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Vermont Teddy Bear

Bernie's Mitten Maker Book, by Jen Ellis

Bernie's Mitten Maker Book, by Jen Ellis

Regular price $19.95 USD
Regular price Sale price $19.95 USD
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Description

Bernie’s Mitten Maker is a raw and honest account of the joy, stress, and shock of sudden internet fame. Told with captivating storytelling, this memoir explores the many roads that led to the Bernie Sanders mitten meme sensation that followed the 2021 presidential inauguration. Jen Ellis’s debut publication reads like an intimate conversation with an old friend. Vermont teacher, mother, and crafter, Ellis weaves the stories of her life together with humor and thoughtful insight. She shares her struggles with childhood trauma, infertility, and homophobia and shows us how crafting can build community and generosity can bring joy.

Jen Ellis was a second-grade teacher and part-time mitten maker back in 2021 when her life changed on Inauguration Day. A photo of Sen. Bernie Sanders (I-Vt.) sitting cross-armed and cross-legged in a folding chair, wearing a pair of mittens made by Ellis, became a viral meme on the internet. The one-of-a-kind mittens were made of recycled wool sweaters and lined with fleece, and they had been gifted to Sanders in 2016. As the meme spread around the world, Ellis became in demand on multiple media platforms, requests for the mittens increased, and her email overflowed. Two years later, Ellis chronicled this unique time in her life in a book called Bernie’s Mitten Maker. She wrote about the role crafting has played in her life, the stress of becoming an internet sensation and her efforts to do something positive with the newfound attention. Ellis auctioned off mittens to raise money for Outright Vermont and Passion 4 Paws. Vermont Teddy Bear launched a line of Ellis’ mittens, and a portion of the proceeds go to local nonprofits. After 17 years of teaching, Ellis left her job and is now in graduate school for counseling. She lives in Essex Junction with her family and their dog. Ellis only makes mittens for charitable causes or friends these days.

This book is recommended for adults only.

Bear Outfits and Accessories

Vermont Teddy Bear is proud to collaborate with trusted overseas partners to produce Bear Outfits and Accessories of premium quality that exceed U.S. child safety standards. Most Bear Outfits and Accessories are 100% manufactured overseas by one of our qualified partners in China and achieve Vermont Teddy Bear's quality standards. Because Outfits and Accessories are not a Bear or Stuffed Animal, they are not Guaranteed for Life.

  • This book is recommended for adults only.
  • 100% Made Abroad.
  • NOT A TOY.
  • Item Number: VTB-N5357-OS
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