Little Hat...Big World!

Crab Cakes & Tres Leches!

2009-11-05T05:34:00.000-08:00

Help Spread the Word - Local Economy is Booming

When you have the most fabulous idea you can't wait to share it with a friend. When you find a product that makes your life easier and even better brings a smile to your face you tell the moms at pick up and the person next to you in line at check out. When you feel as though you've been cheated or taken advantage of you tell your mom, your friends, your co-workers, your neighbors, and even the postman. Why is it when we've been hurt we share it with the world but when we've been helped or given a gift we tell a precious few?

I'm proposing that we make a shift in how we respond to the people and world around us. Let's take on a new challenge. When something good is said or done and we are fortunate enough to be around it let's start sharing it. It's not bragging or gloating its helping to kick off a chain reaction of good. It can start off simple and then just as we plant seeds in business, spreading the word about good things it can have a HUGE beneficial impact on local business and economies. So here's what I propose:

Take one thing that you love from a local store and or business. It has to be something you truly love and can't get enough of. Begin bringing it up in conversation with friends and neighbors who would benefit from the knowledge. Make it your project for the week to see how many people you can spread the word to in your town. This is going to be mine. I've been going to Pepperland Cafe since we started building The Little Hat Company. There are two items on the menu that I order almost every time I go there. I can't get enough of them and always get at least one other person with me to try it. This week I am going to try to spread the word to as many people that I can about Pepperland's Crab Cakes and Tres Leches Cakes. Why? Because number one - they are by far the most scrumptious things I have ever tasted in my life. Have I told you that I have eaten in Paris, LA, NYC, across the Midwest, the Western Carribean, a cruise ship or two, and still by far Pepperland's Crab Cakes and Tres Leches are my personal favorites!!

I suggest you treat yourself and after the kids go to bed, get a sitter and venture down to Pepperland's for a piece of cake. Bring your husband/wife and while enjoying the creamy, moist, delicious cake with fresh berry ask them how their day was.

I can't wait to hear through the grapevine what your most favorite product or service is in South Berwick, Maine.

Here are some other things I've been thinking about

One more thing!

2009-10-28T11:56:00.001-07:00

So, I wrote last night about my experience with Little Hat, but I neglected to mention all the hatters that I've become close to.

Deb Knowlton, "dkhatmaker"..please don't ever change that email address. I cannot explain to you how much I learned from you, laughed with you and am so lucky to have gotten to know you. I will not let go of our dream to sew together on your porch in our fuzzy pants! You have such a nice family and little brit..well she knows how I feel about her! :)

Linda Wozny, "Woz" (I still can't call you that for some strange reason), you are such a nice person and have always been willing to help out whenever you were needed, so glad to have met you.

Barb Mundell, although we didn't get to know each other very well, I know from Jen and Sue how important your role was in The Little Hat Company right from the beginning and that without you, we wouldn't have had the wonderful labels in all our hats that read "The Little Hat Company, South Berwick, Maine". I believe sewing on that label was my favorite part!

Amy Manchester, you are an amazing mom and woman! I envy your strength, both inside and out and miss you, but am happy for you in Nantucket!

Kim Frank, I remember when you began working at Little Hat and if it hadn't been for you, I might not have begun cutting fabric. I have missed you not working with us, but because we are family and friends, I can call you and see you whenever I want!

Sue Page, or Sue Paaage as we affectionately call you. You are an incredible light who doesn't even realize how special you are, always positive, always hysterical and always a joy to be around. New York City and lots of corn come to mind! You have an invisible halo over your head that we can see everyday. Your parents should be very proud to know what a great job they have done. I feel so blessed to have met you and call you my friend, and look forward to so many more years of laughter with you!

And Jen Houghton, you brought me into this magical little company, shared your story with me, eventually hugged me :), taught me countless lessons about business, friendship, life, laughed with me, cried with me and I would not trade any of those moments. You are an amazing person, and I hope that someday you will come to realize how your heart affects everyone around you and has affected all of the "Hatter's". I know that whatever path you are brought on in the future, that it will be bigger, better and absolutely amazing, and I will be right by your side enjoying the ride as usual! Thank you for all of it. In my heart, I will always be a "Little Hatter" in South Berwick, Maine.

xoxoCath

It's time to say "Uncle"...

