The Journey of Reclaimed Handmade Puppets
At Mudd House Mercantile, we love products that tell a story, and the Cate and Levi Reclaimed Sweater Puppet is no exception. Each puppet starts its journey as a once-loved wool sweater, carefully selected and transformed into a one-of-a-kind, handcrafted friend. Instead of ending up in a landfill, these sweaters are given a second life—stitched, stuffed, and shaped into a quirky, lovable puppet that’s as unique as the child (or adult!) who adopts it.
Why Upcycled Sweaters?
Every year, over 92 million tons of textiles are discarded globally, with much of it ending up in landfills or incinerators (Global Fashion Agenda). The fashion industry is one of the largest polluters, contributing to 10% of global carbon emissions and shedding microplastics into waterways that harm marine life (Ellen MacArthur Foundation).
But choosing upcycled products, like the Cate and Levi Reclaimed Sweater Puppet, helps reduce waste and create something beautiful from what would have been discarded.
🌍 Less Waste, Less Pollution – Instead of throwing away sweaters that are still full of life, Cate and Levi repurpose them into charming, handmade puppets. This prevents textiles from sitting in landfills, where they can take decades to decompose and emit harmful greenhouse gases like methane (Environmental Protection Agency).
🧵 Sustainable & Ethical Production – Unlike mass-produced plastic toys, these hand puppets are handmade in Canada using ethically sourced reclaimed wool. This means fewer resources are needed—no additional dyes, chemicals, or energy-intensive manufacturing processes.
💧 Conserves Water & Energy – Producing a single cotton shirt requires over 700 gallons of water, and nearly 2,000 gallons are needed for a pair of jeans (World Resources Institute). By upcycling existing materials, this process eliminates the need for new fabric production, saving water, reducing energy consumption, and lowering the product's carbon footprint.
🔄 Each Handmade Hand Puppet is One of a Kind – No two Cate and Levi puppets are the same because each one is made from a different reclaimed sweater. This means you’re getting a completely unique toy with its own colors, patterns, and textures—just like a fingerprint!
♻️ Better for the Planet, Better for Kids – Unlike plastic toys that break easily and contribute to plastic pollution, these wool handmade puppets are durable, biodegradable, and free from toxic chemicals often found in mass-produced playthings. Plus, the wool is soft, and safe for children to cuddle and play with.
By choosing upcycled toys, you're not just buying a fun puppet—you’re supporting sustainable craftsmanship, reducing waste, and making an eco-friendly choice for future generations.
Explore the Fun with Cate and Levi's Handmade Puppets
We are delighted to offer a range of whimsical and unique Cate and Levi Reclaimed Sweater Puppets at our zero waste store. These lovable friends are made from repurposed wool sweaters, each one distinct and full of character. And now, the fun has expanded with an even wider range of animal companions for everyone to enjoy!
Available Handmade Puppets:
🐶 Dog – Loyal, playful, and full of heart, this dog puppet is ready for any adventure you throw its way!
🐱 Cat – Sleek, mischievous, and ready to pounce, this playful cat puppet brings a little feline charm into your life.
🦫 Beaver – With a big, toothy grin and a love for building, this beaver puppet will be your creative companion.
🐰 Rabbit – A gentle, hopping friend with a soft touch—perfect for those who enjoy a cuddle or a whimsical hop around.
🐄 Cow – Moo-velous and full of farmyard fun, the cow puppet is here to make your puppet play even more adorable.
🐉 Dragon – Fierce, magical, and full of imagination, the dragon puppet brings mythical adventures right to your fingertips.
🐘 Elephant – Big ears, a long trunk, and tons of charm! The elephant puppet is ready for an adventure as big as its heart.
🐸 Frog – Jump into fun with this froggy friend who loves to leap, explore, and croak its way into your imagination.
🦒 Giraffe – Tall, gentle, and with a neck to reach the stars, the giraffe puppet adds a whimsical touch to your storytelling.
🦛 Hippo – Big, bold, and adorable, this hippo puppet is a lovable companion who enjoys lounging around and having fun.
🐴 Horse – Gallop into your wildest adventures with this majestic, free-spirited horse puppet by your side.
🐒 Monkey – Full of energy and always ready for some monkey business, this puppet brings the fun to your fingertips.
🦌 Moose – Majestic and sturdy, the moose puppet will bring the wild outdoors into your home for imaginative play.
🦈 Shark – Scaly and sleek, this fearsome shark puppet is perfect for underwater adventures and epic tales.
🦄 Unicorn – Sparkly, magical, and full of wonder, the unicorn puppet is perfect for those who believe in the magic of imagination.
🦭 Walrus – With its big tusks and fun personality, the walrus puppet brings a bit of arctic charm to your playtime.
🦖 Dinosaur – Roar! This dino puppet will take you on prehistoric journeys filled with excitement and adventure.
