The Must-Have Mittens of Winter & #SpreadTheKindness Link Up #54

Are you all getting tired of me telling you how cold it is outside yet? Or are you just plain old tired of being cold this winter? In an attempt to keep as warm as possible, I have been adding layer upon layer of clothing. But accessories also play an important role both in maintaining some sense of style through the long winter months and for practical purposes like keeping you warm. Just yesterday, I shared 5 Reasons to Wear a Hat this Winter and last week, I talked all about Winter Style with blanket scarves. However, the one thing I never leave the house without in the winter is mittens or gloves. And these accessories seem to be quite neglected in the fashion blogosphere. Just because covering your hands in the bitter cold weather is a necessity for most does not mean that you can’t be stylish about it, too.

So today, I want to share with you my choice of must-have mittens this winter. These mittens are the most amazing things I have ever put on my hands. Lined with the warmest polar fleece and crafted from upcycled woolen sweaters, you not only get a practical and necessary accessory, but you are helping the environment as well as supporting a woman-owned small business. These beauties were handmade by the very talented Heather of Homemade Haven. If you remember way back in June, I shared a tie dyed neckerchief also created by Heather from upcycled materials.

*This is not a sponsored post. There are no gifted items featured here. Just a girl who has found the most amazing mittens ever.

Heather has a passion for all things vintage as well as a spirit dedicated to doing her part in caring for our environment. So rather than crafting from new materials and fabrics, she scours second hand stores for wool and wool blend knits to use as the basis for her mittens. I have had the opportunity to watch her at her craft as she delicately cuts the mitten patterns from old sweaters, mixing and matching pieces from different sweaters for the cuffs, lining them with warm and brightly colored polar fleece of the highest quality, and working with the greatest attention to detail on her vintage Singer sewing machine. I literally am in awe of the beautiful pieces that she creates. And because all of her materials (except the fleece) are upcycled, no two pairs of mittens ever look the same. So you are getting spectacular handmade quality as well as a unique one of a kind pair of mittens.

*Mittens: Handcrafted by Homemade Haven.

You can see here that even her tags are made from recycled material.

The only issue I had was choosing which pair I wanted! They are all so beautiful. Finally, after weeks of scouring Heather’s inventory (the styles are continuously changing as she sells her mittens and creates more), I chose this blush pink pair with a delicate embroidered floral pattern on them. And I am happy to report that they coordinate quite nicely with many pieces in my winter wardrobe. In fact, I have already photographed a second outfit featuring my new must-have mittens which I will share with you soon.

*Necklace: Tricia’s Dream Jewelry (Premier Jewelry). Featured previously on my blog here.

I cannot say enough about these fabulous mittens except that I will be adding a new pair to my collection very soon! Heather does sell online and will ship anywhere in the United States. You can check out her shop on Facebook at Homemade Haven and message her if you are interested in purchasing.

Here is a small sample of some of her other must-have mittens. (I cannot guarantee if she still has these in stock.)  You can also find more of Heather’s beautiful handmade sweater mittens in her Etsy Shop.

Before I end this post, I do want to share a quick story about my photos here. It was, of course, many degrees below zero the day I wanted to photograph my mittens. My husband, who is always a good sport, absolutely did not want to go outside. So he stood inside the back door, propping it open with his foot while attempting to take these photos. I have to say, the quality could be better, but we had a great laugh about it all.

Getting the shoe shots was probably the most challenging as the door kept slipping and smashing into him! I have the best Instagram Husband ever!

*Boots: Kenneth Cole Reaction Time For Fun Ankle Booties.

So tell me…are you concerned with your mittens and gloves coordinating with your outfit? Or are you all about practicality only? Or perhaps you have what my sister and I call “asbestos hands” which are impervious to cold, hot, or any severe temperature change and you need no mittens at all?

And now your favorite posts from last week.

Maria of Passion Fruit, Paws and Peonies shared the most brilliant handkerchief hem dress in her post How to dress for dinner in Mayfair. I seriously am in a swoon over everything about Maria’s outfit.

Maria of Passion Fruit, Paws and Peonies

And Mary of Mary Murnane shared some fabulous news in her post New Year, Big News. Head on over to her page and check it out!

Mary Murnane


I hope you are keeping it warm while I am keeping it on the edge,

Shelbee

Linking up with these Fabulous Link Ups.

I am a midlife woman, wife, and stay-at-home mother of 2 boys and 2 cats. I have a passion for helping other women feel fabulous in the midst of this crazy, beautiful life.

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Shelbee on the Edge