Outerknown has launched a capsule collection of upcycled goods made in partnership with Lise-Anne Cooledge, the Vermont crafter who made the now iconic mittens worn by Sanders at President Joe Biden’s swearing-in ceremony in January.
“The mittens have a unique look, and I think people couldn’t help but notice them and wonder what they were,” Cooledge said. “Bernie is all about circularity—and they have a circularity story.”
The New England artisan creates mittens from discarded sweaters destined for landfills—a mission that grabbed Outerknown’s attention.
The Elizabeth market tote is made with fully upcycled denim.
All of the materials the company uses in its range of men’s and women’s apparel are made from fibers that are organic, regenerated or recycled.
The pillow covers and coasters are made with cast-off plaid fabrics from the brand’s best-selling Blanket shirt.
Ranging in price from $48-$350, each piece is unique, having been stitched together with pieces from Outerknown scraps, remnant materials and discarded trims.
Just four limited-edition patchwork blankets—handcrafted from wool coats, pants, suits, sweaters and backed with plush recycled polyester polar fleece—are available for sale.
According to Outerknown, the products should ship from Vermont in time for the holidays.