A crafty woman who makes the world’s ugliest Christmas jumpers has branched out into festive accessories for this year’s collection – including gaudy shoes.
Deb Rottum has added shoes, hats and bags to her ‘Ugly Tacky Christmas Sweater Party’ range after the roaring success of previous years.
She has already sold over 200 of her hideous creations so far this year – a third up on last year.
The 46-year-old started selling handmade “ugly tacky” Christmas jumpers in 2014 after being inspired by hideous creations on eBay.
She said: “I just stumbled upon ugly Christmas sweaters that were being sold in Ebay in 2013, so I thought since I was crafty I would try them in 2014.
“The shoes, hats and purses are new this year.
“So many people have now started making jumpers like mine, so I needed to find another item to go along with the jumpers.”
The jumpers feature dolls, soft toys and even lights, with every design hand-stitched and unique.
The Grinch, a stripper barbie dancing around the north pole, and Spongebob Squarepants have all appeared on the quirky sweaters.
In the run-up to Christmas, the stay-at-home mum-of-three makes her hobby a full-time job, churning out hundreds of jumpers.
She added: “Each year I sell more than the year before.
“So far this year, I have sold a third more than the total of last year, I sell approximately 150 to 200 each year.
“These are all created and shipped by myself, I have no employees.”
Deb, from Wesley Chapel, Florida, has shipped her jumpers as far away as India and the UK.
She says the weirdest commission she has received was “a Hello Kitty-themed sweater that said ‘Bye Bye Kitty’, and had a shark going after a kitty.”
She added: “It takes me approximately an hour to make each one.
“I buy my items online, in thrift and craft stores, and after holiday clearances.”
“My family really take up the household chores during these very busy weeks.
“They know this is something I really enjoy doing and love watching all the boxes getting shipped out.
“I really enjoy when my customers contact me after their party or holiday and tell me how much fun they had wearing my creation, or that they won the contest last year and are buying another one from me this year.
“That is the true compliment.”
