Karen Boldt

Karen Boldt is the founder, designer, and creator of Something from Nothing Mittens. She lives in rural Saskatchewan, so understands cold weather and the need to keep fingers toasty warm! All of her mittens are recycled from thrifted wool sweaters (purchased in not-for-profit thrift stores) that have been felted, which results in them being super warm. They are also fully lined with new 100% cotton flannel, thus resulting in hands that don’t get itchy. She and her assistant Joy hand make each and every pair in six different sizes, from toddler to large and even a few on a string for baby! She has been making and selling mittens in the Saskatoon area for 10 years now, having made thousands of pairs, each different and unique. Many of her customers are repeat buyers and assure her that these mittens are the warmest they’ve ever had! Karen loves that old sweaters can take on new life in this way and also loves hearing her customers’ stories of how her mittens are keeping hands warms and cozy across the prairies.

What is your inspiration?

I’ve always loved seeing things get used for a new purpose, such as the wool sweaters I find in thrift stores. Something worn, out of style, stained or full of holes can still be re-made into something beautiful and functional

Where Did you learn Your Craft?

The art of sewing had been passed down to me from my mother and grandmother when I was quite young. I learned the art of wool felting from a friend who introduced me to the craft. I really enjoy working with felted wool and found it something I wanted to pursue. When I first attempted to sew my daughters mittens, any patterns I found at that time resulted in a mitten that was not very comfortable. This resulted in me designing my own pattern and from there, I designed a total of six different sizes.

What are you planning to bring to craft is... this year?

I’ll be bringing mittens in six different sizes. Mittens for adults in size extra small up to large and for children and baby sizes on a string as well. All fully lined with cotton flannel which results in a soft, cozy mitten.