Handcrafted with 50 percent llama fiber (8 times warmer than sheep’s wool), these hats are not only luxuriously soft, they’re also extremely warm & hard-wearing.
Each begins as a large stocking cap, taking 7+ hours to knit by hand.
Same hat before & after felting in the washing machine... really!
Good thing I’m an avid handknitter and enjoy knitting in every spare moment:
Knitting between hockey games - Healy, Alaska, February 2003. (photo by Jon Paynter)
Once knit, I toss them into hot, soapy water and let the washing machine rough them up…
Knitted hats ready for felting in the washing machine.
Due to the heat & agitation, the microscopic scales coating the fibers become irreversibly tangled and the knit fabric transforms into a thick and impervious felt.
After gently rinsing and spinning, I work each by hand (and sometimes foot), shaping the crown and getting the felt smooth.
The hat air-dries for several days before getting a hand-sewn satin ribbon lining, to keep it from itching, and help maintain its shape over time.
Each felt hat gets its own hand-stitched ribbon liner for comfort and protection.
A single hat takes over 9 hours to complete, and will provide years of warm, stylish comfort, on the trail or in town.
Prices range from US$135 – $250, depending on the style.
Looking for more? Now you can see me knitting in action while I discuss my hats & share my life story, below:
Great caps!
Very cool!!! It would appear you are much the same today as… well a long time ago. I’m going to have to get hats for x-mas and birthday presents.
Thanks, fellas! I appreciate the feedback.
Hello-
I really like your hats. So you make children’s or babies hats? Thanks
Hi Carrie,
so nice to chat with you this morning. Thank you so much for taking the time to orient me a little with the craft scene in this area. I’ll definitely remember to pronounce my town as West LebanUn…! I saw the photo of your mum. Definitely fit the spunky woman that you wrote she was. Again, my condolences for your loss. Will look you up in the Open doors studio tour this year! Take care of yourself, Anne (from Montreal and Newfoundland!!!)
Hi, I love your hats! Do you do classes? I would definitely do one if you offered them!
Katie
Thanks Katie! So nice to hear from you…
Although I’ve led a class each fall and winter for the past couple years, I’m taking a break from teaching classes this year.
However, I do still sell hat kits, which you could complete in the comfort of your own home. The cost is US$45 (includes shipping), or $65 for two hats worth of yarn, plus pattern and felting instructions.
Thanks again for the positive feedback, Katie, and let me know if I can hook you up with a kit sometime…
Hi,
I would be interested in purchasing a kit from you. Do I have a color selections and how do I go about purchasing a kit?
Thanks
Hi Carrie,
I met you today at the Dartmouth gym. I’m the one who lost her card.
Love your hats! Let me know how I can get one.
Hi Jane,
Thanks so much for checking out my hats & the website. I’m delighted that you’re interested in my work!
The best way to get a hat is to try them on. Currently, I have hats at the League of NH Craftsmen Gallery in North Conway, and also at my home studio in Canaan. Weekends are best.
Feel free to call or email (603-523-7506 or ccmhats AT gmail DOT com) to be sure I’ll be there (otherwise, I might very well be at the hockey rink!).
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