Interview with a Star - Tanya at SocksAndMittens

If you are looking for the cozy hand knit gifts for your friends and family, SocksAndMittens is the right place to visit. Tanya, the co-owner of the shop is telling us more about her shop today.

- Please tell us a little bit about your shop.

We are a mother and daughter team shop. My mother, Valentyna is a self taught knitter with more than 50 years experience. While my mother is doing all the hard jobs, like working on a technical part of a design and knits the items, I am working on communication with our patrons, advertising, photography, shopping for supplies and of course, I am always thinking of new ideas. 

- Why did you decide on SocksAndMittens as the name of your business?

I love simplicity and I love vintage. When we just opened shop we were thinking of selling just some warm and cozy accessories for the colder times of the year. So I was thinking of the good old times when people were naming their businesses after their products and that is how it came to me. Now we are offering more than just these but we are still happy with our name.

- What is so special about your works and why will people love your items?

We keep our quality high and prices fair. It's hard to keep prices down when everything is going up from the cost of gas, services and supplies. But we are trying hard to keep our customers happy.

- Do you take custom orders?

We love to do custom orders! When your order your item you get to choose the colors and material it's made from, contingent on availability of yarns. In our shop we try to keep on hand the most popular models and colors so custom orders give you more choice.

 Our customers are also a source of our inspirations. They often let us know what they would like to have in their garment and we keep track of desires and trends and often adding this to some in stock items.   

  - What handmade item that you own do you cherish most?

I love my natural hand spun wool ornament mittens my mother made for me in the 80's. We lived in a very cold place at that time and these were life savers. I spent a lot of time outdoors and they kept my hands warm. I live in a desert now and really don't need them but I pull them out every winter hoping to wear them this year. Well, it has not been cold enough for the last 10 years to wear them. :) Maybe, this year? they are gorgeous, well made and still look like new.

 - Where would we see your new products?

I am using Facebook and twitter to advertise our new items as soon as I list them. Also, if you would like to know more about us please visit my blog. I am not the most organized blogger but I am working on it :) 

Wonderful things Wednesday - Magic of Knitting

When the weather is chilling down more & more every day we are all reaching for our warm clothing to ward of the chill.

Fall & Winter is the best time to be stylish and warm at the same time. Thanks to knit items we can be both warm and stylish. There is no secret here: the key to your success are accessories! With a great selection of knitted jewelry and purses, gloves, mittens and hats everyone can find the right things to go with their outfits!

Knitting is one of the oldest and still popular types of needlework. Like crocheting, some of us have been knitting since childhood and some of us learned how to knit at an older age. No matter what age we are all trying to create something unique.

Knitting is a relaxing hobby for many people and a great way to look good even in a worst weather conditions and allows the craftsman explore their creativity. Knitters have many different ways to express themselves. There are many different materials to knit from, and almost endless variety of colors, and you can knit almost every type of clothing known!

Check out our fall & winter collection for all your cold weather needs.



1. Knitting scarf by Beautyland
2. Beige fall - handmade knitted colorflul cotton beanie by Sexyhandmade
3. Wool mittens in red and white by Inessa
4. Hand Knit cabled Leg Warmers in Pastel colors by DesignProjects


1. Hand Knit Mohair Poncho/ Cape/ Jacket/ Coat by Woolsolution
2. Aran Cable Scarf in grey by CozySeason
3. Socks rustic merino wool hand knitted by Lanadearg
4. Wool fingerless gloves by Socksandmittens



1. 100 Percent Peruvian Highland Wool Scarf in Rose by CityCrochet
2. Brown striped wrist cuff band bracelet by Cushyadornments
3. Chunky bulky handknit cowl - scarf - neckwarmer Harbor Mist by VitalTemptation
4. Baby Elf Hat by Bumblestore

SocksAndMittens Giveaway Result

Thank you for participation, everyone!

We had lovely response from each one of you and we are proudly announcing the winner - Dyche Designs (The winner was chosen using the Random.org)


She says in her lucky post # 7 that she possibly would knit some scarves for her family this winter - we are sure they will looks lovely, Dyche! Congratulations on your prize - your choice of coffee cup cozy from SOCKSANDMITTENS!


Thank you again, everyone !

SocksAndMittens giveaway!

In celebrating of handmade spirit the SOCKSANDMITTENS store is sponsoring a Giveaway handmade item!


You have a chance to win an item of your choice valued up to $15.00!

It is very easy to participate:

1. Comment on this Giveaway blog post on the following question:

What handmade items would you get for your friends and family this winter Holidays Season?


2. Visit SOCKSANDMITTENS store and choose an item you would like to win on this giveaway - up to $15. Leave a comment on this blog post with a link to this item & how would you like us to contact you in case you win (email, twitter, e.t.c).


A winner will be picked on May 5, 2010! If the item of winner’s choice will be sold before then we will replace it with a one from the same category but possibly in different colors.


Join in the fun and good luck, everyone!