides, preventing tangles and making it easy to switch between strands.

Final Thoughts

I can't wait to work on these mittens, and have my hands stay nice and toasty for the remainder of winter! If you're inspired to try your hand at these mittens, I encourage you to visit Cynthia Spencer’s website, stitchyourartout.com, for the kit. As winter continues, there’s still plenty of time to knit these before spring arrives. I look forward to updating you all on the progress and final feel of these unique mittens. Happy knitting!