2009-10-27T17:00:00.000-07:00

Feeling lots of different emotions right now, but honestly my experience and journey with The Little Hat Company the past 2 1/2 years has opened my heart in so many ways. I have gained more confidence in myself and my abilities. I have met so many wonderful, caring people in our community. I have learned about small business and most importantly have gained friendships that I wouldn't have had if I had just stayed in my cozy home, with my fuzzy pants on, in my comfort zone. I have absolutely loved every minute of being a Little Hatter, from the beginning to the end, and all the ups and downs in between. It has been a rollercoaster ride, an emotional high, a learning experience and I wouldn't trade one solitary moment of it. We have made so many memories together that I will cherish forever and share with whoever is willing to listen. So although this is the "end" of something that was so much fun, so exciting and even stressful at times, I realize that it can also be a window into something else, something better and something new. Big thank you's go to all the people who have supported The Little Hat Company, listened to the story, shared it with others and bought our hats for their children's noggins and their own.

One never knows what the future holds, but as long as our hearts are open to it, anything is possible...in the words of one very funny "Hatter".....Carry on. Cathie McCoomb

"Uncle" It's time to say Uncle

2009-10-24T13:56:00.000-07:00

This will be our last email newsletter from The Little Hat Company. We have loved being little hatters and look forward to finding out what we will become in the future. We want to thank you for all of your loyal support.

We will be continuing our blog as we close down the business and transition into the next phase of our lives. We would still love to hear from you and see how the hats are making their way across the globe.

Good Things We've Learned:

Anything is possible
Dream Big
Money does Matter
When you close a door a window opens
Dishes in the sink will never disappear
It takes a good story to make a good story

We can't thank you enough for all the support you have given us, we couldn't have made it without you!

The Little Hatters

Adults are staying warm in New England with Kozy Kaps!

2009-10-20T05:59:00.000-07:00

This past weekend in New England was cold! We were at the York Harvest Festival for Friday through Sunday and loved every minute of it. Well maybe not so much when the rain started coming down Sunday. The Little Hat Company began with a summer lid for a baby, Libby. Since then we have added to our sizes, designs, and seasons and for some reason it always surprises me to see our lids on adults of all ages, sexes, backgrounds, and locations. I love it. When people first try on one of our micro-fleece Kozy Kaps they always say "ooooooohh Kozy". They never think that they will look good in the bright large prints but let me tell you that is what they end up wearing when they leave our booth. At this years Harvestfest we were so excited to make friends with the girls from "A kick in the glass". Faith and Donna as seen above sandwiched between me and Cathie were instant cohorts and we are excited for their new venture and business. They are showcasing their product at The Holiday Showcase at The Old Neal Farm in North Berwick on November 14th and 15th. FMI call 207-676-4040.

Instead of a Purple Cow...How about a Black Crow?

2009-10-12T09:39:00.000-07:00

Our Kozy Kaps keep you warm, kozy, and attract birds of all colors and sizes. They are available at The Little Hat Company in multiple patterns and all sizes for babies to adults.

Enjoying the Woods in New England

2009-10-12T09:27:00.001-07:00

New England is one of the best places to take a walk in the fall.

Where are your Chemo Caps?

2009-10-08T10:11:00.001-07:00

"Jen, where are your Chemo Caps?"
I was asked this question at a Rotary meeting this morning and it took me off guard. My quick answer was that kids and adults are already wearing Kozy Kaps while they are dealing with chemo treatments.

I tried to explain to Steve that I didn't think it was right to say that our Kozy Kaps are Chemo Caps. He was almost frustrasted with my response.

The Little Hat Company is a unique business in many ways. We have not taken the traditional path as most companies starting out. We laugh together, we cry together,and we sew hats together.

I woke up this morning at 3:00am, than 4, than 5, and then finally just after 6:00am I rolled over and new I needed to get up. Thursday mornings mean Rotary. My husband's day off so he gets the kids ready for school. It's funny that I fought off the idea of joining Rotary mostly for silly reasons for quite some time. Just ask Mark. But since joining Rotary I have discovered more about myself and my business in such a short time then I would have ever thought possible.

I'm starting to get to know more names and also developing friendships with more of the members. I know what you're thinking... I was right there with you. What would I have in common with a group that is heavily male dominated and retired. The truth is that for most of my career I've always worked with men and I grew up as the youngest of five. My brother is 15 years older than I so actually I fit right in with Rotary.

