Switten Creation
What are swittens? Sweater-Mittens! Mittens with an attitude! More specifically, wool mittens made from up-cycled sweaters.
Members of the Oconomowoc Circle of Friendship Bridge come together monthly for lively cutting sessions designed to build community and produce a product. Swittens and other wool items made by our members are sold with all profits used to fund educational programs, health initiatives and microloans for impoverished women in Guatemala.
Members of the Oconomowoc Circle of Friendship Bridge come together monthly for lively cutting sessions designed to build community and produce a product. Swittens and other wool items made by our members are sold with all profits used to fund educational programs, health initiatives and microloans for impoverished women in Guatemala.
Step-by-Step Switten Construction
1. "Hunters & gatherers" collect buttons & sweaters of 80% or more wool
2. "Washer women" clean and felt the sweaters
3. "Preppers" open seams and remove cuffs/buttons
4. "Fleecers" cut and sew the lining
5. "Designers" cut pieces from several different sweaters to create colorful, unique combinations
6. "Sewers" take home all prepared pieces to produce the wool product
7. "Steamers" shape the swittens
8. "Buttoners" hand-tack and choose the perfect embellishment for the cuffs
9. The "quality controller" assesses the finished product and tags each pair for sale.
One pair of swittens is produced through the work of 8 or more women. That's what we call teamwork!
See some of our "Swittenette" Circle members in action
at one of the outdoor sewing sessions.
1. "Hunters & gatherers" collect buttons & sweaters of 80% or more wool
2. "Washer women" clean and felt the sweaters
3. "Preppers" open seams and remove cuffs/buttons
4. "Fleecers" cut and sew the lining
5. "Designers" cut pieces from several different sweaters to create colorful, unique combinations
6. "Sewers" take home all prepared pieces to produce the wool product
7. "Steamers" shape the swittens
8. "Buttoners" hand-tack and choose the perfect embellishment for the cuffs
9. The "quality controller" assesses the finished product and tags each pair for sale.
One pair of swittens is produced through the work of 8 or more women. That's what we call teamwork!
See some of our "Swittenette" Circle members in action
at one of the outdoor sewing sessions.
