Knitting with Thrums

Description

Thrumming, the technique of adding tufts of wool roving on the inside of stitches, is a reasonably old tradition that began, it seems, with Elizabethan sailors. A thrummed cap was the 17th century latest technology to keep working men warm, and was also used for blankets, and probably mittens too.

Thrumming has been a tradition as far back as anyone can remember in Newfoundland and Labrador, where the temperatures drop well below freezing every winter – and mittens are often chock full of tufty wisps of roving that really make a difference to keeping your hands warm. Eventually all these wisps of wool begin to felt together and this creates an even warmer lining.

This workshop will show you how to prepare thrums, and how to add them to your knitting. The cost of the workshop will include a kit to knit thrummed mittens, that you can start at the workshop and then take home to complete and to keep. The kit will contain wool, thrums (made by me from local sheep fleece), knitting needles and a darning needle to sew up the gloves.

All materials and equipment are provided.

Suitable for ages 12 and above.

Tea, coffee, scones and cake on tap.

Cost – £20 per person.

If a particular date is out of stock please don’t hesitate to contact me to arrange a bespoke workshop for you!