Powderhouse as seen on Channel 6

Powderhouse Hill as Seen on Channel 6

South Berwick on TV? Amazing! Virtually everyone that comes into The Little Hat Company raves about Powderhouse Hill. I woke up this morning brought my last free trash load to the dump for the store, sat in line (learning the virtue of patience), and decided it was time to suit up the girls for a day of sledding. Libby's first time on the sled hill and it went pretty well till she decided she wanted to go all the way from the top...but Anna and Kayla had a sweet time going off the mogul and catching air time.
It was absolutely beautiful and saw a lot of friendly faces there. Mike even watched Libby walk around so that I could catch a couple of runs with the kids. Thank you Mike & Linda.

Something worth reading

A friend just emailed me and said "good for Molly - check out the diner tonight" 236diner

Admittedly I haven't visited in awhile, overtaken by the holidays and making sure there is some balance with a toy store during Christmas and a young family with three children. When I went tonight and I strongly urge you to visit yourself I let out a huge sigh as I finished reading Molly's statement.

It takes a lot of guts to say what you truly mean in life and it takes a whole lot more to put it down on paper or upload to the internet. Molly is a communicator and while staying articulate and to the point she fills her blog with a personal truth that is just well...good. I've always known Molly to be a kind hearted person, caring citizen, and active business person but until tonight I had no idea how deep her personal strength and courage runs.

I'm so thankful to have met her and been able to work with her and I'm even more thankful to know that she is a part of South Berwick, Maine.

What a great place to live and raise a family!

Celebrate Tofu at The Seacoast Science Center and keep your head warm too!

What a unique gift for the little whale lover in your family. The Seacoast Science Center in Rye asked us if we could create lids to celebrate their new exhibit coming next year. Deb took up the challenge and designed three whale lids which are all available in the gift shop at the science center. They are our original loope lids - soft, warm and very cozy with an extra special touch - tofu the whale swimming along. If you would like special lids for your company or organization please email us friendlyperson@thelittlehatcompany.com. We would love to come up with something special for you and yours. Happy Holidays and Warm Wishes from The Little Hatters in South Berwick, Maine.

Marshwood Fleece Lids are in for the Cold Weather Ahead!

Deb Knowlton made it her personal mission for The Little Hat Company to have Marshwood fleece lids in black and also in purple embroidered with a black M. We love them and are very proud to have them in the store. The purple hats are super cute ( cool if you are a boy) and a perfect way to show some support for our amazing school system.

Elf Lids popping up everywhere this holiday season!

Little Brooke looks absolutely "elfish" in her Loope Elf Lid by The Little Hat Elves in South Berwick, Maine. Just in time for the Holidays there are elf lids of all sizes for babies, toddlers, tots, and little kids. Jane Cowen Fletcher local renowned children's author and artist graciously adorned her baby elf with a "loope lid" from The Little Hat Company and we couldn't pass up the opportunity to bring it to life. Gift sets are available at our store - elf lid and book, both by South Berwick artisans. Call to place an order and we will gift wrap and ship to anywhere in the world.

Happy Holidays from all of us Little Hatters!

Little Hat babies are growing up!

Okay, so it's the holidays and I've been spending some time thinking back to when I didn't know Sue Page, Kim F, Cathie, Deb, Amy, Barb, Emma, Linda, and all the gang. Libby has only been a part of our family for 2 1/2 years and life before that for the Houghton family had nothing to do with Little Hats. As I type this I can't believe that Harrison and Libby have developed their very own special bond not to mention language and they will be attending school together this January at Little Stars Twinkle. Libby is in the fore front of this picture wearing a hat way too big for her- that's her m.o. and Harrison is hamming it up for the camera. I love my family, I love my friends, I love this business which has become way bigger than I ever hoped it would be, and I love our community we live in and how much it supports the hats and the little toy store in South Berwick.

'A Perfect fit' - Little Hat Company hosts book signing

'A perfect fit' - Little Hat Company hosts book signing

By JOEY CRESTA jcrestafosters.com jcresta@fosters.com

Article Date: Monday, December 1, 2008

SOUTH BERWICK, Maine — Local children's book author and illustrator Jane Cowen-Fletcher appeared for a book signing at The Little Hat Company downtown Saturday, an event that coincided with the appearance of the shop's float in the Holiday Parade.

Cowen-Fletcher has written and illustrated such children's stories as "Baby Angels" and "Mama Zooms."

"Baby Elf's Christmas" is her latest book and her first to focus on Christmas. The elf on the book's cover sports a red hat with polka dots, and in a cross-promotion with The Little Hat Company, the shop designed the same hat to be sold in the store.

"I'm really excited about the connection," she said. "It's really fun."

She said when she drew the hat for her story, she wanted to come up with something original, unlike the pointed hats typically depicted on elves.

Cowen-Fletcher, who has lived in South Berwick since 1989, said the collaboration between her and the shop was "a perfect fit."

