Tag Archives: freehand embroidery

Felt Hat Sister Act: Robyn’s Story

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“I wanted to treat my sister to one of Carrie’s gorgeous hats:

Freehand embroidery: Pink French Knot Mandala on pink felt hat, by felt hat fiber artist, Carrie Cahill Mulligan of Canaan, New Hampshire.

Freehand embroidery: Pink French Knot Mandala

…and accidentally fell in love with this green/navy dragonfly hat when trying them on… So I treated myself and bought Pam her stunning pink-on-pink hat. We now are both stylish AND very warm!

Freehand dragonfly embroidery with agate bead eyes on felt hat by New Hampshire fiber artist, Carrie Cahill Mulligan

Freehand dragonfly embroidery with agate bead eyes.

During this bitter winter, my dragonfly hat has kept me warm through many hockey practices at the rink, and has garnered many compliments around town. I always looked awful in winter hats, and was amazed to see how stylish Carrie’s hats are. They are unique, and can be worn on a run or with dress clothes. I even wore mine into to a job interview with a suit (and got the job)!!

Freehand dragonfly embroidery with agate bead eyes on knitted felt hat by Carrie Cahill Mulligan of Canaan, NH.

I recommend Carrie’s heirloom hats even to people on a budget; think of what we spend on groceries or oil, but this is something you invest in for yourself. I bought mine with Christmas gift money, and it has been my favorite gift.

Pam & Robyn sporting their new felt hats.

Pam & Robyn sporting their new felt hats.

Thanks Carrie for keeping us all warm and happy this coooold winter!”

 

Good Times at the White River Yarns Felt Hat Trunk Show

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My first-ever trunk show last Thursday at White River Yarns was so much fun… In fact, the party started before I even showed up!

Hours before our 6pm start, I received this nice online testimonial:

Knitted felt hat #4 of 2014, with freehand dragonfly embroidery by New Hampshire fiber artist, Carrie Cahill Mulligan, of Canaan, NH.

Knitted felt hat #4 of 2014, with freehand dragonfly embroidery.

Hi Carrie,

I was at Karen’s yarn shop today and purchased the dragonfly purple felted hat. I just loved it and it is so nice and warm.

I’m not a hat lover but this one spoke to me and I even loved it on.

Thank you, you do such amazing work.
xoRobin

Semi-precious jasper beads make fascinating dragonfly eyes in this detail of freehand dragonfly embroidery on knitted felt hat #4 of 2014, by New Hampshire fiber artist, Carrie Cahill Mulligan, of Canaan, NH.

Semi-precious jasper beads make fascinating dragonfly eyes.

Yay, Robin! Thank *you* for starting our Felt Hat Trunk Show party off right!

Ever the gracious hostess, Karen ordered in some pizza and opened a couple bottles of wine while folks gathered to knit, offering color advice for potential hat owners:

Crowd-sourcing opinions on just the right color felt hat at White River Yarns CCM felt hat trunk show.

Crowd-sourcing opinions on just the right color felt hat at White River Yarns.

Sometimes a special felt hat chooses *you* more than you choose *it*.

Sometimes a special felt hat chooses *you* more than you choose *it*.

The trunk show went so well, we decided to leave 14 fancy hats, plus yarn + patterns for knit-your-own felt hat kits at the shop until the end of February.

So if you’re still looking to treat yourself a one-of-a-kind felt hat or kit, please do drop by White River Yarns. I think you’ll be glad you did!

This Birthday Girl is treating herself to a one-of-a-kind felt hat this year... Happy birthday, Kate!

Look who’s treating herself to a one-of-a-kind felt hat this year–> Happy Birthday, Kate!

Latest Freehand Embroidery – Teal & Blue 3 Flower Vine

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People are awesome.

Upon hearing of Andy’s bicycle accident, Andrea decided to get some of her holiday shopping done early this year.

Knitted felt hat with freehand ribbon embroidery by Carrie Cahill Mulligan of Canaan, New Hampshire.

My signature freehand embroidery design, “Three Flower Vine” in teal & blue.

Andrea is one of my hockey buddies. Like me, she’s originally from Canada, but took up playing ice hockey as an adult.

Andrea’s Mom still lives in Ontario, so she’s sure to enjoy a toasty-warm felt hat. Knowing she loves blue, Andrea picked a plain teal hat with sky blue brim for her Mom.

French knots, split-stitch and lazy daisy stitches all contribute to the embroidery design.

French knots, split-stitch and lazy daisy embroidery stitches all contribute to the design.

Next, she looked through lots of different embroidery styles.

Andrea was tempted by the French-knot Mandala as well as the new Dragonfly embroidery. But eventually, she decided on the 3 Flower Vine pattern.

Stranding different yarns together before knotting adds flecks of color to the flower center.

Stranding different yarns together before knotting adds flecks of color to the flower center.

Design determined, Andrea then selected just the right embroidery yarns for flower petals & vines. All that was left to do was the actual stitching…

Add 3-4 hours of focused freehand embroidery, and viola! Custom-designed felt hat #27 of 2012 is complete, and one more holiday gift is ready for giving.

Hand-dyed ribbon yarns vary the tones of the lazy-daisy flower petals.

Hand-dyed ribbon yarns add variegated shine to the lazy-daisy flower petals. French-knots add texture.

If I can help design a fancy hat for you or someone special, I’d be delighted. Feel free to contact me. I’m honored to help make your holidays special.