SUSAN Wise

Artist Statement

ABOUT ME:
Living in Happy Valley, newly retired, and wanting to engage my creative side; I started sewing mittens for family and friends. To begin this process, finding sweaters that have been long forgotten and heading for the landfill is very satisfying. Being able to turn that sweater into something that is warm, cozy, and stylish inspires my creativity and brings me joy.

THE MITTENS:
Second Season Mittens has been handcrafting mittens from recycled wool sweaters for the past nineteen years. Our mittens are unique with each one having a cozy fleece lining which means the mittens can be machine washed and dried without shrinking. They are available in unisex sizes: small, medium, X-length, and large. We hear many comments about how these are the “warmest mittens I have ever worn.” Along with being a recycled and upcycled product, our mittens have kept hands warm on three continents and throughout the US. We have spent years refining our technique and patterns to make the perfect pairs for you, your friends, and family members. We have also added cashmere fingerless mittens for both women and men.

Sweaters are chosen with the highest quality wool—85 to 100%. It is heartening when you see a person's face light up when discovering that “perfect” pair of mittens. Everyone is helping our earth by purchasing repurposed and compostable wool products. Providing a quality product at a reasonable price is our goal.

THE PROCESS:
We are very proud of the technique we have refined and the quality of materials we use. Once we procure the sweaters, we felt the wool. Next, we do our rough cutting and then organize the different colors and patterns. When that is completed, we start designing each pair. We sew them together, insert our cozy fleece lining, and select the perfect cuff.

As one customer said, “These are little masterpieces for your hands.”