"Elves wear hats, and we have The Little Hat Company right here in downtown South Berwick," she said.

She specializes in books for young children, a decision she said she made because she'd rather draw pictures than write a lot of words.

She spent much of the 1980s in Benin, Africa, with the Peace Corps and currently is a librarian in town.

Cowen-Fletcher said she's been drawing through it all, but only began doing picture books in 1993.

She describes her work as having a retro style that hearkens back to the 1930s and 40s, and says her books arise because "sometimes it's just what I want to draw."

For instance, when her family got a dog, she just wanted to draw dogs, she said.

She has used her family members for inspiration as well. Her children and her sister, who she says is in a wheelchair, also have inspired her illustrations.

Baby Elf to appear at Annual Christmas Parade & The Little Hat Company

Look for Baby Elf in South Berwick's Holiday Parade

As seen in www.seacoastonline.com

Children's book author/illustrator Jane Cowen-Fletcher is still working the fairy doors idea in South Berwick, Maine, (mentioned in an earlier column), with growing success. Cowen-Fletcher invited artists to create doorways for little people, to be placed in downtown businesses. The idea is to create enough fantastical entranceways that it would draw people to the community.

The town has had a few attempts at industrial parks shot down, but few are arguing the need for some sort of industry, she says. Cowen-Fletcher believes it's possible to come up with creative ways to make the town a destination spot, given its high percent of artist residents. Fairy doors have done it elsewhere. Why not Maine? "I know we're off the beaten path. But we have three museums. ... and we're right across from the Rollinsford (artists) mills," says Cowen-Fletcher. "It just seems we can make it an art destination. I can't see anything that would come here that would solve our development problem. ... But it has to happen or people won't be able to afford to live here." To date she has eight South Berwick and Rollinsford mill artists sign on. The plan is to install the doors in November '09. Cowen-Fletcher is hoping to land a grant to help with brochures/maps and perhaps other public relations, or material costs.

As for her personal work: Cowen-Fletcher's latest "Baby Elf's Christmas" (Candlewick Press) was released in September. Given its theme, it's only now hitting shelves. She's planned a signing Saturday, Nov. 29, at South Berwick's The Little Hat Company, which has a product tie-in with the book. Yup, it's not just big biz that makes these deals.

Cowen-Fletcher was taken by Jen Houghton's "Toppy Lid" chapeau (a hat with a top loop). While working on her book two years ago she mentioned adding a loop to her elf's hat, "so if it seems worthwhile (later) Jen could make elf hats with loop lids." Cowen-Fletcher did and now Houghton has. "So after the Christmas Parade I'll be doing a signing at the store."

The artist is already on to the next book. "It's about a puppy because we got a puppy," she says laughing. "It's very cute, sweet. ... I do love drawing those things. But I'm feeling like I'd like to write for older kids too." "What's That Puppy Doing?" is due out in 2010.

Calling All Mavericks Fans!

The Little Hat Company is proud to announce that they just finished creating a lid for the Maverick teams at USA Training Center in Newington NH. They offer an amazing opportunity for local ball players to live out their dream of playing baseball and improving their skills.

If you are interested in buying a Mavericks lid to show your support or maybe you have a family member that plays for one of their teams - call down to our store 20-384-0080 or contact team mother - Cathie McCoomb 384-1904 or email her
cmccoomb@comcast.net

Amazing saving from Local Businesses

Check out these great savings and opportunities from local businesses.

If you would like to ad your business email friendlyperson@thelittlehatcompany.com

Tofu is coming to Town- Seacoast Science Center

In June 2009 the Center will open an extraordinary new exhibition that tells the life story of a young whale. Check back often to follow our exhibit and fundraising progress. Tofu, a Humpback Whale born in the winter of 2004-2005, was named by cetacean biologists for her almost all-white fluke. On June 24, 2007, Tofu's body was spotted floating upside down in Stellwagen Bank. Her body was transported to Bourne, MA, where a necropsy took place. Tofu's injuries were consistent with that of a blunt force trauma caused by a vessel strike. To find out more about Tofu visit the Science Center

The Little Hat Company is so VERY Proud to help celebrate the new exhibit commemorating Tofu the whale and has been asked to create three original Lid designs for children of all ages. They will be available for sale at the gift shop in the science center in just a short while. Thank you for finding out more about Tofu and supporting the Seacoast Science Center.

Our very first Ski Mountain (hill) for Kozy Kaps!

We are so very proud to be making Kozy Kaps for Powderhouse Hill. Cathie is stitching them as I type and they will be available for sale in the ski shoppe at Powderhouse Hill as soon as the snow flys and the skiers take to the tow.

Whether you live in town or are driving in from another state, Powderhouse Hill offers one of the best winter family destinations with a sledding hill conveniently located just a slope over. They have the most interesting motor to pull up the eager of all ages. You can't afford to miss this nostalgic experience. Visit their website Powderhouse Hill!