When Steve (I'm embarrassed to say I don't know his last name) came up to me at the morning meeting I was a little taken back. He came right over and asked if I was The Little Hat Lady. I said yes. He then asked me - "Where are your Chemo Caps? Don't you have Chemo Caps? I looked all over the site and couldn't find them."

I knew that we did and that people are wearing our kozy kaps while they are going through Chemo treatments but it is something that I have always hesitated putting out there in the forefront of our business. It is such a personal horrific disease that I felt it was dishonorable to try to make a buck at someone's expense. In the store once I heard that someone was dealing with cancer I would end up giving them one or more of our Kozy Kaps as a gift.

Steve was obviously frustrated at my inability to explain why we didn't make it easy for people to find "Chemo Caps" on our site. He shared with me that his wife had battled cancer and had hated wearing the scarf on her head for warmth and protection. It made me think of my sister who had battled breast cancer twice and had been frustrated looking for options to keep warm and cover her bare head in public.

So maybe I'm not getting it...maybe if we make a product offers a solution to a difficult problem I should be telling everybody in the world about it.

When we first made it Kozy Kaps it was for the intent of keeping little noggins warm in New England. We planted a seed and since then Kozy Kaps have served a multitude of purposes. In the picture above my daughter is wearing one playing soccer.

Life is crazy hard sometimes and who knows what the answer is...I'm just thankful for the people I've met building The Little Hat Company and the people I've met in Rotary. I'm more thankful for the stories I've heard and the lessons I've learned.

Smile and find joy in today!

Jen Houghton

P.S. Here is a letter we received about one of our Kozy Kaps "Chemo Caps"

Hi Jen,
I went to Pgh to visit my mom this weekend. She just loves her caps. They keep her warm at night and comfy during the day when her wig gets uncomfortable. She wore one in the hospital over the weekend and got lots of compliments. My Dad likes the blue one because it makes her eyes look blue and she likes the pink one because it makes her feel happy.
She thinks Amy's Treat sounds like a great org. We will definitely be donating.
Thanks for sending them to her - it's the little things like a comfy cap that matter when you don't feel well. Cancer Sucks - they hand out buttons with that slogan on it at her cancer center - you are doing something good to make it suck a little less. Thanks!
Sarah

Amy's Treat - Enriching the Journey of Those Living With Cancer

2009-09-29T13:38:00.000-07:00

When Lenore first came into The Little Hat Company we had never heard of Amy's Treat or had the slightest idea of how one person's legacy could bring so much joy to others. Certain people in life have a spark that seems to grow as they come in contact with others and knows when someone's in need. Amy's Treat has become one of those organizations which are built from one of these sparks and we are proud to be working with them to bring relief and help to people in need. When cancer appears lives are changed dramatically. Amy's Treat is there to offer help wherever needed. I have been touched by stories of them finding rides, purchasing furniture, filling oil tanks, refridgerators, treating a family to a night off to take the focus off of cancer, and also finding toys for a single mom to give to her daughters during the holidays when medical bills are all but consuming.

Learn more about this amazing organization - Amy's Treat
Support Amy's Treat - Amy's Treat Kozy Kaps

Matching Lids for Sisters in Massachussetts - Sun Hats

2009-09-14T11:24:00.000-07:00

Hi Jen,

Hi, it's Lynne Grady from South Berwick. I ordered a couple hats from you this summer. You were so incredibly sweet you gave me a complimentary hat to give to my sister in MA. I'm emailing you a picture of us wearing your hats at a family party in MA.

I am so sorry it took me this long to get this picture to you. I was going to add it to your website but I've never blogged before and got discouraged. I just went back on again today and did the same thing all over again. I don't know how to blog and start my own webpage so I decided to email you it instead. I hope that's okay too.

My sister, Christine, lives in Auburn, MA and we were there for a big family party - her son was celebrating his 1st birthday. She LOVES the hat and the fabric! We both received a lot of compliments on both styles.

Thank you so much again!
From 2 big 'Little Hat Company' fans

* The two sisters are wearing the Beachcomber Lid and the Cog Lid - click to buy

A Santa Lid from North Pole Alaska reaches out to The Little Hat Company

2009-09-04T07:07:00.001-07:00

Hi. My name is Betsy and I live in North Pole, Alaska. It's a great place to live. On Tuesday night I had two moose in my yard eating the vegetable garden.

