Since we celebrated the holidays with Ryan’s family last weekend, I have several quick-to-make gifts to share before Christmas this year.
I know Christmas is only a few days away. But, I promise you that my homemade gifts are quick gifts. I may have even made these items within 24 hours of gifting them. (I’m a last-minute personality.)
This is probably my favorite thing I’ve made so far. These upcycled wool mittens were given to my sister-in-law to keep her fingers toasty this winter.
They are 100 percent upcycled – from the sweater (that belonged to me and was originally a Liz Claiborne thrifted number) to the inner fleece (which hailed from an off-white fleece blanket from Goodwill).
Here’s the sweater in 2009. It makes much better mittens.
I was able to get two and a half pairs of mittens from the sweater. And I have a few other sweaters that I’ve already cut for mittens. So, several others will be getting a pair of these puppies. But, they will all look quite different based on the sweater.
The first pair took me about 2 hours, with the help of my friend Stephanie. I think the others will go quicker. It’s a fairly simple process, with the cuff coming from the sleeve cuffs of the sweater.
I also put this green cowl together for my sister-in-law, to go with the mittens. This is cowl #7 I’ve made this winter. They really make great gifts and are really speedy.
So, there’s one two of my handmade gifts this Christmas.
What do you think?
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Leigh says
Those are both great. I love the strips. My dad recently shrunk a wool sweater of his….so I’m getting new mittens and a new pillow.
Stephanie Soebbing says
I just saw this post when I got back into town. I’m glad I could help you with the mittens. They turned out great.
Kristen @ Miss Prissy Paige says
I love those mittens. And the cowl! I’m obsessed. Merry Christmas!
OnlyMeyers says
I’m really digging those mittens! Maybe I should stop giving my cast off sweaters to Goodwill? Great job, Kim!
Emily says
These are so cute!!! Any chance you can post a link or a how-to?? ๐ Love the cowl too!
Chelsea @ {twotwentyone} says
Too cute! What a great idea!
Lauren says
Love this! You and Leigh are making me feel bad because I can’t sew or cook. ๐
MV says
These are fabulous!
smalltown20something says
OO. I love those upscycled mittens!
Tara @ Tara Being Tara says
Will you post a how-to at some point for the mittens?? I have a white sweater with a stain that I just can’t bear to throw away because I love it so much!
Kelly @ Corner of Main says
Those mittens are awesome!!
Amanda @ Little House on the Corner says
You are so talented Kim!! Those upcycled mittens are SO cute – love the stripes. And that green cowl looks fab, too. Your sister-in-law is one lucky lady!
Adelle says
Awesome. Love the new mittens, now I wish I can get back the sweaters I donated so I can make mittens.
Arizona Lainey says
Can I bring an ugly sweater home so you can make ME a beautiful pair of mittens? LOL
Alli (and Tommy too!) says
I love the chunky knit for the cowl. I saw one at GAP just like it, except I like yours better ๐
Liz @ It's Great To Be Home says
You’re right, they make adorable mittens! Lucky sister-in-law. ๐ And I really need to get my act together and make a cowl – so cute!
Cindy @The Flipping Couple says
I need to come down and take crafty lessons from you. I’m pretty sure those mittens would take me 2 days and they wouldn’t end up looking like that. I fail at crafty. But I really want to learn!! Also love the cowl. I keep telling myself I’m going to try making one….but I haven’t. (Again with the fail)
Lindsay says
Nice work! The mittens are SO cute. And they’re fleece-lined?? Awesome!!
Rachel says
How adorable! That sweater made a great mitten fabric! And you are a crocheting fiend! Everybody’s going to love their gifts from you ๐
Jordan@the2seasons says
Those are the cutest mittens and you made them. I am ready to buy some they are so cute. What a great gift.
Amanda @ Serenity Now says
Cute sweater, but extra cute mittens. Love how bright they are. Nice job!
daisy says
I love this idea of reusing the sweater to make mittens! You are so talented!