Spring Fever vs. Hockey Fever

Spring crocus flowers bloom in the garden of fiber artist, Carrie Cahill Mulligan, in Canaan, New Hampshire.

Well, after the second snowiest winter in New Hampshire history, spring seems finally to have sprung in Canaan, as evidenced by the lovely crocuses in front of our house.

You’d think I’d be over the moon, as nearly everyone here is, ready for all the fun of warmer weather.

The truth is, I am entirely torn. Because warmer weather brings the end of hockey season for me, and this winter I have played the best hockey of my life.

Fiber artist, Carrie Cahill Mulligan, of Canaan, New Hampshire, skates after the puck at Thompson Arena, during the intramural women's hockey championship game this winter at Dartmouth College, in Hanover, NH.

That’s me in the yellow helmet, playing in the women’s intramural hockey championship match at Dartmouth’s Thompson Arena last month…

And there I am, moments later, just after scoring a goal (something quite unusual for me, as I generally play defense…)!

Despite being born in Canada, I didn’t learn to play hockey until I turned 30 and was living in Healy, Alaska.

So I reckon I am making up for lost time… I have 5 hockey games in the next 5 days, and then the ice goes away for the summer.

If I seem a bit down, despite the sunny weather, you’ll know that hockey fever just won’t let me be…
Fiber artist, Carrie Cahill Mulligan, of Canaan, New Hampshire, celebrates after scoring a goal at Thompson Arena, during the intermural women's hockey championship game this winter at Dartmouth College, in Hanover, NH.

Felt Hat Fan Club: Grandfather Rights for the Houlihans

Susan Houlihan, of Alpenglow Skincare, in Homer, Alaska, wears her custom-embroidered kntted felt hat by fiber artist, Carrie Cahill Mulligan.  Also pictured are son, Liam, and husband, Patrick.

About 2 years ago, I received my all-time favorite holiday greeting…

Susan Houlihan, owner of Alpenglow Skincare in Homer, Alaska, chose this wintery photo of her family, featuring one of my very earliest spiral embroideries.

What fun to see my handiwork gracing Susan’s smiling face as she wished Peace to all her friends and loved ones!

So, thank you Susan, for making my hat a part of your life… And welcome to the club!

Knitted Felt Hat Class this Weekend in Canaan, NH

Participants in

New to knitting?

Interested in knitted felt?

Want to learn the secrets of felting from someone who’s made over 600 knit felt hats herself?

Then consider joining me for the 5th “Ancient Art of Felting–with a Modern Twist!” class at my home studio in Canaan, New Hampshire, this Saturday, January 12, 2008, from 10 am – 2 pm.

This 2-day class is part of the Hanover League of New Hampshire Craftsmen’s Winter CraftStudies Program, and they handle the registration.

On the 2nd Saturday of

On the 1st Saturday, we will discuss color and design, review the pattern and get knitting.

Over the next two weeks, class participants will finish knitting their own oversized, pre-felted stocking caps.

Finally, on the 2nd Saturday, January 26, 2008, we will breathe deeply together and toss all the hats into the washing machine to see what happens!  

Please see the classes page for more info… I hope you can join us.