Lovers' Mitten with Reusable Pocket Warmer

Woohoo, this is my first instructable! I've learned so much from this site, that I felt it was time for me to give back to the community. Please let me know if there's anything that needs clarification. Thanks!

Anywho, you might be looking at this and wondering what in the world it is! I now live in FL, but boy would I have loved one of these when I lived in NYC and walked everywhere! This is a mitten that allows two people to each put a hand into it so that they can hold hands in the middle. My brother and his wife still live up north, so I thought I'd make one for them for Xmas this year! And since I've been using with my microwavable rice bag warmer on my bad shoulder lately, it gave me the idea to include a little pocket inside to hold a mini warmer (which you could also use in your coat pocket when not using this mitten!)

This works up pretty quickly, but let's get started so you can use yours while it's still chilly out!

By the way, this also makes a great gift for V-day and can be used by single folks as well -- it's especially wonderful to have when you're at a football game!

*Note: Another handy use for the inner pocket -- it's the perfect size for a gift card too! I included Starbucks gift cards in mine =)

Step 1 Supplies for the project

Supplies needed for mitten:
Flannel for outside layer - approx. 15" x 35"
Polar fleece for inside layer and pocket - approx. 15" x 30"
Polar fleece for hidden pocket - 4" x 5.5" (optional)

(Optional) Supplies for pocket warmer:
Cotton fabric - 5" x 8"
Uncooked white rice - about half a cup
Dried lavender or essential oil (super optional)

Other stuff you need but probably already have lying around:
Thread that matches your fabric, scissors, water erasable pen (or just a marker), sewing machine (or you could hand sew it if you really wanted to!), pins, newspaper (or a large sheet of paper or several taped together), funnel or paper rolled into a cone
*Bonus: if you have a serger, it will come in handy too (but alas, I don't have one!)

Comments

[CJSudduth]

this would be a great idea for a sports fan during the cold month... Maybe make them out of team colors with the name of the team on them.

[purelily]

Love the idea! I've seen fleece with sports team logos on it at the store, but had always walked past it, so I need to check it out next time I'm there! =)

[LifeWarrior]

This is a great idea, guys might not get the biggest kick out of walking around with their hand in it, but it definitely would tell the girl he's with that he loves her by using it with her. From a guys point of view though I think if you were to make one of these use two different types of outer fabric. Maybe one half where his hand would go with his favorite sports team just to make his valentines day a little more masculine, less ego bruising. Though the idea is very cool and marketable as well, great job!

[purelily]

You know, I was thinking the same thing when I was making it! I had a limited selection of flannel at my fingertips, but I am totally going to try sports team colors next time! Thanks!

[jessyratfink]

This is awesome! Very nice touching adding the pocket warmer. :)

[purelily]

Thanks! I hope it will help everyone stay warm this winter!