Friday, October 13, 2006

Mohair Mittens

I have been working on some Christmas cards today. I bought some vintage Scottish mohair scarves from various charity shops, in lovely green shades, perfect for Christmas. These are usually quite easy to find in charity shops- mohair looks lovely and cosy, but it is very itchy to wear!
I cut out two simple mitten shapes from the knitted mohair. Machine stitched around the edges, leaving the top open. Antique lace was then hand stitched around the cuff, with a ribbon hanging loop and button. Tape the loop inside the front of the card, so that it isn't seen. They can then be removed from the card to hang on the Christmas tree, maybe filling first with chocolate or coins. (or chocolate coins!)

18 comments:

  1. I have a question about your hens: How did they become lap hens? Did you coddle them from birth to make them somewhat 'tame'? I love your blog. I found it when visiting 'These Foolish Things'. I'm American, with British grandparents. Hence my love for all things vintage, flowers, gardening, and Royalty. Keep it up! I have added your feed to my favorites!

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  2. What a fantastic christmas cards!!!!!!!!They're gorgious.

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  3. Hello Eric, Thank you for visiting my blog!
    We bought our hens from a breeder at a few weeks old. They had not been handled by him, but they were used to humans, as his farm is opened to the public. We handled them every day, although not all of them enjoyed it! Two of them in particular, though, love contact. When we go into the garden they will sit with us and if you stroke them they actually fall asleep! We call my daughter the 7th hen, because she spends so much time with them! I would recommend chickens as a fab pet- they are great fun to sit and watch.
    Niki.

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  4. Hi Niki, these mittens are so sweet - yet another wonderful idea of yours! Clare x

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  5. What an inspired person you are !
    This is novel idea and a lovely keepsake, well done.
    Chocolate coins sound good,and remind me of childhood Christmas stockings. Tell me, can you still get sugar mice..?

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  6. Oh my! These are the cutest things I've ever seen! They are so sweet - I love the colors and the vintage lace. So clever!!

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  7. oh these are gorgeous !

    Love mittens as Christmas ornaments.

    But these ! take the cake and are perfect !

    Are these cards for Carol's Christmas Card swap ? Boy I really missed the boat on that if they are !

    I especially loved your idea of tucking in a choco coin. Adorable!

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  8. heyyy, you should get an ETSY shop and sell some of these and your other wonderful goodies

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  9. Hi Sandy,
    Thanks for the comments.
    I do sell some of my handmade items on my own website. See my link 'my site'.

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  10. they look like fairy mittens.. and
    love the colours too..
    enjoy your weekend

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  11. I think an xmas tree covered in just little mitten decorations would look good!
    Penny.

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  12. what a lovely idea ... and a lovely blog!

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  13. I just love those cuddly mitts. Beautiful work....especially the added touch of the vintage lace...so very old looking.They remind me of the old Victorian cones for the Christmas tree.

    Annabelle xo

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  14. Great idea Niki! I also like the ickle patchwork stocking, so cute!Thanks for the refund btw! x

    P.S.: I so love the story of your hens falling asleep when you pet them lol

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  15. Lovely idea Niki.You are clever. I have a lovely red mohair shawl which, as you say, is far to itchy to wear. I'm thinking birds!

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  16. What a great idea Niki! how clever and imaginative you are!
    ps.I am going to be in next months Antiques and collectables mag! am very excited.

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  17. Hey I will check out your site and see if I can find some mittens and other treasure ! I guess I am late to the party on this account !

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  18. Oh my goodness.... these are the most precious little works of art I've seen in such a long time. Just scrumptious!

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Thank you for finding the time to visit me...
Niki xx