About My Felt Hats

Handcrafted with either llama or alpaca fiber, 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! Same hat before & after felting in the washing machine… really!

Good thing I’m an avid handknitter and enjoy knitting in every spare moment:

Carrie Cahill Mulligan knitting between hockey games, Healy, Alaska, February 2003. 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, 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.

Adding a Ribbon Liner to Felt Hats 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 start at US$135, depending on the style.

Let’s connect! Facebook, Instagram, Twitter & Pinterest.

Bonus: Watch me knitting while I share my life story, below:

63 thoughts on “About My Felt Hats”

  2. 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.

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  5. 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!!!)

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    • 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…

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  7. 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

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  8. 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.

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    • 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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  9. Pingback: Frosty Perfection: Winter’s 1st Snowflakes « 693 Canaan Street

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  11. I was just told of your web page by my sister.A year of medical stuff has thinned out my hair considerably.Even though it doesn’t get bitter cold here usually,she knew your hats would be perfect for me this winter.Besides being quite a fiber artist you also have a wonderful eye for color and design.The hats are gorgeous.But now I must pick one and that will be quite a challenge.I will be back to purchase,because I own a lovely orange winter coat that I want to compliment(tone down a little) with the hat.I’d love to be able to try it on by I can’t get around very well any more.And after seeing your work I know you’ll do well by me as I will get measurements and photos of that coat to you.i’ll be back soon.

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  12. Hi Carrie, I love my hat! Everyone I meet seems to love it too, and I’ve long been meaning to let you know. Yesterday the bank teller told me she loved my hat; then the next teller came over to say that she had noticed it as well; and later a couple of women in the supermarket check-out line praised my hat. I don’t take it off. It’s the first hat I’ve found that keeps me truly warm, that doesn’t slip or fall off — and that’s so often complimented. Thanks!

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  13. Dear Carrie,

    Sent you and email, but wanted my fan mail to appear here too!!

    I have now been enjoying my hat for a couple of weeks! It arrived just in time for standing on Gunstock Mtn. watching my son’s ski lesson! The wind chill was below zero and my head was toasty warm!

    The embroidery is perfect! I have received many compliments and even ran into a woman at Terra Cotta Pasta in Kittery wearing one of your hats…we had “a moment” telling each other what good taste we had!! food and hats! The lady behind the counter tried to tell me I could make a hat like that out of old sweaters….nope, no chance, will leave that to you!!

    I had hoped to make it to the Mkt on Feb 14th to thank you, but my son needed to be several places that day. Will stop by at a future market.

    Cheers!
    Nicole C.

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  15. Do you still sell the pattern and yarn as a kit. I saw one persons comments that she bought a kit at the Sunapee Craft fair. I bought your hat at the Amoskeag Quilt Show and love it. I would like to purchase your kit if available. Thanks
    Anne Hatin

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  16. Carrie! As you know I absolutely LOVE your hats! Heck, I have 6 of them.

    Amazing craftsmanship, so warm and extremely stylish! What more can you ask for when trying to keep warm in NH?

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  17. Hey Carrie,
    Guess I missed your TV preview, had no idea. Great though found out some new things of your life. Your my kinda gal an Andy is awsome guy. Happy trails.
    Seattle Cj

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  18. Carrie
    I love your hats. I am a knitter and am making a felted hat for my sister and myself. The embroidery is tripping me up. For the flowers, when you use yarn, is it a sock weight yarn? I used a worsted and the petals look too mushed together. When you use ribbon is it the 1/8th width?
    Thanks
    Come Vermont in the winter we will need them

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    • Hi Rosemary,

      Sorry not to get back to you sooner… somehow I missed your question!

      I use the same heavy worsted yarn for embroidery that I use to make the hats. Maybe try spacing the petals further apart?

      The ribbon I use is a knitting ribbon yarn (mostly Crystal Palace yarns) which measures ~1/4″ wide.

      Hope that helps!

      Best–Carrie

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  21. Hi Carrie…Met you today at Wentworth Greenhouse after seeing post on FB. I LOVE MY HAT. (black with embroidered flowers), and I don’t want hats but have seen yours and wanted one for a long time. Score! No, I never told my husband the price….Heehee. I was the blonde in 60’s with white puffer coat. Thank you! I’ll tell everyone to look you up. What workmanship and sooooo stylish.

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    • Hi LuAnne,

      So great to hear from you!! I remember you quite well and am tickled that you treated yourself with one of my warm felt hats, thank you! I sure appreciate your support and the positive feedback.