I can't tell you how I managed to run across your site, but your products are adorable! As someone who makes baby hats too, I felt compelled to email a picture of one of my hats.

Have a good day,

Betsy Anderson
North Pole, AK

Strawberry Lid pops up this summer at Cape Cod Massachussetts

2009-08-31T05:10:00.001-07:00

Greetings Jen...Your hat received many compliments when were were down in Cape Cod. Hope you are well

Perrin

Beachcomber Sun Hat found right here in our back yard.

2009-08-30T16:15:00.000-07:00

I wanted to share a few pictures of my daughter Lilliana wearing her Little Hat Company hat in the garden at home in South Berwick. We have received so many compliments on the hat! We love it!

Cheers!

Kelly St. Pierre

This weekend The Little Hat Company was at two shows: one in North Conway and the other in Minnesoata. We are excited to be leaving our own backyard and venturing further to show our hats and introduce them to noggins all over the country. While today was beautiful and sunny with a touch of fall in the air, yesterday we sold mostly Kozy Kaps as faithful craft show followers made it out in the down pour rain and a solid 57 degree weather.

We are looking forward to taking part in more Craft Shows throughout New England this far and love to see pictures of where our lids are showing up in the world even if it is in our very own backyard.

If you would like to see more lids visit us online : The Little Hat Company.

Introducing our first "Green" Recycled Adult Bucket Lid - One of Kind

2009-08-22T05:58:00.001-07:00

Bill Page, our co-founder's husband stopped by yesterday with a request. He wanted me to make him one of our bucket lids that he would be able to wear on his upcoming family vacation to Disney. Sue, GMom, Amy, Katherine, Sydney, and Harrison are all going to be sporting one of our bucket lids while visiting Disney, Wild Kingdom, MGM, and just hanging out at the pool. Bill is behind The Little Hat Company 100% and wanted to show his support. Bill is also hugely creative and wanted a one-of-a kind lid, the first ever if you will. I told him to pick out his fabric and when I dropped the kids off later that day I would sew his lid for him.

So after hours in the pool, we're having a New England heatwave, I received a call from Bill. He wanted to know if I could make a Bucket Lid for him from one of his old shirts that he wasn't wearing anymore.

Voila - our first "Green" Bucket Lid made from a shirt Bill was no longer wearing in his closet. He asked me to somehow incorporate the tag from his glory days. I also used one of his cotton Timberland T'shirts that had seen better days for the lining. It was new but oddly familiar and Bill loved it!!

If you have a shirt in your closet that you would like made into a bucket lid email the little hatters - friendlyperson@thelittlehatcompany.com . Tell us your size and style of lid you would like it made into and we'll send you the address to ship you article of clothing to and the expected date of transformation. We're very excited to start recycling your closet!!

Adventures With Abby - My new favorite blog & source of inspiration

2009-08-17T21:18:00.000-07:00

Abby is a little girl who recently came into my life through a picture sent in of her wearing one of our beachcombers. I was excited because her mom had just happened to be someone I had grown up with and spent time with her and my other friend Kelly. The funny thing is she became life long friends with Vicky, one of my best friends from Spofford. It was fun to start connecting with everyone on Facebook and to see how they've changed. The last time that I have been face to face with most of my childhood friends was 9th grade and that's how I remember them.

Misty ordered a second hat for her daughter Abby and I was thrilled. I was thrilled that she liked them and I could tell by the pictures that Abby was a true hat girl. I loved it. So cute...then I noticed tonight that we are starting to get a little traffic from a blog I hadn't visited - Adventures with Abby. I just spent some time getting to know my childhood friend a little bit better and discovering what a truly gifted mom and person she has become. My heart was touched by the love, support, nurturing, laughter, and grace that was pouring out of this blog from Misty and her husband directed mostly towards their daughter but also their friends and family.