As Seen on NBC TODAY - crazy little hatters

So - yes we are on such a tight budget right now we can't afford the $20 to buy the photo- but maybe next week.

WE had such an amazing time in NYC and getting to meet everyone at the show. We are looking forward to the day when we can get two rooms for five people instead of one. All in all a great trip and lots of seeds planted in the big apple!

Keep an eye out for little hats everywhere!

Kim wearing something without a visor

"I put this hat on my facebook account and in less than an hour one of my friends wanted one"- Kim Frank

Her daughter Bri thought the hat was for her.

Kozying up with shades & bling

When my Mom was watching the kids while we were off to New York City Libby took the opportunity to chill with Grandma, or Gramum as they affectionately call her. She slipped into the new Kozy Kaps and sat back with her shades and bling. I'm so glad that she approves of our new line of fleecy lids created by Deb Knowlton.

Scarecrows on the Plaza

Here we are on the Plaza getting warm with hot chocolate from Dean & Deluca. We had such a great time in NYC and are very thankful to Val and Mike of Off The Wall Promotions in Bedford NH. We loved being able to be a part of the Today show and were excited to meet Matt, Meredith, Al & Kathie Lee.

One of our favorite memories was meeting Dara Brown from MSNBC.com She loved our hats and we were happy to give her one.

Savings in South Berwick

Local Merchants have joined together to bring you monthly specials and savings. WOW!! They are really great deals and we are so proud to be a part of the project and helping to keep the downtown vibrant and full of good stuff. If you would like to receive the coupons or be one of the business offering great savings email friendlyperson@thelittlehatcompany.com
We are fortunate to have Hanna Bulger of Good Graphics designing the online coupons.

News Flash- Portsmouth Shipyard

The news just came in from a woman called Carey
The girls are selling hats it's starting to get scary
The people are gathered all waving their cash
Deb is bent over having a "bash"

Cathie is smiling waving her hand
While the two are busy selling and listening to the 12 piece band

Deb, Cathie, & Kim slaved for hours sewing these hats not taking a break or sleeping a wink
Now it's no time to stop or even to think

Our thoughts and gratitude are endless and full
of Tina and Renee not ever a moment dull

We love you so much you will never know how much the little hatters and crew
think of YOU!

"A Toast to Renee, Tina, & All Little Hatters"

Once in a while Sue gets a brilliant idea and we have time and energy to act upon it - last night was one of those times. Sue has been such an amazing business partner- calm and steady never questioning my crazy business ideas or directions. She rolls her sleeves up, makes a list, and gets it done. Sue is brilliant but doesn't give herself enough credit. I know that she has great ideas brewing but will often focus on the current goal and not steer us away from our efforts. Last night was very different. We finished up packing at 10:30pm at The Wentworth. Our feet were "barking" it was the first time I was in pointy heels for more than two hours since I was in corporate world. SUE demanded that we stop in Portsmouth to toast the success of the company and our fabulous night. I was so flippin tired from all of the weeks efforts I was trying to talk her out of it. It is seldom that SUE demands anything but here we are at almost 11:00pm parking the car near Gaslight and walking on the cobblestone/brick sidewalks, down granite stairs in our chinese shoes to "Toast our Success". I have never been so happy to be in so much pain in my life - except the birth of my children. We climbed the old wooden stairs to the bar and within five minutes everyone was toasting The Little Hat Company with us and our champagne. It was simply magical!! A tourist for Nashville, a little spirited, raised his glass and yelled " I love HATS!" Denise, owner of the Black Trumpette Bistro sat with us and gave us some amazing advice. She grew up in an Entrepreneurs World. Her Mom started a wholesale bakery when Denise was little and taught the family incredible work ethic and faith in oneself and dreams. WOW what a wonderful place for Sue and I to raise our first glasses of Champagne to toast Little Hat.

Little Hats spotted at The Wentworth By The Sea

Last night was one of the most memorable evenings for Sue & I since the birth of The Little Hat Company. It was the Commander's dinner at the prestigious and historical Wentworth By The Sea in New Castle, NH. We were invited to help sell the USSNH winter lids that were created for the commissioning by The Little Hat Company. YEAH!! The people were fabulous - welcoming and inspiring. The Navy band - brought chills to our arms and Sue looked adorable in her little black dress, heals, and bright yellow USSNH lid. I think she received more complements on her hat than on her front page appearance in the Fosters Daily Democrat. We were like children in a candy shoppe. Our eyes were wide open and twinkling the entire evening as we share our story and thanked people for the compliments and enthusiasm toward the success of The Little Hat Company. As I type this, Cathie & Deb are on the Naval Shipyard with 1000's of other people for the commissioning of the USS New Hampshire. My heart goes out to them knowing they will be fabulous and make The Little Hat Company shine to all the wonderful people attending the ceremony. Most of all our thoughts go out to the many brave, courageous, and talented crew that serve so that we may live and enjoy the freedoms of a Democratic Nation. Please except our gratitude for what you do for each and everyone one of us and the preservation of our sovereign nation. Our Hats are off to YOU!!!

