Kate Andrew of Madoc Mitts creates a variety of unique Mitts using recycled sweaters and other clothing. "We have recently started making Bottom Warmers to utilize more of the recycled material."
"Living on a farm I needed something durable and warm for doing chores. There just weren't any reasonably priced mitts available that did what I was looking for. I had heard about recycled sweater mitts, so made a pair for myself but added fleece lining and embellishments. Then, people started asking where I got them ..."
"I love the uniqueness of each pair of mitts. I never know what they will look like until I take those final stitches on the cuffs and slip my hand in to ensure they are comfy and cozy. I want my mitts to be durable, so I look for colours and material that stand up well. I like doing tribal themed mitts using embellishments and pet themed mitts, but also do Hockey Mom Mitts from recycled hockey socks, and, if I have a plethora of recycled jeans, I work on cabin mitts."
"Creation takes place on the kitchen table. I start making mitts in August. When sales start to decline between Christmas and New Years, I relax. However, this Spring I had a contract for 40 pairs of mitts for the Moms of a team going to a Halifax hockey tournament in March so I sewed right up until March 1st."
"Availability of fabric fuels my inspiration. When I see a shrunken sweater at the thrift store, my mind goes into high gear looking for things to complement the colours and texture." When asked what's the most difficult part of her process, Kate says, "Procurement of suitable recycled clothing that will successfully morph into mitts is difficult and I sometimes find myself looking for a specific colour to no avail."
"Many customers have told me that Madoc Mitts are the best mitts they ever bought. My proudest moments come when a stranger contacts me to say they got a pair of Madoc Mitts as a gift and would like a pair to gift someone else."
"I do all the sewing myself and I love custom orders. I also make Memory Mitts, using your loved one's sweater, fur coat, etc., or even your own favourite sweater that got thrown into the dryer and shrunk!"
"Besides by private appointments at my home, Madoc Mitts are available at Lynn's Flowers and Gifts in Norwood and The Ravens Cache in Madoc. Madoc Mitts will be at various Craft Fairs and Shows between now and the end of the year. All dates and locations are listed on Facebook at Madoc Mitts."
Meet Kate at the Evinrude Centre in Peterborough on December 9, 10-2 and try one of her mitts!
Meet Kate at the Evinrude Centre in Peterborough on December 9, 10-2 and try one of her mitts!