Category Archives: Hat of the Week

Latest Freehand Embroidery: Red-Hot Denim Blues Mandala

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Recently, I was contacted by Gayle in Portland, Oregon, who’s ready for a new hat.

She loved the original Red-Hot Blues French-knot Mandala I embroidered last summer. But that hat found a new home with Gwen at the 2011 League of NH Craftsmen’s Fair:

Gwen's New Felt Hat

Although not generally a “hat person”, Gwen’s blue eyes perfectly match her new felt hat.

I strive to create felt hats as unique as the wearer, so I didn’t want to re-create the exact same hat. Instead, Gayle selected several yarn colors she liked, and gave me her head-size measurements.

As luck would have it, I had a suitable hat, felted & ready for embroidering just waiting in my studio. And in between games at my 1st-ever coed hockey tournament this weekend, I was able to embroider it:

Red-Hot Denim Blues French-knot Mandala Felt Hat

Red-Hot Denim Blues French-knot Mandala Felt Hat (#114 of 2011).

Freehand French-knot Mandala Embroidery Detail

Macro detail of the 100+ french-knots in my new freehand mandala embroidery.

I’m so pleased with how this latest embroidery turned out. Now just cross your fingers that it fits Gayle, since she helped design it!

A Tale of Two Hats – Beth’s Story

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One of the joys of making my felt hats is meeting the wonderful folks who wear them.

Through the years, I have been blessed by return customers who purchase additional hats, either for themselves or as gifts.

Today, I’d like you to meet Beth, who has been particularly supportive of my work.

Beth in the Snow in her 1st CCM felt hat

Beth in her 1st CCM felt hat, cozy despite the snow.

“I was (am) drawn to Carrie’s hats by the yummy colors and gorgeous embroidery.
It was so hard to pick from all the beautiful choices.

I love that each one is handmade from start to finish, and the craftsmanship is exquisite.

When I wear my hat(s), I have no worries about wind, rain, snow or cold. My ears and head are warm, dry and comfy.

Be prepared to receive lots of compliments when you wear these works of art. I agree with Louisa: wearing a CCM felt hat is like putting on an infusion of happiness.”

Beth's Iris Mandala Felt Hat

Beth, cozy in her 2nd felt hat, with French-knot Mandala embroidery.

Thank you, Beth!

Your head is sacred. I’m delighted you choose to wear a CCM felt hat (or two)!

Louisa’s Embroidered Felt Hat

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One of my hockey buddies, Louisa, visited my booth at the League of New Hampshire Craftmen’s Annual Fair two summers ago.

My felt hat booth in Tent 7 at the 2011 League of NH Craftsmen's Fair at Mt. Sunapee.

She’s been so supportive of me at the rink, and was equally enthusiastic about my work.

Louisa immediately fell in love with the absolute fanciest hat in the booth, and when she tried it on, it fit perfectly!

However, for most folks, my hats are not impulse purchases.

Louisa's chose mossy-green & rust with full embroidery for her custom felt hat.

It took nearly 2 years of thinking about it before Louisa decided to treat herself.

We found a hat that fit her just right, and she gave me license to embroider it as I chose.

She definitely wanted the works, though: all-around freehand embroidery with hand-cut antler buttons.

My husband, Andy, hand-cuts all the antler buttons I use in my embroidery designs.

I asked Louisa what she would tell others considering a hat. She replied without hesitation:

“My hat is beautiful, warm, comfortable & practical. It’s a work of art. Best of all, it makes me smile every time I put it on! How many things do you own that make you that happy? My hat is just ‘so me.’ I love it!”

Thank you, Louisa, for all your encouragement, and for helping support my hockey habit!