New Embroidery Design for Felt Hats: Mandala of French Knots
26 August 2009 at 12:54 am | In Art-to-wear, Craftsmen--Fiber, Embroidery, Family, Fashion, Felt Hat, Fine Craft, Fine Craft Fairs, Gardening, Life | 11 CommentsTags: Carrie Cahill Mulligan, french knots, grief, League of New Hampshire Craftsmen, League of NH Craftsmen, lnhc, macro, mandala, Mom, Mother, Newbury, Sharon Lee Cahill, sunapee fair
New freehand embroidery, with variegated french knots in wool on felt.
If you didn’t get a chance to visit me at this year’s League of NH Craftsmen’s Fair, you missed seeing my latest design: Mandala of French Knots.
According to Wikipedia:
“Mandala [...] translates as ‘circle-circumference’ or ‘completion’ [...]
a concentric diagram having spiritual and ritual significance in both Buddhism and Hinduism.”
That makes sense to me. I’ve been thinking a lot about Mom. And the circle of one year of grieving was completing just as this design was born.
Cool tones on black was the first incarnation of the new Mandala embroidery.
Plus, it’s summer, my garden is booming and broccoli reminds me of french knots!
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My Mission
I create highly functional, exquisitely handcrafted art-to-wear Heirloom Handknit Hats.
Winter is wonderful... but not if you're cold. That's where a lovely, warm hat fits in!
If wearing one of my hats helps you get outside and enjoy yourself, then I will have played my small part in making the world a little warmer and brighter.
Your head is sacred. It's my mission to create original art-to-wear hats that are worthy of your head.
Art-to-Wear for Every Head
Each of my Heirloom Handknit Hats begins as a giant, over-sized stocking cap, knit by hand of llama and wool.
Next, it is shrunk into a thick, durable felt in the washing machine, which is then shaped by hand and air-dried.
Finally, each hat is lined with a silky ribbon to keep it's shape and provide lasting comfort. Many are finished with freehand embroidery, as unique as the wearer.
All are signed, dated and numbered by hand.
With less than 200 made each year, these hats are truly limited-editon, art-to-wear pieces that will provide years of warmth and comfort for the lucky owner.
Want to know more...
-about the hats (& pricing)
-about me, or
-about this site?
Read on... and then let me know what you think!About Me
I love all things handmade, especially food, music and finely crafted objects for everyday use.
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Entries and comments feeds.
i love your site, your blog, your beautiful hats and your blog posts! It is a visual pleasure to scroll through your site and blog and it inspires me. I am in Boston and I would love to see your hats. I will try to get by the Fat Hat co. in Queechee when I go up to VT. I love that store…I am in class with you and will “see” you later…Deb Putnoi
Comment by deb putnoi — 27 August 2009 #
Thanks so much, Deb!
Your comment reminds me to get in touch with Fat Hat ASAP to see what they might need for fall. I imagine they are out, but it’s always worth a visit to that store, anyway.
I WILL be participating in NH Open Doors over Veteran’s Day weekend this year. Lots more info to follow… stay tuned!
Comment by ccmhats — 28 August 2009 #
Carrie: I love the designs! They’re wonderful! Oh, boy, I’d love to see them in person and try them on–any of your hats. Great photos, too.
Comment by Alyson B. Stanfield — 27 August 2009 #
Thanks, Alyson! I bet my hats would love you, too! And you could certainly use a nice warm hat there in the Rockies, eh?
I wonder why we (the League of NH Craftsmen) haven’t had you out for a workshop, yet? I think I need to help you organize your NE tour, Alyson…
Thanks for the feedback on my photos. I’m thinking about doing some sort of licensing with them (cards? posters mounted on foam core? Deck of cards?
So many ideas, it’s hard to know which way to turn first, sometimes…
Comment by ccmhats — 28 August 2009 #
Carrie: I love your site. But most of all, I love your hats. They are incredibly beautiful. And without a doubt, you win the award for best photo images of products online. I literally can feel the wool. Congrats to you. See you in class.
Comment by jackiejacobson — 28 August 2009 #
Aw, thanks, Jackie. My inner Hermione Granger is delighted!
Really. I appreciate the feedback on the photos. It’s another nudge to do something more in that direction, so thank you!
Comment by ccmhats — 28 August 2009 #
Carrie, the work you have is amazing! Love the close up shots that show a lot of detail of the fiber, and the intricate work. I can almost reach out and touch them on the screen. Your site(and your design work) is a great inspiration to me!
Keith
Comment by Keith Stanley — 2 September 2009 #
Thanks so much for the positive feedback, Keith. I’m hoping to convey the tactile nature of my textile work, so I’m glad to hear that’s coming through… Much obliged!
Comment by ccmhats — 4 September 2009 #
HI Carrie,
I just love your site! It is so full of joy that I smile as I go through it. So personal, with such terrific photos.
I would love to see your hats in person sometime.
Comment by Janice Mason Steeves — 4 September 2009 #
Well, that just makes my day, Janice… thank you!
I do get up to the Ottawa area occasionally to connect with family there… perhaps we could meet up? I’d be so great to see your studio & paintings in person.
(Hmmm… I reckon it’s time to renew my passports, now that the US has tightened up the northern border… *note to self*)
Comment by ccmhats — 4 September 2009 #
[...] the form suggests more french knots to my [...]
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