Several years ago, while on a visit to Salem, I purchased a small stack of wool craft felt. It was all pre-cut and folded into cute little stacks, and I couldn’t resist picking one up as a souvenir of the trip. It’s been taking up space in my ever-shrinking fabric cabinet, and the time is right to make something with them.
Then, I hosted a fun little contest called Bitchin’ Mittens. Everyone who entered was to make a creative pair of mittens. There were a number of failed attempts on my part in the mitten-making department. For example, here’s a pair of hand-stenciled wool felt mittens, finally finished after all these years.
And, the original mittens that got me started on the whole mitten-making project were these hand-stenciled kitty paw print wool felt mittens. I finally stitched these up, too. It was time to get the stitched up, and now they are finished, too.
With getting those two pairs of mittens finished, it was time to tackle the small collection of wool felt waiting to be transformed. To my surprise, I was able to get a couple of dozen mitten pieces cut out. Then the dilemma of what to make? I could make lots of little toddler mittens with white cuffs. I don’t really know anyone in the toddler set, so that wasn’t going to happen. Instead, the option of just stitching them to a piece of black felt seemed like the right direction.
This is it, this is what I made. It’s like a small wool carpet with mittens and some leftover handspun wool yarn. Kind of fun, yes?
Once it gets machine washed, it should pucker up nicely. Oh, and lots (LOTS!) of decorative topstitching holding the whole thing together.
It could even make a nice weaving bench seat cover.
Or, a nice place for a favorite feline to recline upon.
So far, it’s become a little mat for a quick cat nap.
Fortunately, no little kittens who’ve lost their mittens were harmed in the making of this piece.
Ginger
How about some kitty mittens? Not that either one would keep them on, but I like the sound of kitty mittens
Dec 23, 2009 @ 12:08 am
Sara
Oh – that is such a cute mat! Very cleaver idea! And, I love it…
Dec 23, 2009 @ 12:56 am
SaltCitySpinner
I love the whimsy of that piece! It’s lots of fun.
Dec 23, 2009 @ 8:53 am
Benita
The creativity of your mind never ceases to amaze me. You can make beauty and fun out of mere scraps.
Dec 23, 2009 @ 9:32 am
Cindy in FL
Nice mittens all the way around. Wool in every form is pleasing, isn’t it?!
Dec 23, 2009 @ 9:54 am
marj.
I know the things you make are intended to be used and used well but I’d have trouble sitting on that pretty mitten mat. I especially like the naked hand in the corner.
Dec 23, 2009 @ 9:56 am
Leslie
yep – a kitten mat for use by grown up kittehs
Dec 23, 2009 @ 10:24 am
Roxie
It would be criminal to walk on that piece of art! It’s Christmas decor and Martha Stewart would come in her pants for it.
Dec 23, 2009 @ 10:32 am
Bety
With your talent, I don’t really think you have much of a dilema on what to do with your supplies. You NEVER cease to amaze me, in a good way! Merry Christmas!
Dec 23, 2009 @ 11:41 am
Duffy
What a delightful piece! I say frame it.
Dec 23, 2009 @ 12:00 pm
Heide
I love it as a bench cover. It’s kind of like getting a Christmas Goose everytime you sit down. Very clever… and Mr. Dusty is looking quite handsome. He seems to be getting more orange as he ages.
Dec 23, 2009 @ 12:57 pm
Cheryl
That’s so cute! I love it!
Dec 23, 2009 @ 2:03 pm
kitkatknit
We all vote nap mat!
Dec 23, 2009 @ 10:32 pm
LaurieM
Oh I like that! All the details make it special. I especially enjoyed the one hand in the corner.
If you use it on the bench, won’t you feel like someone is grabbing your butt all the while you are sitting?
Dec 24, 2009 @ 6:45 pm
Manise
Perfectly whimsical! Love it!
Jan 03, 2010 @ 9:33 am