Anna's thoughts about The Little Hat Company

"I think that The Little Hat Company is a little store but with a lot of stuff. My favorite things at the store are the hats. I like the Kozy Kaps. A lot of kids like the toys. The people at The Little Hat Company work hard because Deb Knowlton works very hard on the hats for the store and Sue page I don't know what she does but she's here all the time. Mrs. Poli thanks The Little Hat Company for the dogs, they are getting lots of love. We can tell because they are laying down. I hope in the future The Little Hat Company will not be a little store anymore. I think it will be like as busy as Walmart. Libby is the toddler on the sticker. It makes me proud because when she grows up I hope she will be as loving and protecting as my mom." - Anna, age 7

The Commander asked for Adult Lids

When this whole thing started - 2 years ago, my new baby needed a summer hat. The most interesting things that happen in life could never have been predicted or even imagined. That one little hat turned into a whole new phase of life for me and my family, I've made some amazing new friends who a lot of them I get to work with every day. We were asked to create winter lids by my friend Diana and now after having shipped to five continents, opened a retail store, built a website and appeared in national magazines we are being asked to make adult lids for the Commander of the USS New Hampshire.

Thinking back to that early evening in my dining room surrounded by fabric samples and shirt boxes made into pattern pieces I could never have imagined any of this happening in my wildest dreams...but then again I was still nursing and sleep deprived. The little girl in this picture will be going to nursery school with Libby this winter. Libby was too young to start in September. By a twist of fate we've found out that her Mom is also an amazing photographer - google her, Jill Brady.

Next week we are heading off to New York City to meet some of the peeps at The Today Show. I guess if I could say one thing to anyone who happens to land on this blog...stop worrying about your future and what lays ahead you wouldn't believe it if you knew it ahead of time anyways. Relax, things have a way of working out if you just step out of your own way.

Props go out to Kim, Cathie, and Deb for stitching through the night to produce 100 Adult USS New Hampshire lids. We wouldn't be able to grow in such a wonderful way without you! Hey someone said Barb is dark, dark, dark from being in Hawaii. One Day!! Amy are you healed yet or is football season over yet?

Wow - What a View!!

Linda and I had the unbelievable opportunity to board the Thomas Leighton last Sunday to sell our fleece lids created for the social event of the USS New Hampshire. Not only did we get to meet some very interesting people, a photographer who works on expeditions with the Professor who found the Titanic, but also had an up close view of the USS New Hampshire entering the Piscataqua River. Pepperell Cove never looked as beautiful as we sat just short of Whaleback Light and watched the Commander being brought to the sub by helicopter. We were so thankful to be a part of this historic event!

The Little Hat Company warmly welcomes the USS New Hampshire

Susan Page and Cathie Mc Coomb dance a happy jig as Dave from Harvey's Embroidery shows the little hatters the finished USS New Hampshire children's fleece lids that were sewn in South Berwick by The Little Hat Company.

The USS New Hampshire is arriving tomorrow, Sunday October 19th and a team from Little Hat will be selling commemorative items aboard the Thomas Leighton including the children lids.

WITH a huge thank you to Tina & Cathie for doing business on the bleachers watching their sons play baseball. 1000 hats later The Little Hat Company is receiving amazing response from the lids and looking forward to working with new events and companies to promote their brand.

Help us keep South Berwick Families warm this winter!

Winter should be fun and full of warm memories for children of all ages. Help us keep South Berwick families warm this winter. Come into our store, 10 Portland Street, South Berwick Maine and donate $5.00 to the fuel for families can and get a free Original Loope Lid for free!!

We want to thank everyone who has generously donated to this can and helped us by giving their Loope Lid to a friend or family member. We are looking forward to becoming a national brand and building our little company from South Berwick, Maine.

Family Favorite Recipes - Local Resident, Kathy Gunst

The Little Hat Company is proud to carry Cookbooks by Kathy Gunst. She is a mom and an amazing author. Check out her website www.kathygunst.com

The Little Hat Company in Paris

The last time I stood in front of the Eiffel Tower in Paris France, I was 16 years old. Never did I imagine that I would have started a children's hat manufacturer and the hats would travel the globe. WOW and THANK YOU GOD! Just two years since the start of The Little Hat Company we have shipped to five continents, built an amazing website (courtesy of Good Girl Graphics and Melange Studio), opened two retail stores (closed one) and shipped hats all over the country. The most amazing part of the this whole deal is the team that now resides at 10 Portland Street, South Berwick, Maine. Deb, Kim, Cathie, Linda, Amy, Lauren, Barb, and Sue - a little company in South Berwick, Maine ( a little town) is quickly becoming a global brand. Could you even imagine at our first company meeting with all of you just a year ago? Thanks to Boston Globe, The Weekly Sentinel, the 236 Diner, Maine Biz, endless Mom Blogs, Yankee Magazine, Harbor Kids, The Portsmouth Herald, Fosters, Boston's Parent Magazine, Childlight Yoga's email newsletter along with Ye Olde Computer Shoppe and so many friends for forwarding our newsletters!!! We are in the midst of 'right sizing' bringing our focus back to what we are all about - children's hats and our adorable little toy store in South Berwick Maine. Please come and visit us at the upcoming Pumpkinman Triathlon on September 6 & 7 next month at Spring Hill in South Berwick.

