From Interweave Knits, Winter 2006, page 106:

The original fleece-stuffed mittens came from Labrador and Newfoundland in eastern Canada. Small pieces of unspun sheep’s wool were twisted, and then worked in every few stitches to create a fleecy lining. Although the original mittens were probably worked in natural sheep colors, Jennifer L. Appleby knitted her version of these warm and waterproof mittens in deep jewel-toned yarns. The colorful fleece thrums pop on the right side to make a rainbow lice pattern."

Note:** “Lice” is the translation of the Scandinavian word for the little dots of color. See this book for more information.*