FAQ
$400? >
Yes! These are handknit and take 20-25 hours for the pair. Handknits, outside of small items with fat yarn (i.e. they take less time), are rarely sold publicly, because the realistic cost of them is so much higher than people are used to paying for commercial knits. Handknits are luxury items. The way around the cost is to learn to knit yourself, at which point, you will understand and appreciate everything that goes into making something like these, and therefore the high price.
Also note, minimum wage in my area is $15.00 and I value my time and effort more than minimum wage. That said, note too that this cost is barely higher than that. If I continue to offer these, I will likely increase the cost in the future.
Can I knit these myself? >
Absolutely! You can find the pattern by searching Ravelry for Outfoxed Mitts by Erica Heusser.
What kind of yarn is it? >
This yarn is 85% superwash merino and 15% silk.
Superwash merino is controversial. It’s more readily washable than regular wool, but it’s also chemically treated and/or coated, depending on the company making it, in order for that to be the case.
I agree that regular wool would be preferred and that that’s more in line with my ideals, but due to the challenges of sourcing just the right color, size, etc. of yarn, this is what I’m using for these mitts for now.
Also note re: superwash, that if you, like me, have any merino garments or accessories that you can throw in the washing machine, you are already using superwash merino. And again, while ideally I’d rather use all natural fibers, I’ve never noticed a negative impact from the merino I have and that I have used for years, so it might be a reasonable compromise in this imperfect world.
Shipping? >
Domestic US shipping is free. I’m willing to ship internationally, but reach out with your address to inquire about shipping costs first. When shipping internationally, you are responsible for customs or other fees that may be incurred.
I add tracking and shipping insurance automatically.
Refunds/exchanges? >
Nope—this is too small of an endeavor to offer either. I want everyone receiving mitts to receive something entirely new and not tried on by others or kept in others’ living spaces outside of my supervision. Too many people I know are sensitive to cats, smoke, mold, etc. Of course, this is not a judgment on anyone, I just can’t realistically be in a position to manage that like a large company with lots of stock can.
I’m intentionally giving a lot of information in this FAQ and encouraging people to ask questions before ordering so that no one’s surprised or disappointed.
In the off chance that you just don’t like them or they don’t fit, then you have a wonderful gift for someone you love.
That said, if you have any problems with them, reach out to me and I’ll try to fix it for you, if I can. There may be a cost for repairs—it will depend on the situation.
Will these fit me, my child, etc.?
This pattern is designed as “one size fits all” for women. Of course, women are of different sizes. For assessing that, I recommend considering whether or not O/S women’s gloves or mittens typically fit you easily. If they don’t, these might not work for you.
Also note: this type of knitting is less stretchy than some other types. They’re a little stretchy, but not loose and floppy. If your hands are on the larger size, as described above re: how women’s gloves fit you, and/or if you don’t like a snug fit, these might not work for you.
Please see the images on the ordering page for the mitts with a ruler and my hand for comparison.
Can you make these in a different size? >
MAYBE. Reach out and we can discuss. They would probably be a significantly higher cost as I’ll have to do some experimenting and/or redesigning.
How do I wash these? >
Carefully! Even though they’re superwash, handknits can still snag on things and otherwise get roughed up in a washer. You can try it (and remember there are no refunds), but these are best washed by hand in cool water, with the wool detergent of your choice (I use Outback Gold Wool Wash). Do not soak them, as the colors may bleed. Lay flat to dry.
Are these sturdy? >
Pretty sturdy, yes, as in they are/feel substantial and they’re warm. Note that they’re partly white. I wouldn’t wear these camping or to do yard work or whatever wearing them, unless you don’t mind snags and stains, which may be a challenge to get out.
They might stretch out some if you’re wearing them when wet. It’s best to avoid getting them soaked when wearing them, but if you do and they stretch out, you can do a little process of carefully drying them in a garment bag in a clothing dryer at low-medium heat for 5-10 minutes at a time, taking them out and pulling on bits as needed to help reshape them until back to normal size and dry. You can reach out to me if you need to do this and I will try to help you.
This is a touchy process and I can’t do a refund based on messing up the mitts in this process or otherwise. It’s better to just take care of your mitts and be a little careful with them, as the luxury product that they are.
It says sold out? How does the waitlist work? >
My intent is to make a pair of these periodically and post them for sale when they’re done. If that pair has sold, then the ordering page will say sold out. The waitlist is non-binding, either for you or for me. The price may change with future items. By signing up to the wait list, you’re just expressing your interest in being notified when another pair is available and you can decide at that time if you want to purchase.
I haven’t yet decided if I’m going to offer new pairs to folks in order on the list (could end up being unwieldy) or if I’m just going to notify everyone on the list at once and whoever orders first gets them, so that could go either way. Let me know if you have a strong opinion on that.
Also note that a waitlist may place some increased pressure (in a good way) on me to make another pair, so there may be some additional advantage to putting your name on it.