Each of these puppets is made with the same eco-friendly process as the original line, ensuring that every play session is not only filled with fun but is also a step towards a more sustainable world. Whether it’s a dog for your little one or a unicorn for someone who loves all things magical, there’s a reclaimed sweater puppet for everyone to enjoy!
Reclaimed Sweater Puppet
$30.00
Upcycled Puppets with a Story to Tell Discover the charm of the Reclaimed Sweater Puppet—an eco-friendly playmate crafted from upcycled sweaters. Each puppet is made using recycled wool and natural fibers, making it not only irresistibly cute but also a… read more
Creative Play with a Sweater Puppet
A puppet isn’t just a toy—it’s a storytelling companion, a playtime sidekick, and a ticket to endless imagination! Here are some fun ways kids (and adults!) can enjoy their new woolly friend:
Put on a Puppet Show – Build a cardboard box theater and let the storytelling begin! Create wild adventures, silly dialogues, or heartwarming tales starring your reclaimed sweater puppet.
🎶 Sing & Dance Along – Puppets make excellent backup dancers. Pop on some music and have a puppet dance party—it’s impossible not to smile!
🦸 Invent a Superhero – Every puppet has a secret identity, right? Give yours a cape and create a superhero with special powers (like “Super Snuggle” or “The Giggle Machine”).
🎨 Customize Your Puppet – Get crafty by making tiny accessories, hats, or even a home for your puppet out of upcycled materials.
💬 Practice Conversations – Puppets can be great for kids who are shy or learning new words. They can have chats with their puppet, practicing storytelling and social skills.
Supporting a Great Cause with Every Purchase: Cate and Levi’s Commitment to Giving Back
When you bring home a Cate and Levi Reclaimed Sweater Puppet, you're not just making an eco-friendly choice—you're also supporting a meaningful cause. Cate and Levi is dedicated to making a positive impact beyond sustainability, and each puppet purchase helps send a child fighting cancer to Camp Ooch.
Camp Ooch is a special camp for children with cancer, providing them with a safe, fun, and supportive environment where they can be kids, build lasting memories, and feel like they’re part of a community. Thanks to Cate and Levi's ongoing commitment to this cause, every puppet sold helps support this life-changing experience for children who need it most.
By supporting Cate and Levi’s mission, you’re not only bringing home a charming, handmade puppet, but also contributing to a cause that truly makes a difference. It’s a wonderful way to combine eco-friendly choices with meaningful impact. And speaking of impact, imagine who else might be drawn to the fun and sustainable magic of these reclaimed sweater puppets—celebrities who love supporting causes and creative play just like you! Let's take a look at some stars who would definitely fall for the whimsy of these upcycled treasures.
What Celebrity Would Love the Cate and Levi Reclaimed Sweater Puppet?
A celebrity who would totally fall in love with this upcycled woolly friend? Kristen Bell! She’s a huge advocate for sustainability, eco-friendly parenting, and creative play for kids. As a mom, she’d appreciate the handmade, upcycled nature of the puppet and how it encourages storytelling and imagination. Plus, she has a fun, playful personality that fits perfectly with a quirky, lovable sweater puppet!
Other celeb fans might include:
🌱 Drew Barrymore – Loves eco-friendly products and supports upcycled fashion.
🌊 Jason Momoa – Big on sustainability and would totally vibe with a reclaimed sweater turned into a cool, rugged puppet.
🎶 Maggie Rogers – The indie musician with a love for upcycling and cozy, artsy aesthetics would definitely appreciate the puppet’s charm.
Who do you think would rock a sweater puppet? 😆
Fun, Sustainable, and Imaginative Handmade Puppets
The Cate and Levi Reclaimed Sweater Puppet isn’t just a cute and cuddly friend—it’s a statement piece for sustainability and creative play. Whether you're shopping for an eco-conscious gift, looking to inspire imaginative fun, or just want a quirky, handcrafted companion, this puppet is a perfect choice.
We pride ourselves on being the best zero waste store for eco friendly products, and that includes our beloved Cate and Levi Reclaimed Sweater Puppets. Our dedication to sustainability is at the heart of everything we do, from thoughtfully selecting each product to partnering with brands that emphasize ethical sourcing, upcycling, and waste reduction. When you shop with us, you're not only choosing a unique, handcrafted item—you’re making a mindful decision to support a more sustainable future.
Every puppet we offer is made with love and care, using upcycled materials that help keep textiles out of landfills, conserve water, and reduce pollution. It’s all part of our mission to provide fun, unique, and eco-friendly products that don’t compromise on quality or creativity.
Join the Mudd House Mercantile Community
Stay up to date on all our latest eco-friendly finds, sustainability tips, and exclusive offers! Subscribe to our newsletter and get 10% off your first order—plus, be the first to know about new arrivals, promotions, and special events.
By making sustainable choices together, we can help the planet while bringing more joy and fun into our lives. 🌱
♻️ Ready to give a sweater a second life? Shop the Cate and Levi Reclaimed Sweater Puppet here and bring home a friend that’s as unique as you are!