HandCandy Mittens

Our Mission is...

To provide a quality product at a reasonable price and to reduce our carbon footprint on this planet, our own Mother Earth, by reusing, recycling, and repurposing materials whenever possible.

Our Business

HandCandy Mittens was created in 2006 by sole proprieter Charlotte Reid.  While attending a hockey game, I noticed that my store-bought gloves just weren't cutting it.  I had always wanted to learn how to knit, and figured now was a good time, what with 7 kids in the family now.  I rememberd those wonderful handknit mittens made by aunts and grandmas, and thought well, if they could do it, why not me?  Well, as it turned out , I can knit a scarf a mile long, but couldn't be bothered by increasing, decreasing and the lot.  My future mother-in-law had a cool pair of mittens made from two layers of sweaters, and were hand-stitched all around.  I examined them, improved upon the pattern somewhat, and bingo!  HandCandy mittens were born!  I wore the prototype pair to the next hockey game, kept warm, and answered many questions about "where did you get your mittens?"

And so, the saga begins....

To date, we have sold over 7,500 pairs of mittens to happy and warm folks!

We love to donate...last year 250 pairs of mittens were donated to charitable organizations. 

We'd love to help you--contact us for more info!

Who We Are

HandCandy Mittens is primarily me, Charlotte Reid Besaw.  I have over 25 years experience in sewing and design.  I have created many bridal gowns, prom dresses, bridesmaids galore, enough curtains to outfit the White House, Halloween costumes, and many, many pairs of mittens.  Luckily, I don't have to do all of the work by myself.  I have a crew of minions who do my bidding.  Okay, no I don't, but I do have a great group of local women and men (yes, men) who help to make it all possible.

I live in Mannsville, NY with my hubby Jon and 3 of our 7 kids.  Around these parts, they call me the Mitten Lady!  I also love to garden, golf and enjoy a homebrew  now and then.  

  The Mitten Lady and HandCandy Man on their wedding day, October 31, 2009.

I would like to thank Crispina FFrench, the godmother of all sweater creations and Katwise, the elfish princess of sweaterdom for all their inspiration and creativity.  Without you lovely ladies, HandCandy Mittens would not be where it is today.  Check out their sites:  www.crispina.com

www.etsy.com/shop/katwise