Felted Wool Mittens/Sleep socks 2.1oz

They are traditionally popular in Japan…a place where it is just about always sopping wet. Apparently the felted wool works great. Tricky to get right…a knack apparently to know what size to build them as you know, they shrink down. But perfect for wet, cold conditions, and if using sandals, hirachas etc. I know I have considered trying down this road at some point myself.

Good job!

They should keep her warm with all that sheep around her fingers!

While I can't personally compare its longevity to down (it's probably close), I do believe felted wool, especially in the thickness you've made, will be close in warmth. It requires less care than down, too.

I guess I wouldn't really compare the two, as I don't particularly like down for gloves/mittens due to the fact that moisture and shell abrasion would really get to down mitts, I think.

I like this idea. I have a pair of hand-made Maine "lobstering mittens" that are made of thick felted undyed wool. They were traditionally used by stern men on lobster boats during cold weather operations and they are very warm. Here's a story about boiled wool fishing mittens: http://www.overtherainbowyarn.com/tag/mittens/ Porrick.

Felted wool mitts, also known as boiled wool mitts, are considered among the most bomber and weather proof mitts in the world: http://bit.ly/1A1KDHn

For cold, wet and nasty (as opposed to cold and dry), they work very well.

I have a pair. I don't wear them very often (esp since Colorado tends to be cold and dry more so than cold and wet), but man..are they warm.

Ooo…felted wool mitts. Yes, please!

thanks everyone for the feedback! I like the idea of going with the old ways, but understand the practicality of modern insulation technology. These lobster claws only took two hours each to make, they are "boiled" down to size too (wrapped tight and put through the laundry machine on hot). She was the one that taught me to felt but it is as easy as paper ma shay. We went on a day hike today with her and I had constant cold hands shoved under my clothing, unfortunately I am using these as birthday presents in 6 days for her, soon no more. I will have to make some for myself and get back to you guys on how practical they are in rainy washington winter, very easy to make if anyone wants a guide.

Heck yeah, Man!

Show us your guide!

They look nice. Yep, thicker felted wool is one of the only forms of sheeps wool that is durable and strong.

Except that it will eventually biodegrade much faster than polyester fleece, i don't see much advantage to the wool over thick polyester or especially polypropylene fleece (hard to find, but findable it is, yes).

Also, unless you oil the heck out of them a lot with lanolin, it will retain moisture like crazy. And if you do go that latter route, please, please say the following in a Scottish accent while doing same, "Grease me up woman!"

Lovely thought, lovely gift … and they are especially touching with the added flower detail! Lucky lady. :^)