Yesterday was my get out of the house and try to be a normal person at least one day a week day and while I was out, I came across a giant sign advertising mittens for $5 a pair in someone’s driveway. And of course, I had to stop.
I think I’ve driven down this particular road 4 times since we’ve lived here, but this was the first time I had seen the sign, which leads me to believe that Grandma only sets up shop once the leaves turn and the temperature begins to drop. Or when she needs bingo money?
Seriously, only in Maine would you find something like this. Since moving to New England, I’ve seen more signs in people’s yards selling everything from maple syrup to dog collars to pies. It’s hilarious. And amazing, and I get the biggest kick out of it.
If only I had a 5 year old! These little snowman mittens were adorable.
Grandma had 3 bins full of mittens {2 bins with simple designs that were $5 each, and one with more time consuming designs which were individually priced}, plus one bin with knitted blankets and a small bag with knitted dog collars {in orange, because it’s hunting season}.
Just pick a pair of mittens, drop your money in the Tupperware and you’re good to go. Seriously, what’s not to love about that?
I selected this handsome pair of Norwegian style mittens to keep my hands toasty this winter. $15 for a pair of handmade mittens? Heck yeah! I wonder if she takes requests?
Dear Maine,
I love you more and more everyday.
~Mavis
Robin says
The pair you picked out is gorgeous!
It is wonderful to be able to get handmade items nowadays, harder to come by in my area.
Wendy Clark says
I LOVE the ones you picked out. I think a pair of those would make a great giveaway item. HInt, hint. š
Sara L says
Fantastic suggestion Wendy!! I agree. I knit and know how much time these mittens take. $5 is a steal!! So is $15!
Kimberly says
So jealous! I love your new mittens. I want the red snowman mittens for my little guy-they are adorable!
Linda Practical Parsimony says
Now, I want a pair for me!
Vanessa says
What a bargain!
Cindi says
Those mittens are beautiful — and I agree, a bargain. What a great idea.
I also think it would be amusing if you discovered this is actually the project of a hip 30-something who is using her hobby to make extra money. Grandmas aren’t the only ones who knit!
Cathi says
That is some serious talent in those bins! The mittens you picked are gorgeous!!!
Susan says
What fun mittens!
On a more somber note, businesses like these are also often evidence of the presence of rural poverty where people are unable to survive without supplementing their income in so many extra ways. My family lives in Vermont and what looks like just Yankee industriousness (i.e., seasonal snow plowing, veggie stands, maple sugaring, etc.) is actually survival, especially in rural areas. The cost of housing, child care and transportation along with the low-wage jobs (often in seasonal tourism) makes it difficult for many year-round residents to eke out a living wage.
Diana says
I’m glad you mentioned the somber POV. I get a feeling there’s a much more enlightening and maybe heartwarming story here than $5 mittens and a Tupperware money box.
Win says
As someone from the UP of Michigan, I concur with this perspective. A small tent by the house selling maple syrup, strawberries, jams utilizing the honor system for payment are families eking out an existence. I often see them having their children at town road intersections selling whatever berries are currently in season. What seems quaint and cute is really survival.
Nora says
People on at least on smaller island in the Baltic Sea do it with socks as well. And in the next big town you can purchase mittens and socks (all handmade) in the local market twice a week. Greetings from German!
Karen in France says
Ja, ja, Nora, there is a sign in front of a house just over the border from me in Germany for Handmade Socks For Sale.
Gigi says
After knitting a few pairs of socks and being really slow, I appreciate the craftsmanship that goes into a pair now. My sock budget had just increased because I found a company who supports their community. Lol
Elle says
You selected fabulous mittens and a bargain price. I knit and that is some great colorwork. What a lovely part of Maine you’ve chosen as your forever home. May you find more and more handmade items to make your life more locally enjoyable!
Erin Kerbs says
I got a very similar pair of mittens and a pair of slippers from my Swedish exchange student’s family 2 years ago. They are the sweetest thing. You find the best stuff at these little stands!
Sue says
Thank you, Iām loving Maine more and more.
Tracy says
Mavis, those mittens and handknitted items were ADORABLE! Do a good deed and consider offering to help her sell them on etsy…?
Donna says
What a beautiful pair of mittens and the stranded color work is excellent! The person who is making the mittens is providing a labor of love. They are not charging for their time. Mavis, thank you for sharing all of your finds with your reads. It is fun to open up your blog daily and follow your life.
Emily says
What a beautiful choice. I’m glad you picked up a pair!
Terena says
I live in a (very) small town in the valley outside our Province’s capital city. We have little free libraries, a pottery and a greenhouse/baker/jam maker who all operate on the same honour system with their sales. Make your choices and leave your money. There’s still hope for our sad troubled world when we can have things like this, don’t you think?
I love your happy posts, Mavis, and enjoy your diy adventures!
Patti says
I love this… especially because I am a knitter. It may be a case of a knitter with too much yarn on her hands and/or people give her yarn because they know she does this. I work for a church and people bring in boxes of yarn all the time because they know we have a knitting group. But the fact that she charges so little implies it is a great hobby for her but no one in her family needs any more knits. LOL It would be great to find out her story.
Judy says
Thank you so much for posting this. We retired to the Thompson Okanagan from Vancouver and I’ve seen people selling eggs, corn, slippers and honey. So I wanted to sell something, just as you have your hobby mine is knitting. I can only fill so many snowy hours cooking, baking and reading and stupid houesework. Now I’ll make mittens, yea. Thanks again.
Diana says
This is wonderful! You will be my kind of maker/seller. Best wishes with your project. <3
Emily says
Can you buy a pair for me!! Happy to pay a finders fee and Shipping to Gig Harbor!!
Jamie B. says
I love this so much! You picked beautiful mittens. They striped ones remind me of my Mimi . She would knit all of her grandchildren and a pair for Christmas every year.
Jamie says
*The
Vicki in Birmingham says
If you find out that she does indeed take requests, I would LOVE to have a pair of mittens like the ones you picked out. I would be delighted to send the $ for the mittens as well as a large postage paid envelope for her to just drop them in the mail!