It’s Knit Weather…at last!
I had the opportunity a few weekends ago to check out the Fall Grassroots Festival at Shakori Hills, a largely eco-friendly music festival that attracts all manner of earth-loving, crafty, inventive folks. I blew entirely too much money at nearly all of the arts stalls, but the Holston Mountain Hat Project was easily one of my favorite vendors.
Hailing from Holston Mountain, Tennessee, these folks knit up handmade wool hats for projects such as UNICEF, orphanages, and battered womens shelters. Their teeny newborn hats have gone all the way to Hungary and Albania, and back home they’ve been sent to cancer victims and those suffering from hair loss. Way cool!
The hats aren’t just for a good cause – they fund the project by selling hats to us average folks who just can’t get enough of the cuddly knit wear this season. They predominantly sell their work through festivals, but the hats are very affordable – my fiancé picked out a red and black “aviator” style hat for under $20. The hats are guaranteed too – if it’s ever damaged, just send it back and they fix it for you.
The knitters are regulars to Shakori Hills, so if you’re looking to check out their stall in person and will be in the North Carolina area in April of 2010, you may want to check them out. You can also send them an email at holstonhats@yahoo.com – they can do even the most detailed custom requests.
As for my big purchase, I gave in to a set of scrap-yarn hair ties: totally adorable and a great DIY or gift idea, I was proud to add them to my wardrobe! They’re a little long for practical use, but I think they’re going to serve well for special occasions, hooping, and the usual festival festivities.
Know where we can find some more neat knits for the cool weather? Share some info in the comments!