Thank you for all of your endless support!!!

It's okay to ask for help!

A lot of people wonder why Little Hat has reached so many more people than my other businesses. At first I didn't know how to answer or really what was the reason behind it all. Well, I'm starting to get glimpses of how this all works and it is absolutely wonderful. Little Hat has taught me - It's okay to ask for help. In the beginning when we were just starting out people were saying what a great job I was doing and instinctively I would answer "it's not me". There is something else at work here. Too many things just seemed to line up at the right time when we needed them too. It's not to say that we haven't done an amazing amount of work. Sue, Barb, Deb, Kim, Cathie, Amy, Linda, Gail, Kim, Joyce, Ginny, Valerie, Kathleen, Kris, Connie, Deb, Lauren, Matt, and many more have pushed up our sleeves and worked into all hours of the night when needed. There is a certain knowing or faith that we are all meant to be in this together and see it to the end. I have shed more tears of joy, fear, laughter, anxiety, and aha moments then any other time in my life. I have been pushed out into the community to meet the most gracious, kind, wise, giving, and helpful people. For most of my career I would allow myself to only get so far into success and then push back saying I didn't deserve what was just around the corner. Well not anymore. Everyone deserves abundance. Everyone needs abundance so that they can then share with their families, their friends, and their communities. It is so important for us to share the support that we have received from our community and each other. Please let us know how we can help you! Sue Page has taught me so many things in the past three years: much of which she shrugs off and says I'm silly. The greatest gift that she has imparted on me is to be patient and share the daily joys with my family. It has been so easy to get caught up in the daily tribulations of Little Hat...then one call from Sue and I'm instantly reminded of why we are looking so crazy in those strawberry hats... we are doing it for our families, friends, and community. Our goal is to bring abundance and joy to each and share with everyone how to get it for themselves. Life is such a wonderful gift we've been given, and feels especially so when we are truly able to shrug off our daily struggles and realize there is always joy in front of us for us to be a part of and enjoy.

Just a morning thought and a whole lot of gratitude goes out to all of you for helping!!

Wow- that was way easier than I thought to post a movie clip!

Okay so it may not be perfect but I still haven't put Lib to bed. I was way too excited to see how this all works. Please submit your movies and photos of your little ones in their Little Hat Company Lids. Each month we pick a winner and ship out a free lid of their liking to themselves or a friend. jen@thelittlehatcompany.com

"thought you might like to see you hat creation on vacation in Mont Tremblant Quebec.. Marley Ruth Leavitt...

Have a great day!!!" Tina.

Mont Tremblant Quebec hosts the Sweet Charity Stroller Lid

"thought you might like to see you hat creation on vacation in Mont Tremblant Quebec.. Marley Ruth Leavitt...
Have a great day!!!",Tina.

Tina also sent us a movie clip of Smiley Marley showing off her Sweet Charity Lid on the cobblestone streets of Quebec. As soon as I post this adorable picture I am going to put my toddler to bed and try to find out how to share this amazing clip with you. It's pure heaven for The Little Hat Company
Did I tell you how very appreciative we are for each and everyone of you sending in the beautiful images of our Stroller Lids as faithful traveling companions all over the world. It really feels good to be a global company!! Please let us know how we may be of service to you!

Best Wishes,

Jen
Founder
The Little Hat Company

Cystic Fibrosis Foundation - Team Bumbles

This is me and my son Aaron. He's fourteen and when he was born I started my first business - Basket Case, aptly named for my state of mind at the time. This past weekend Aaron and I embarked on one of our most prized adventures together. Last Saturday we woke up at 4:00am in the morning and headed to Newbury MA. We were part of team "Bumbles". Those are the cutest little bumble bees flying across our shirts.

My sister lost her only daughter to Cystic Fibrosis two years ago. Aaron and Kim were very close and shared a lot of their personality's and love for the Boston Red Sox. Kimmy was born when I was ten and I loved being with her. She was beautiful, brilliant, stubborn, artistic, and had the best giggle. Kim lived to be 25 years old but it wasn't long enough. Her quality of life was less then something that could be dealt with but somehow she forged on through life and found her own path. We miss her tons!

