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Lower Mainland knitter among hundreds making her own version of BԪַBernie MittensBԪַ

Inspired by the U.S. senator who became an internet sensation
24058337_web1_210127-LAT-Making-Bernie-Mittens_1
Shirley Stewart was inspired to make her own version of BԪַBernie MittensBԪַ for herself and three friends. She said hundreds of knitters around the world are doing the same. (Facebook image)

After U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders was photographed wearing a pair of homemade mittens to the Jan. 20 inauguration of Joe Biden as president, he became an internet sensation. His picture inserted into television and movie stills, album covers and famous artwork.

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When people went looking to buy the so-called BԪַBernie mittens,BԪַ they quickly learned that they were the creation of Vermont school teacher Jen Ellis.

Ellis was flooded with requests for her mittens and went online to advise people that she had no more for sale.

BԪַIBԪַm so flattered that Bernie wore them to the inauguration,BԪַ Ellis told Twitter.

So some people decided to make their own.

Langley resident Shirley Stewart said there are hundreds of people on knitting webpages around the world, all making their own versions.

Stewart, who takes part in a virtual 5K walk and run with two friends, is making three pairs (one for each of them) using a slightly different design BԪַ because, she insisted, itBԪַs considered bad form to exactly imitate another knitterBԪַs original design.

BԪַ[The Ellis pattern] has fabric in the palm, mine doesnBԪַt,BԪַ Stewart explained.

Stewart added the original design looks like it may have been inspired by traditional Newfoundland knitting patterns.

BԪַItBԪַs very close,BԪַ she commented.

And warm.

Stewart thinks thatBԪַs what struck a chord with people, the image of Sanders, bundled up in a parka and mittens against the cold weather at the outdoor ceremony.

BԪַIt was someone who wasnBԪַt seeking attention,BԪַ she thinks.

BԪַHe was just being Bernie.BԪַ

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As part of the online explosion of doctored photos featuring the the 79-year-old Vermont Democratic senator, Sanders popped up as a playground monitor at AldergroveBԪַs Shortreed Elementary.

Shortreed principal Chris Wejr posted his own composite image on Twitter, commenting that he was BԪַnot sure about this new noon hour supervisor.BԪַ

There were several other B.C. examples of the Sanders meme, including one that placed him next to provincial health officer Dr. Bonnie Henry at a B.C. COVID briefing.

An amused Sanders told talk show host Seth Meyers that BԪַI was just sitting there trying to keep warm.BԪַ

Sanders is now selling sweatshirts with the image to raise money for Meals on Wheels in Vermont.



dan.ferguson@langleyadvancetimes.com

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24058337_web1_210127-LAT-Making-Bernie-Mittens_2
Shirley Stewart was inspired to make her own version of BԪַBernie MittensBԪַ for herself and three friends. She said hundreds of knitters around the world are doing the same. (Facebook image)


Dan Ferguson

About the Author: Dan Ferguson

Best recognized for my resemblance to St. Nick, IBԪַm the guy youBԪַll often see out at community events and happenings around town.
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