About

Handcrafted with 50 percent llama fiber (which is 8 times warmer than sheep’s wool), these hats are not only luxurious, they are also extremely hard-wearing.
Each of my hats begins its life as a very large (roughly 12″ x 19″) handknit stocking cap, which takes 7 hours to knit.
Good thing I am an avid handknitter and enjoy knitting in every spare moment!
Below, my teammate, Jon Paynter, caught me knitting hats between hockey games at the Pucker-Up Tourney in Healy Alaska, February, 2003 (thanks Jon!).

Since moving to New Hampshire in 2004, I’ve discovered warm-weather knitting! I especially like to knit while enjoying live folk or oldtime music, which lends sweet rhythm to my own clickety-clacking joy!
Barb Heller (of North Country Public Radio & Folk Alley) was tickled to spy me knitting in time at the 2006 Grey Fox Bluegrass Festival, and so snapped this photo (thanks, Barb!).
Once I finish knitting a dozen of these stocking caps, I toss them all into a hot, soapy washing machine and let the machine rough them up…
The microscopic scales coating the llama & sheep’s wool fibers get irrevocably tangled during this rough washing and after nearly 30 minutes of agitation, the huge stocking cap transforms from a supple, hand knit fabric into a durable, thick and impervious felt.
After gently rinsing and spinning the hats, I shape each one by hand (and sometimes foot), stretching out the crown and getting the felt smooth.
Then each hat air-dries for several days, before getting the finishing touch of a hand-sewn satin ribbon lining, which not only keeps the hat from itching, but also helps keep its shape over time.
Each hat takes a minimum of 9 hours to complete, and will provide years of warm, stylish comfort, on the trail or in town.
Prices range from US$125 - $225.
Proud member of the League of New Hampshire Craftsmen since 2004.
What else? There’s more about me if you’re curious… plus, a little bit about this site.
Still have questions? Feel free to contact me. I’d be happy to hear from you!
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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
I strive to create highly functional, exquisitely handcrafted art-to-wear Heirloom Handknit Hats.

Great caps!
Comment by Tom Bakken — 24 February 2007 #
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.
Comment by Joe Hocker — 16 November 2007 #
Thanks, fellas! I appreciate the feedback.
Comment by ccmhats — 8 January 2008 #