Get your helmuffs! Yes, Helmuffs.

Yes, I did say helmuffs. And we discovered them just in time for the cooler weather! They are cozy earmuffs to wear with your bike helmet during the winter months. TfP team member, Kendra Chatburn was at the scene with creator and designer, Gigi.

Gigi started making helmuffs in 2008 when she recognized a need for ear-warmers geared to bicyclists. What started out as making them for friends and her husband's co-workers soon turned into a full-fledged business.

Gigi upcycles cloth from old wool sweaters found at local thrift shops. There are some pretty sweet designs and patterns on old wool sweaters, so why waste money on new ones? These are 100% wool sweaters that she "felts"; a process to make them machine-washable and non-shrinkable to customers. And wool is a great fabric for Portland - it resists rain and odor - perfect for sweaty cyclists!

The helmuffs shield from wind cutting across ears and can be enhanced with reflective adorments to enhance visibility for all you nighttime riders. So ride warm! And be trendy while reusing materials! You can take a look at more designs on Gigi's website, gigishandywork.com or at Bikeasaurus and Pedal Bike Tours bike shops. We support upcycling!