The creator of Bernie Sanders' mittens surprised by the craze

Independent U.S. Senator Bernie Sanders and his attire were widely noticed Wednesday during the inauguration of President Joe Biden, especially the politician's mittens. 

Images of Sanders, dressed in a khaki winter coat and his imposing mittens were widely shared on social networks. He has even become, quite unwillingly, the object of memes.

For the woman who made the mittens, it was a total surprise.

"All of a sudden, my phone started ringing and everyone was saying that Bernie was wearing my mittens," says Jen Ellis.

The elementary school teacher in Vermont gave the gift to the senator after he tried to run for president.

Jen bumped into Bernie's daughter-in-law at daycare.

"I sent her a note with a note that said something like I hoped he would run again, that I believe in him and that I always voted for him," she said.

Jen has long sold these mittens, which are made from wool sweaters sewn together and lined with a fabric made from recycled plastic.

The teacher is really proud to have seen her senator with the famous mittens.

"It's fantastic that he represents Vermont in this way and that he brought a handmade item with him on this historic day," she concluded.

Bernie was asked about his choice by CBS anchor Gayle King.

"You know, in Vermont, we know when it's going to be cold and we don't worry about fashion, we want to stay warm," he said.