So crazy family that we are my sister convinced Aaron and I to join their team bumbles and ride 150 miles over the span of two days. OUCH!! Who said I didn't need to train? Somewhere in between being a mom of three, a business owner and a wife I only succeeded in squeezing in three training rides. Not my best but we made it - my greatest moment was my teenager not ever complaining once or saying he wanted to quit!! He kept his eyes forward and his heart in the right place. I'm so happy to be able to include him in this blog and introduce you to my son. Often with The Little Hat Company he remains behind the scenes - his noggin is way to big for the Stroller or Loope Lid - not that he would be caught in one.

I just want to say that I love him more than the entire world and I am one proud MOM!! If you would like to find out more about Cystic Fibrosis and how you can help please visit their site CFF.org

By the way - our little Bumbles team raised more than 4000K! The advancements that have been made since Kim was born and since passed are only short of miraculous.

Little Hat goes to StoryLand Glenn New Hampshire

"Here is a picture of our 17 month old Brianna ( South Berwick native), who is a huge fan of the Little Hat Company.

She is wearing her Strawberry hat at the Pumpkin patch at StoryLand in Glen NH during the 4th of July weekend." -Lanette

A note from The Little Hat Company: Brianna was one of our first customers while she was still in her Mom's belly. Her parents have supported us from the very beginning and we are so very thankful! It is because of Brianna and her family and many others like them that we have grown so quickly. This incredible picture means so much to our company because it represents the time that has passed, the thousands of hats that have gone out across the world, and the amazing people the company has brought into our lives. We are so very thankful for your support!

Words to Live By...from one little hat to a whole lot of others

Hi Little Hat s,

Checked out one of the websites that we are involved with and stumbled upon this wonderful quote that I had to share with all of you...just seems to fit this little company.

"Our lives are not determined by what happens to us but by how we react to what happens, not by what life brings to us, but by the attitude we bring to life. A positive attitude is a catalyst, a spark that creates extraordinary results."

If we all continue to live by that quote....possibilities are absolutely endless! Here's to our future and so much more fun and laughter...

xoxoCathie

That's Cathie in the pink looking up at the camera on our recent Avon Breast Cancer Walk in Boston. Last night our whole team of Managers met in my porch- beneath the twinkle lights and through Sue's vision built our dream boards. We started at 7:30pm and finished at 11:55pm. Yikes. We were saying goodbye for now to Connie who's leaving for Alaska.

We are going to miss her for now she'll be back!!

On Top of Ole Smokey

The Little Hat Company is teaming up with Cuddle Bee to extend its popular line of Stroller Lids. Coming very soon - A gift set to include, CuddleBee Bib & Burp with matching Stroller Lid. A perfect baby shower gift!

Stay tuned these adorable gift sets will be available soon!

For now visit our online store: The Little Hat Company

Lobster Lid is afloat in New Hampshire

Our Lobster Lid - the newest addition to The Little Hat Company's Stroller Lid line was just recently spotted afloat in some remote pool in Western New Hampshire.

The little man was surprised as he was caught in the act of taking a little R&R away from his jet setting life.

To view the Lobster Lid and additional styles of our Stroller Lids visit The Little Hat Company at our company store or online.

Amazing photographer Donnie Kelley offers up a sensational recipe for summer fun in her blog Donnie Kelley

Children Can Learn French in South Berwick

This article was published in The Portsmouth Herald.

July 09, 2008 6:00 AM

SOUTH BERWICK, Maine — Things are happening upstairs at The Little Hat Company. Beginning in September, Nicole Gastonguay Ritchie will start L'École de Nicole in the space, offering "Fun with French" through songs, games, puppets, role play, art and more for children between the ages of 4 and 6.

Ritchie was looking for a place to start teaching French to young children. She found the perfect space after talking with Jennifer Houghton at The Little Hat Company, and laying the groundwork for French classes for pre-kindergartners and kindergartners.

At a glance

L'Ecole de Nicole

Owner: Nicole Gastonguay Ritchie

Location: 10 Portland St., South Berwick, Maine

Phone: (207) 332-8320

E-mail: ecoledenicole@comcast.net

"In many other countries, children grow up learning multiple languages," Ritchie said. "It is troubling to me that children in our community are not exposed to foreign language at an early age.

"Children should be given the gift of language, and I want them to have fun learning French," she added. "With the help of The Little Hat Company, my dream of having a French school for children will come true."

A lifelong French speaker, Ritchie has long seen the need for foreign language exposure for children in this community. She grew up in Lewiston, Maine, surrounded by the Franco-American culture. Her grandparents were from Canada. Her father was a career French teacher.

As a child, there was often more French than English heard and spoken at her home, and she said she relished her annual family trips to Canada to visit her French-speaking relatives. Ritchie was taught French in school starting in the first grade, which gave her a strong background by the time she reached the high school French honors program.

Ritchie was a double major, French and mathematics, at Bowdoin College, where she spent a semester away at La Sorbonne in Paris. After graduating, she continued her French studies in Switzerland at L'Université de Lausanne. While there, she also did extensive train travel to nearby countries.

