Vendor Interview and Giveaway- Hoo Hats
Tell our readers a little bit about yourself and your work.
I've been a crafty dabbler since childhood (mosaic glass, collage, quilting -you name it) & it always seemed like such a fun way to make a living, but somewhat unrealistic. I guess I never landed on just the right thing to make. Then one day on a whim I decided to turn an old wool sweater into a felted wool owl hat for my 2-year-old son whose Irish middle name (Shannon) means "wise little owl." He wore it around town & we got such a crazy enthusiastic response from moms & kids. It blew me away. It was clear that I pretty much HAD to start a business. And so it was that Hoo Hats was hatched...
What are some sources of inspiration for your work?
I am inspired by the textures & subtle color variations of the rare wool sweaters I find buried in a sea of yucky, blah-schmah acrylic at Value Village. A luxurious, furry, pale gray angora, or a deep burgundy cashmere positively beg to be turned into something beautiful. And then, of course, there's my bright little boy. He's so wide open & creative. It's hard not to want to follow suit.
What was the best thing you did with your summer?
I got pregnant, which was simultaneously the best and worst thing. It was the best because we'll get to meet our baby girl in early February, which will be a wonderful miracle. But it was the worst because I was an exhausted, nauseous zombie in a near-coma on the couch for the duration. My poor son & husband! -I have no idea how they survived, but they managed. And they took such good care of me to boot!
Are you showcasing anything new at the winter UCU show?
Since no two Hoo Hats are perfectly alike, everything I make is always brand new!
What are you most excited about for UCU?
I am excited to see what it feels like to be surrounded by so many ridiculously creative people for two whole days. It will undoubtedly be like some kind of insanely dizzying, artistic vortex. I expect to be inspired!
Want to win your own Hoo Hat? Like Hoo Hats on Facebook and leave a comment here saying you did it. That's it! A winner will be chosen at random and you can pick up your prize at the show.
