Put A Pom Pom On It... A Fur One

With the longer winter nights, I have found myself sitting in front of the TV more than usual...but my family with tell you that I am terrible at sitting still for an entire movie or TV show. So I thought I would start some knitting again....a small project of course...

I found this hat pattern in a Bernat pattern booklet. I have made this hat for my daughters using a lighter yarn that was super cute. This time around I used Loops & Threads Charisma in red. I love the color and thought that the fur pom pom in a brown that matched closely to my hair color would be fun.

This pattern is knit on straight needles and I treated myself to a  new pair of Knit Picks needles...have any of you used these?! I love them! 

 The pattern looks complicated to (at least to my untrained knitters eye) but it really isn't. I made this hat in two evenings...pretty good for me. I think that my best knitting really does come is small projects and if I can add a cool pom pom...even better!

Maritime Mittens

Looks cozy huh? Cozy fire, cozy mittens. 

Well, since my sewing mojo up and decided to take a hike over the Christmas break, I decided that I would ignore its little tantrum and venture into a new and different project. Take that sewing mojo and say hello to my new friend knitting mojo! That being said,  my sewing mojo had better return to it's regular scheduled programming around here as soon as I finish the second pair! 

(Or before... what's another unfinished project added to my knitting basket? They can all just play nice in there. I also vow, here and now, to never say or write the word "mojo" again! ugh.. )

  I have seen these mittens at many gift shops and always wanted a pair due to their obvious coziness. So while on the hunt for a project to get me going again, I found this pattern for thrummed mittens and thought that I would give them a try. I am so glad that I did! They were fairly easy and so warm, perfect for the weather we have been having lately. 

It is my understanding that these mittens have been made in Newfoundland for many, many years and that a thrum is the yarn waste from weaving looms that is knitted into an item to give it extra warmth.

Pattern:  Briggs & Little Family Thrummed Mittens

Fabric used: Briggs & Little Heritage 2-ply wool

                     Briggs & Little Country Roving

Instructions: The pattern was straight forward even for me. While I have made mittens before, I have never made thrummed mittens and looked online for a good tutorial. It was helpful to see it done in action and I would suggest that anyone making these for the first time so the same. 

Changes I made: I didn't make any changes to the pattern per se. Unless you count the possible mistakes I may have made.... But hey... they look and feel like real mittens so I must have done something right. 

Repeat worthy? Most certainly! I'm already  on my second pair.

Mittens: self-made Coat: New York& Company (thrifted) Scarf: Fratelli Talli (thrifted) Hat: Cabela's Cords: Joe Fresh Smile: courtesy of Handsome

So do you want to know the inside scoop on why I smiled so big for this picture and not for the others? Well, I had my hands down by my sides and husband told me to put them up..."just do something else with them because they look like great big oven mitts when they are dangling at your sides!" 

Cue my fit of laughter.