Prior to having her own family, she taught French in various private schools, including Berwick Academy, where she took students to Quebec City, Canada, to learn about the Canadian culture. She said these experiences have helped her to appreciate foreign languages and cultures.

Good Girl Graphics picks a couple of winners!

Hanna of Good Girl Graphics in South Berwick, Maine has just picked a couple of winners from our Little Hat...Big World Contest! Her two picks are Julie goes to NYC and Our Giraffe Lid lands in San Francisco! Congratulations and enjoy your free Stroller Lids.

Hanna is greatly responsible for shaping the new look and feel of The Little Hat Company. She has worked on everything from our logo, packaging, to our beautiful and award winning website. Although her client list is ever increasing she never fails to give your project the one on one time and energy it deserves. She captured our look and feel of our company after sitting and listening to our ideas, goals, and hopes for the future. "Hanna we are very thankful to be working with you and Good Girl Graphics!"

The Little Hat Company

Enter our Little Hat...Big World contest by emailing us your picture of a little one in a Stroller Lid posing anywhere in the world. Enter to win a free Stroller or Loope Lid from The Little Hat Company.

Abby Chic and The Little Hat Company are Teaming Up

Abby Chic, a cool & beautiful shop to purchase flowers has teamed up with us to offer an incredible gift to new babies. Abby, shop keeper and florist, has generously made the new baby gift available on her website abby .

The floral arrangements come with a choice of either a baby boy or baby stroller hat from The Little Hat Company with a dainty violet arrangement and card. For more information visit Abby's wonderful site above.

To view the many different Stroller Hats available visit our website www.thelittlehatcompany.com

Maine Lobsters and Local Strawberrys

Whose brilliant idea was it to use the puppet stand from our toy store to highlight our Strawberry and Lobster Lids. We hosted a good ole fashioned bbque in our booth - sans the grilling action. The Strawberry Festival in South Berwick, Maine was such a wonderful experience for The Little Hat Company. Someone even told us that they heard we were going to be on either Oprah or Marth Stewart. Sue and I both looked at each other and thought, "Now that's amazing!"

2008 Strawberry Run Winners

WoW! How proud are we to be affiliated with such a great group of athletes. The winners from each category received one of our very first lids as part of their prize package.

We are looking forward to designing a new Strawberry Patch lid for the winners of the 2009 race.

Congratulations!!

Jasmine - cutest strawberry shortcake in South Berwick

Sue and I met the most adorable little Saturday at the Strawberry Festival in South Berwick. She came adorned with her Strawberry Patch Lid and Strawberry Festival tank top. Jasmine was very proud to represent her home town's time honored tradition. Her parents were amazing and we had a great time talking with them about our town and Jasmine. Other children quickly caught on to Jasmine's trend setting fashion and came running to our booth for their very own Strawberry Patch Lid. Thank you so much Jasmine for your support!!

Sassy & Shaded in Ogunquit Maine

Just recently our Steel Magnolia Stroller Lid was spotted on the beaches in Ogunquit Maine. I love seeing her face covered in shade! Stylish, practical and comfortable!

Check out our newest Stroller Lid fabrics
The Little Hat Company

Cathie McCoomb crashes after finishing last lid

News just in from the county of York a very quick Mom just fell asleep without even picking up a fork.

She's been sewing for weeks, winding her bobbins, trimming her threads, and fixing Jen's lids.

It's time for sleep now until the next Stroller Lid season or just for awhile until Deb Knowlton's back from summer skiing.

Amy, however, is missing in action. It could be her legs are twice or thrice as long or it could be that she's off doing a little itty bitty wrong.

Kim Frank our other stitcher has been sewing them too. In between little league baseball and t-ball and using the loo.

Whatever the reason - it's time for Cathie , Amy and Kim to take a long break or at least until it's Loope Lid Season.

Thanks go out to our amazing team! Without you it just wouldn't be the same. My mom is so thankful that she's not sewing beside me...Sue and Barb are so thankful all the cutting is done!!

Little One and Mom Lovin Life on Carousel

The giraffe Stroller Lid has officially made its way out west. It was seen here helping to wrangle this wild mustang. This little one is a regular at Little Hat and he with his sister are undoubtedly two of our most favorite customers. Their mom can often be seen leading yoga classes next door at South Berwick, yoga. We are so proud to have our Stroller Lids sitting so pretty on their brilliant noggins. Thank you Amy for all of your support!

To enter your little one's photo in our monthly contest email your picture to our littlehatco@verizon.net Good Luck!

Strawberry Patch Lid Pops up in San Francisco

Could it get any cuter? Our own little South Berwick resident is seen here taming the lions. Just days away from our Strawberry Festival we couldn't be prouder than to have our Strawberry Patch Lids spreading out around the World. Please join us at our booth in front of Central School this Saturday. Sue and I have put together a "barbeque" of sorts - except without the grill.