      Wishing you many warm, cheerful seasons in your new hat! 🙂

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  23. hello, i know this may seem like a strange question but according to google maps your business is located at a residential address in canaan NH, was wondering if you lived in this address… My godmother owned this house before you, and i grew up spending my summers there, the house doesnt look like its changed much, except the front porch is gone. I spend many summer nights listening to the adults conversations thru the old fashioned grate above the wood stove, summers playing in the room above the barn, and in the cabin my uncle and cousin built in the woods, Rhubarb growing (looks like it still is) in the garden,.. miss my summers up there

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    • Hi Carrie, Recently you sent me your hat pattern which I experimented with. Since you are not making your hats anymore because you couldn’t find the llama, I’m wondering if you were to make your hat now, what would you use instead? The first time I made the hat was with some pencil roving wool that I thought definitely would be OK, and It was a disaster! Second time I made the hat, I made it with two different kinds of wool, the crown of the hat felted beautifully and the brim not so much. I am kind of stumped! Any suggestions? Thanks, JoAnn

      Sent from my iPhone

      >

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    • Hi Shaun,

      What a small world! Yes, indeed, I live in the very same house you remember (though the cabin in the woods is now gone). The rhubarb patch is still going strong!

      If you’re ever in the area, feel free to drop by and see the old place… it’s a great old house. 🙂

      Cheers–Carrie

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  25. Hello
    We met in
    2015 in rollinsford with my sister and husband
    Love my hat
    I looked to see if you will be there this year and do not see your name
    Will you be at any shows ?
    I don’t feel comfortable ordering on line since I have a small head
    Would love to hear from you
    Thank you
    Marsha holoubek

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    • Hi Marsha,

      Yes! I will be in Rollinsford the next 2 Saturdays: 12/9/17 & 12/16/17.

      Let me know if you have a specific color in mind so I can be sure to bring several if I have them in stock!

      Thanks so much, Marsha. Hope to see you again, soon!

      Best–Carrie

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  26. Hey Carrie- Just checked out your cool website. So well done! Love all the photos especially the ones up close and my favorite hats are the snowflake ones.

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  27. I checked out your ETSY site and didn’t find any kits. Do you still sell them? Is it possible to buy the pattern? Your hats are stunning! I would love to make one (although the embroidery scares me) or buy one. Do you post a list of shows you will be attending on this website? Thanks, Joan

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    • Hi Joan, thanks so much for the kind words and for getting in touch!

      While I no longer sell kits, I do sell the pattern (hardcopy) for $15 (including shipping), which includes directions for knitting & felting.

      Alternately, my next craft shows are listed on the “Locate” tab at the very top of the page (I will be in Rollinsford, NH on Saturday, January 27, 2018 next).

      And if you’re near enough to me, you’re welcome to schedule a visit to my home studio in an Canaan, NH… Just let me know what works for you!

      Best–Carrie

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  28. Hi Carrie,

    Your hats are so amazing! I’d love to give it a try. I see that you don’t sell the kits anymore, but I’d like to purchase your pattern. Also, I see that Montera yarn is no longer made. Does your pattern suggest other yarns that work well?

    Many thanks,
    Amy Chase
    Walpole, NH

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    • Hi Amy,

      Thanks so much for the kind words and for stopping by! Yes, the pattern includes a suggested replacement yarn, as well as instructions for knitting and felting.

      Feel free to email me (ccmhats AT gmail DOT com) and we can arrange payment: I take check, credit card or PayPal, whatever you prefer!

      Best–Carrie

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  30. in the area in august, after your big event, minimally would like to get fitted and choose color, design, etc. I think i’ll pass on the flowered look though. i am seeking a hat befitting a sea captain.

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  31. Hi Carrie from the UK. I’m loving your hats. Is there any possibility of purchasing the pattern via PayPal? If so, I would be absolutely delighted. Just right for a ski trip at the end of the year.

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    • Hi Gilly,

      Thanks so much for reaching out about my hat pattern. They *are* very warm & stylish hats (if I do say so myself!) and would be perfect for a ski trip!

      Yes, I’m all set up with PayPal, so that’s not a problem. The cost is US$15, which includes postage, so maybe add another $2 to mail to the UK.

      If that works for you, just let me know your preferred PayPal email, and I’ll send you an invoice & the pattern ASAP.

      Best from New Hampshire, USA,

      Carrie

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  33. Hi Carrie. I just emailed you regarding pattern. I’d love to buy a kit if you are selling them now. Please let me know
    Thanks
    Debbie

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    • Hi Debbie,

      Thanks so much for your interest in my hats & for getting in touch! While I no longer sell full kits, you can buy the pattern (either hard-copy or PDF) for $15.

      Let me know if you’re interested & I’ll get one to you ASAP!

      Cheers–Carrie

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  34. Not one, but two different strangers spied me sporting the hat I just got at Collective recently and said, “ooh, is that a Carrie Cahill?” One continued that all of the women in his family have them. I stood up a little straighter and said, why yes it is, thanks for noticing. Proud to wear it everywhere. Or is that everywear?

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  35. Dear Carrie,
    I bought a hat from you in 2008 and I am still wearing it today. I bought a coat that I would like to make a hat to match. Do you take custom orders or if not, do you still sell the kits…with instructions? Thanks!

    Liked by 1 person

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