I admire how family is truly their number one priority in life. It is easy to become distracted in life by some of the things that just don't matter as much as loved ones. New businesses, ideas, hobbies, and things. We have so many things that it takes so much of our time keeping up with it all. (I wish I could keep up with it all) In just one night Abby and Misty have taught me that - don't feel guilty about the dishes sitting overnight, the pile of paperwork will not go anywhere and it will be done in time for quarterlies, the gardens are hardy and know how to survive even with the weeds if they must. When my little ones come to me with something to say or wanting to play...I am going to think of Abby's family and try very hard to not say automatically 'in a minute'. After all the three of my children are so much more valuable then any thing I might be working on at the time. My mom always reminds me that one day they will grow up and you will have plenty of things around you...but somehow you'll only be able to think about them.

My hat off to you Misty and Mr. Misty for bringing such a bright light into this world and making sure she shines for everyone to see. I know where I'm going when I need a quick dose of whats really important in life.

Lakeside, Elm Brook Park, Hopkinton New Hampshire- protected from the sun and dipping toes in the water

2009-08-16T16:15:00.000-07:00

Ab from Keene New Hampshire has become our number one beachcomber wearing girl. Her mom and I were Keene High Blackbirds together until my parents moved me to Maine and landed at Traip Academy in Kittery, Maine.

It wasn't until Misty discovered The Little Hat Company that we've become reacquainted. Abs is dipping her toes in at Elm Brook Park, in Hopkinton New Hampshire at a birthday party. This is one party that I wish I had received an invite. It looks so relaxing!! Thanks for wearing our lids Abs!

If you would like to check out Abs beachcomber and our other fabrics and styles please visit our online store - The Little Hat Company.

Onion River Kids in Mountpelier VT just ordered Kozy Kaps, Toppy Lids, our great fleece winter lids!

2009-08-15T08:13:00.001-07:00

We are excited to announce the Onion River Kids in Mountpelier VT discovered The Little Hat Company and placed an order for Fleece Kozy Kaps and Toppy Lids. They will be arriving at their store shortly.

Keeping the sun out of her face - Sun Hats for a special little girl

2009-08-15T07:27:00.000-07:00

" I wanted to share a couple of pictures of my daughter in The Little hat Company's Beachcomber hat and Bucket lid. I was in town visiting family and I purchased one at the Strawberry Festival and one at the Wells Arts and Crafts show. I love the hats...Alexis does too!

Thanks for making a great quality, stylish hat. I also love that you're a local company. I look forward to many more purchases in the future."

Danielle Osterhaus

We love to receive emails with pictures from all over the world. The Little Hat Company is fortunate to have such great friends and we look forward to seeing how our sun hats and fleece winter lids come alive and take on their very own personality with each baby, toddler, child and now adult. One of our favorite things is when a group of people are in our tent at a show trying on different hats in a fury. We hang our full mirror low enough for children to check out how they look in one of our hats and it is cute watching the adults bend down to catch a glimpse and make a decision between styles and fabrics. Alexis sent us two pictures: one of her in our beachcomber lid and the other of her in our bucket lid.

Please remember The Little Hat Company for holidays and also baby showers. Help us spread the word and build a national brand by sharing our friends and family online coupon - halfoffhat it entitles you to 50% off your first purchase online when shopping at The Little Hat Company. Enjoy your shopping experience and we look forward to seeing one of our hats on you!!

Best Wishes,

The Little Hatters,
Deb, Cathie, Barb, Sue, Linda, & Jen

Details Gifts, Wolfeboro NH - Beachcomber Baby Sun Hat Appears

2009-08-07T06:27:00.000-07:00

Details Gifts is my new favorite store in Wolfeboro, New Hampshire. We met Olivia and Robin at the Summer Tradition craft show last month and they are seen here in Details with one of our Beachcomber Lids.

I just went online to find out more about their store and was amazed at how they've put their store together. It makes you want to shop just being at their website. I hope you have time to visit their online store and if you live close enough take a ride over. It's less than an hour from Dover, New Hampshire. The town is beautiful and a great place to spend the day or your vacation at the lake!

July's Little Hat...Big World Contest Winner - "When are we going Camping"

2009-08-01T03:39:00.003-07:00

Hanna Bulger of Good Girl Graphics, chose July's winner because of his incredible smile and how happy he looked. We are excited to be sending out a free lid from http://www.thelittlehatcompany.com to his family or as a gift from them to anyone in the U.S. A. If you have a great shot of someone you love wearing a sun hat or winter hat from The Little Hat Company email us and you will be entered in Little Hat...Big World. We love to see where our hats have ended up on the planet and are always grateful to see how far across the globe they have traveled. Of course we are just as happy to see the hats that have landed in our backyard. Go New England!

