LITERARY INSPIRATIONS. Artist Hailey Stanton weaves classic tales into her yarn creations, including her handmade mittens. (Submitted photo)

If social media is any indication, so-called “grandma hobbies” like sewing and knitting are gaining in popularity. Local knitter Hailey Stanton has long been ahead of the curve, crafting her own yarn creations for the last 17 years.

Stanton has recently become known for her Little Women inspired mittens, an idea that was born out of the COVID-19 pandemic.

“Like many, I was getting very introspective about what mattered in my life and when I felt the most connected,” she explained. “The answer was my childhood, being the big sister and, in many ways, a mother to my sisters.”

“I started reading Little Women again and the mittens just organically came to be,” Stanton said.

Louisa May Alcott’s coming-of-age novel about the four March sisters — Jo, Meg, Beth and Amy — was originally published in two volumes, in 1868 and 1869. The beloved classic reminds Stanton of her own family, she said.

“I’m the eldest of four girls and every time I read Little Women I feel transported back to that environment,” Stanton said. “Girlhood is so precious. I can get lost reading about The Pickwick Portfolio, the plays, the music, being outside together. I have so many memories like that and they sit especially heavy in my heart when I read about the March girls.”

Stanton sells the patterns for her Little Women mittens on Ravelry under “Hailey L Stanton Designs.” The four designs honor each of the March sisters’ unique personalities. Jo is a “creative rebel;” Beth is a “gentle peacemaker;” Amy is an “ambitious artist;” Meg is the “caring eldest.”

Local fiber artist Hailey Stanton, pictured. (Submitted photo)

Here in the Chippewa Valley, Stanton has sold her creations in Eau Claire at the Lazy Monk Brewing's (97 W. Madison St., Eau Claire) annual Christkindlmarkt and Lot 3 Mercantile (205 Gibson St., Eau Claire).

While she loved selling her physical work locally, Stanton's current focus is on designing knitting patterns.

Going from a concept to a finished product like the Little Women mittens is a multi-step process, she noted. After creating a pattern, Stanton will knit the item. She then employs a technical editor to review the pattern. Several test knitters then give it a go and provide valuable feedback.

Stanton added that size inclusivity is important to her. The Little Women mitten patterns are available in several adult and child sizes. When she designs sweaters, her patterns fit sizes XS-5X.

Stanton’s literary inspiration won't stop with Little Women. “I am a huge Jane Austen fan. I’ve been sketching some ideas for a Pride and Prejudice themed pair of mittens and would love to make other Austen themed designs in the future,” Stanton said.

“I will also have a design printed in an actual book by Laine Publishing this Fall,” she added.

In Eau Claire and beyond, she one day hopes to teach knitting classes so others can make their own creations and reference her own pattern work.

Keep up with Hailey Stanton, her patterns in progress and ways to access her Ravelry page, online through Instagram (@haileylstantondesigns).