Thank you so much for all of your support! Two of our lids went off to Kansas today and we received a call from a new store in Cape Cod!

To view more of our lids visit our site The Little Hat Company

Late Night - Working on Wholesale & Web

Sue and I are sitting here in my dining room. Eventhough it's only 9:30 my husband is asleep upstairs with my two younger children. We are just weeks away from our Stroller Lids appearing in Yankee Magazine and we want to make sure we have all of the quirks out of the site.

Amy,Cathie, & Kim have been stitching like crazy in Deb's absence. Cathie is cutting and sewing Strawberry Patch Lids and Amy is working like a mad woman to get all of the lobster lids done for the Strawberry Festival at the end of this month. Kim has been helping out wherever she can. I've been cutting at home and in the store. We are still cutting each hat out by hand with rotary cutters. We are using some of the original templates that I made from Christmas present boxes along with the vinyl placemat patterns that were created a year ago. If it's not broke, why fix it?

Sue has a friend who works in SEO and online marketing. YEAH!! She is looking over our site to give us some help in boosting our traffic.


Earlier this week, we met with an incredible fabric designer. We are talking with her about doing a private label line with her designs. We are very excited about this opportunity. More to come! - ok back to work.

Strawberry Patch Lids are Popping Up Everywhere!

This little one is proudly sporting her Strawberry Patch Lid. She looks ready for South Berwick's Annual Strawberry Festival always the last Saturday in June. Cathy has taken on the duty of heading up Strawberry Patch production with lots of help from Kim. Deb is still missing in action somewhere near Switzerland. Her email is down but we heard from Frank last week.
Cathie completed the very first adult Lid last week and came out of her house looking very Suessical in it. I loved it but it is going back to the drawing table for some more revisions. Eight winners from the Strawberry 5K road race will be receiving one as an award for their efforts. Sue and I will be manning the tent again this year in the same location in front of Central School. We will have even a larger assortment of Lids including our newest print - Lobsters Galore.
Amy has taken on the duty of of sewing close to 60 Lobster Galores for the festival. We've already had a wholesale preorder for both the Strawberry Patch and Lobster Galore. They will soon be available on CountryMooseKids.com. SO Cute!! We are also looking forward to seeing Sydney wearing one of our newest Stroller Lids in the July/August travel issue of Yankee Magazine hitting news stands at the end of this month.

It's all about the label

A familiar face came into the store this week. She was sending Stroller Lids down to North Carolina to her college friends. I love being in the store. There is something about toys and babies that keep people in happy spirits. We talked for awhile, I felt like I was making a new friend. She said one of the reasons she loves to send out our summer and winter hats is because of our label. Our labels read,"The Little Hat Company - South Berwick Maine " in big bold black letters.

She loves the town and is proud to be a part of it. We all are. How cool is it that we have a thriving little town that is quickly becoming a destination for people from all over New England. Last month, Grandparents came into shop. They had seen the dogs and were on their way to Portland to visit their son. We started talking and soon found out that I had gone to kindergarten with their son in Keene, New Hampshire. After more conversation, I found out that they had known my father ( who has since passed away). They loved the store and loved our town. They are coming back. I told them to grab a cup of coffee and run down to the market to grab some snacks for the road.

We had a woman email from France- she found us through the label on our Stroller Lid. She had such praises for our website - thanks Hannah and Megan, but also for the handcrafted quality of our little Stroller Lid! How cool is it that a team of talented women (mostly from Agamenticus Estates are stitching our hats that are being sent out all over the world and receiving such great feedback!! I feel so fortunate to have come to know them.

The one little hat I made for Libby two years ago has created a business, but more importantly it has brought so many wonderful people into my life. I thank God for that white little South Berwick label on our hats everyday!!

www.thelittlehatcompany.com

Julie & her lid in N.Y.C!

One of our Stroller Lids was recently spotted at The Rockefellar Center in N.Y.C.! Julie looks absolutely adorable!

http://www.thelittlehatcompany.com/ our Stroller Lids have been popping up everywhere around the globe. To celebrate we will be giving away one Stroller Lid a month to our favorite photo and description. Good Graphics of South Berwick, Me will be judging this contest.

email your info & pic: littlehatco@verizon.net

Snowy Hill - South Berwick

Harrison, Libby, & Sydney stay toasty warm in their lids while building a snowman.

Emmie - Aggie's Farmstand - South Berwick

Little Hat...Big World! Enter our Contest

Since the launch of http://www.thelittlehatcompany.com/ our Stroller Lids have been popping up everywhere around the globe. To celebrate we will be giving away one Stroller Lid a month to our favorite photo and description. Good Girl Graphics of South Berwick, Me will be judging this contest.

"My favorite flavor ice cream at Aggies is vanilla." - Emmie ,South Berwick

email your info & pic: littlehatco@verizon.net