Eco Printed Mittens From Vintage Wool Blankets

I really hate to see those cherished vintage Virgin Wool Blankets ending up in the landfill. Some have been around so long it's such a shame. This project not only makes use of the great qualities of wool but also it's ability to be Eco Printed (naturally dyed images with natures' leaves) No new materials used in the making of these cozy lined mitts. You can use up some fleece and some old sweaters as well.

Supplies

• Virgin Wool Blanket
• Thin fleece or other soft fabric for lining
• Sweater for cuffs
• Basic sewing supplies (darning foot for Free motion Embroidery)
• Supplies for Eco Printing
• Buttons or 'made buttons'
• Pattern for Mittens

Step 1:

Eco print Magic

The great thing about real 100% wool is that it does print amazingly! Here you can see the reliable maple leaves, onion skins and weigela. Check here to see how easy to print on wool. The leaves are dipped in a rusty water to bring the reaction of the iron with the tannins in the leaves to create prints. Wool also takes the prints very well and also becomes more flat and therefore more dense. The damp wool is rolled onto thick dowels and tied to give good connection between the leaves and wool. It is then steamed for 90 minutes or even microwave processed. The wool becomes quite felted as well through the process

Add some Embellshment!

FME! What the heck is that?! It is Free Motion Embroidery! Using a specific presser foot for the sewing machine and settings that allow you to slide the fabric around as you like to make free-motion designs. It isn’t as difficult as you think. It’s actually so much fun, sort of like driving. I have seen FME done on all kinds and ages of sewing machines, each of my ‘fleet’ machines does it as well. If the print is a bit soft due to the nature of wool fibres you can add that outline element to define edges.

Don’t be too careful, it should look a bit loose and imperfect to show that handmade element. The leaf shapes are not perfect so it’s fun to just ‘zoom’ around almost like doodling. I like to add teh embroidery before I cut out the pattern pieces as it's easier to hold onto the fabric.

Step 2:

The free Mitten Pattern:

This pattern is a bit different than the “Bernie” mitten pattern. You can download it free here.

The pattern may need to be adjusted for size depending on your choice of lining fabric and thickness of the wool. I often add a bit of seam allowance until I can try one on. You can always cut off but not add!

For these mittens I added up-cycled leather from some jackets and pants for the palm side. There is so much valuable and beautiful leather to be had in old apparel if you just look!

Since the wool was folded when printing I was able to ‘bookend’ the prints to have matching mittens, but I think random prints are also great.

Step 3:

Sew the set of lining pieces together and keep inside out to slide into the outside wool and leather palm/thumb. For more detailed instructions for sewing mittens see here.

To see a video of similar mitten making see here, the cuff attachment is the same. Choose the cuff knit well so that it gives a nice fit at the wrist. The cuff is also up-cycled sweater knits that have enough stretch. I found that is a very simple and effective way to finish the mitten. It also makes for pulling it on quite easy. The ‘Bernie Mitts’ also use this easy cuff method.

The cuff is sewn to the inside and then flipped toward the outside and fastened with a button or leaf. The leaves were sewn with the embroidery method as well.

Take the time to steam press after turning the wool right side out. It makes such a nice finish.

Step 4:

Not only are these comfy and warm but the are printed with nature! Imagine that those trees can make leaves that will create beautiful images on natural fibres! Check out more Eco printing instructions here. There are many things you can make with this beautiful dense wool like slippers, or even a bird house

Thanks for stopping by! I make all kinds of stuff so take a look at my site: https://www.madebybarb.com/