6-year-old Ville designed gift mittens for his daycare staff, and mom Sanna made them—“It’s simply wonderful he sees them as superwomen”
Ville suggested that his mother Sanna Höök knit “super mittens” for the daycare staff as a thank-you. During the knitting process, mishaps occurred—thumb openings of the wrong size and a puppy chewing on the mittens—but thankfully, on the third attempt, they turned out just right.
You’ve knitted some truly super mittens! Where did the idea come from, and who are they for?
The idea actually came from my son Ville. About a year and a half ago, around Christmas, I was trying to figure out how we could thank and remember the teachers in my son’s daycare group for the fall. The year before, I had knitted them wool socks. Ville, who was four at the time, came up with the idea of “super-lady mittens.” Each pair would have its own superpower and its own colors.
What was your first reaction when you heard about Ville’s plan?
I was thrilled by his enthusiasm. It was simply wonderful that he appreciates the daycare staff and sees them as superwomen. I felt it was important to fulfill Ville’s vision. At the same time, I worried about whether I had enough skills. Still, I decided to just go for it! Planning turned out to be my favorite part of the project. Ville gave instructions, while I illustrated his superhero ladies in a computer program.
How did the knitting process go? Did you hit any snags along the way?
It was quite an emotional roller coaster. It wasn’t until the third version of the mittens that the designer—Ville—gave his seal of approval. My inexperience showed with the first pair: I embroidered the characters and patterns first, which made them stiff, oversized, and uncomfortable. Then I realized the thumb opening was way too small, so the instructors never received them at Christmas. I was disappointed, but Ville encouraged me, suggesting we give them as a spring gift instead.
It’s amazing how much joy the click of the needles can bring to life. It relaxes, eases pain, and best of all, you can bring others joy with your creations!
What happened with the second attempt at the mittens?
For the second attempt, Ville wanted something new: a unique base color for each instructor. We were nearly done and just about to steam them when our puppy, Doris, decided to chew them to bits. I felt quite hopeless. Ville comforted me, admitting he found that version a bit dull anyway—he said they needed rainbow colors.
So what happened with the third pair—did the plan keep evolving?
For the third go-round, Ville wanted text on the palms, and he came up with the idea that some characters’ capes should flutter while others should hang. I decided to knit as much detail as possible and limit duplicate stitch, so the mittens wouldn’t lose their shape or comfort. Ville still insisted on some last-minute changes—like embroidering the superhero outlines in sparkly black yarn. If we hadn’t run out of time, I’d probably still be working on them!
Check out another skilled young designer. Väinö, 5, dreamed up his perfect socks for himself and his sister—and of course, Grandma knitted them! Take a look at the delightfully colorful outcome.
Do you often bring your child’s ideas to life? If so, what have those projects been like?
Ville and I always collaborate on fun projects. They usually start with Ville’s ideas. For instance, he wanted to give his best friend a pair of Super Mario wool socks for a birthday present. We based them on existing patterns. Ville has an incredible sense of color, and I often ask for his input. For him, color choices hinge on who will be wearing the knitted item.
Does Ville already have another project in mind for you?
He does! He loves Sonic the Hedgehog and wants me to crochet him a plush version. He found the idea while browsing Pinterest. I’m definitely not skilled at crocheting, so this will be a real challenge for me.
Do you generally do a lot of crafts, and if so, what type?
I decided to try knitting on a whim in 2016. My first wool sock was a total mess, and it still makes me and my partner laugh. But I kept going and soon was churning out sock after sock. These days, colorwork is my absolute favorite, and I’ve even ventured into pattern knitting.
What do crafts mean to you?
I’ve dealt with a lot of health issues, and knitting has become even more important to me. It’s amazing how much joy those clicking needles can bring. It relaxes, eases pain, and, best of all, you can make others happy with what you create!
