Sew Your Own Sheepskin Mittens

Imagine taking a walk on a cold snowy day or even a frosty morning, wrapped up against the elements with your hands cosy inside mittens that fit your hands. Wouldn’t that be fabulous? 

Except, this is a pair of soft, made-to-measure sheepskin mittens that you have made. Maybe you are watching a friend or relative wearing mittens you have made, even if it is just to watch the TV on a cold winter's evening!

There is nothing quite like experiencing the feel of a pair of bespoke mittens on your hands.

Join me to learn how to make them for yourself or someone else and see their reaction as they put the mittens on?

Throw in a beautiful rural location with lovely home-cooked food prepared by my in-house chef, and you get to meet fellow enthusiasts?

What will we cover?

This is a one-day course to show you the techniques of drafting a mitten pattern to fit your hands and constructing a pair of mittens. We will look at the following areas:

• Suitable sheepskins for mittens - types, styles, and suppliers.

• Mitten anatomy and pattern pieces.

• How to measure your hands.

• Drafting and adapting your pattern, including adding allowances.

• Transferring the design to leather and cutting out your pattern pieces.

• Hand sewing techniques. The gloves will be hand-stitched and you will be able to sample the stitches beforehand to see which one you prefer.

• Construction techniques - how to put everything together without stretching or twisting.

• How to add elastic to the wrist.

• You will also receive a set of course notes, these have photos and explanations of what we will cover on the course.

• We will cover all areas of construction so you know how to assemble and finish the mittens at home. Depending on your stitching speed you may find you don’t complete everything in class.

Who is the course aimed at? 

The course is aimed at beginners. We will be drafting a pattern to fit your hands. You will leave with the knowledge of how to sew and finish your mittens, equipped to make your own in the future.

Elizabeth will supply the sheepskin and equipment for the day. These are all included in the price of the course. Elizabeth will contact you after your purchase to ensure she knows what you hope to gain from the day.

You will need to have a few breaks during the day and to stand up and move about. The timing and length of the breaks can be tweaked so we can carry on stitching.

Please note the suggested menu may change slightly depending on availability, allergies and dietary preferences. Please let Elizabeth know when she contacts you after purchase.

What is included in the course fee?

All materials (leather and use of equipment) and refreshments (teas/coffees and lunch)

The timetable for the day looks a little like this:

• 9.15 am Arrival, introductions and refreshments 

• 9.30 am Class starts - First sewing session

• 11 am Coffee break tea and homemade freshly roasted coffee homemade truffles with chocolates (we have to keep your energy levels up).

• 11.15 am Second sewing session

• 1 pm Lunch - buffet choice of smoked salmon & hams/charcuterie and salads (no iceberg in sight)

• 1.30 pm Third sewing session

• 3.30 pm Afternoon tea with brownies and cookies 

• 3.45 pm Fourth and final sewing session of the day and finishing

• 5 pm Finish and farewell

All refreshments are included in the course fee.

Do you need to bring anything?

• Just bring yourself and a sense of adventure.

• A notepad and pen may be useful, but you do receive a copy of the course notes. 

• If you have a basic sewing kit if you have one. You will need a thimble that sits securely on the finger you use to push the needle, to protect your finger. Elizabeth will have leather scissors for you to use.

Classes will be following COVID guidance and track and trace. In the event that we have a full lockdown, a full refund of the course fee will be provided but we are unable to cover accommodation or travel costs. Please make sure you have read the terms and conditions prior to booking your course.

Booking confirmation:

The course takes place in the village of Kingsey, (postcode HP17 8LY) in Buckinghamshire, UK. 

Once you have paid for and completed your purchase you will see a link to download the item on the order ‘Thank you’ page. Click this to download the course confirmation. You will also receive a temporary link in the email confirming your purchase. 

Elizabeth will be in touch shortly after to find out if there is anything, in particular, you would like to cover and confirm that you have all the course details.

If you have any questions about the course please contact Elizabeth at [email protected]