The creative process starts with an old wool sweater. Karen Hendricks carefully removes the buttons, opens the seams, then cuts into the wool, forming pieces of future mittens. With a steady hand, the warm and sturdy mittens take shape on her sewing machine. She’ll stitch the cuff down when the mitten is finished and, as a last touch, re-attach the original buttons, ready to be useful again during Minnesota’s long winter months.

The Glenwood artisan started repurposing wool clothing into mittens a few years ago, but really found her stride in 2021. “Finding the raw material—old wool sweaters—can be challenging, as it’s a popular item for other types of repurposing,” Hendricks says, “So I scour thrift stores, garage sales, estate sales. When I find a good piece, it’s always a delight to discover the next color or design I’ll be working with.”

When Hendricks takes the next find home, she washes and dries the sweater to shrink the fabric into a tight, warm weave. “I shrink the wool to ensure that mittens won’t shrink if they get wet or need to be washed.” Hendricks makes a standard women’s size and a lengthier version for those with long fingers. 

In addition to the repurposed wool mittens, Hendricks will also be stocking her booth at the Starbuck Vintage & Artisan Market with custom hot pads. Each piece features a fabric panel, primarily with country themes: tractors, trucks, coffee. She’ll also have some fall and Christmas themed hot pads ready, as shoppers prepare for the 2022 holiday season.