Email us your pictures!

Little Hat Company's version of The Skull Cap.

2009-07-31T10:28:00.000-07:00

We recently introduced The Little Hat Company's version of the traditional skull kap for winter wear at the Summer Tradition Craft Show in Wolfeboro New Hampshire in August. We had just gotten the fabric and had only one made up and immediately starting taking orders.

The boys love it, the moms love it for their little ones and even the dads love it for their little boys. The Skull Kozy Kap is not our traditonal fabric fleece for winter but its fun to mix it up now and then. It is a soft, warm, kozy, fleece hat that will soon become a favorite of little pirates everywhere.

Kerry's littly boy is absolutely adorable in his Nantucket Stroller Lid - a great sun hat for boys!

2009-07-27T15:46:00.000-07:00

We met Kerry in Wolfeboro along with her adorable son. What a great picture! Did we tell you how beautiful the town of Wolfeboro New Hampshire is? We had a great time showing our summer and winter hats to their residents and vacationers. We are looking forward to going back soon.

If you would like to check out our line of Stroller, Bucket, & Beachcomber sun hats for baby boys, little boys, big boys and girls of all ages visit our site: thelittlehatcompany.com

Misty's Daughter shows off her Beachcomber Sun Hat at the park in New Hampshire

2009-07-26T18:49:00.000-07:00

I grew up in a very small town in New Hampshire on a lake, Spofford Lake. Our town was so small that we didn't have our own highschool and in 9th grade we were bused almost 30 minutes to Keene Highschool. I made a ton of new friends but also was able to meet up with friends that I had made through sports and other friends from out of town.

Misty was one of those friends I had since childhood and then met up with her at highschool for a year before my family moved to Kittery Point, Maine. I haven't seen her since then so imagine my surprise when she orders a beachcomber lid for her daughter. It's kind of funny how our memories freeze and we almost expect the people and places we remember to do the same.

Misty was one of those kids in school who was always smiling and could make you laugh. I'm smiling thinking about her as I type. She also had the best smile that I can remember. It looks like her daughter has inherited her great personality and beautiful smile. Thank you Misty for all of your support and I'm so excited to see your daughter wearing a sun hat made by The Little Hat Company!!

One question though - is that Symmonds School?

Best Wishes,

Jen

http://www.thelittlehatcompany.com/

Whale Lid surfaces in Portland Maine - origin Seacoast Science Center

2009-07-25T15:56:00.000-07:00

Living in New England is unpredictable and exciting. You never know what you are going to run into and when you'll ever see it again. The Seacoast Science Center asked us to make them whale lids for their new whale exhibit - Tofu. We delivered three types of custom whale lids to them last winter just before Christmas. Then in the middle of summer we were fortunate to receive this adorable picture from the Portland area of a little boy wearing one of the special Tofu Celebratorial Whale Lids from The Little Hat Company. You can make out the tail sprouting from the ocean on the top of his noggin. Love it!!

The Little Hat Company loves creating Custom Caps for your athletics team, charity, organizations, or to proudly display your logo. Check out our Custom Lids Page - "Custom Caps"

Camping in Southern Maine - Camo Bucket Lid chosen by Henry

2009-07-22T17:44:00.000-07:00

Henry's mom just sent us this picture of him sporting his bucket lid immediately after receiving it from his friend Sue as a gift. His mom said that he loved it and "he told them he was going camping and wanted to know what else did he have in camo."

Little boys love Little Hat Company Lids too! To check out available prints and sizes - baby/adult

Click Here

Camden Bucket Lid in Haiti

2009-07-22T04:43:00.000-07:00

Amy just sent me this picture of Lane during her trip to Haiti. Lane is wearing our Camden Cog by The Little Hat Company. Lane recently took part in our photoshoot at Newcastle Commons in New Castle, NH.

Check out Cogs- Click Here!

Thank you Amy and Lane for bringing your Cog sun hat to Haiti!

Beachcomber Sun Hats worn by twins at the beach in Cape Cod, Massachussetts

2009-07-21T12:32:00.000-07:00

"Thank you so much for the prompt delivery of the sun hats. As you can see we had a WONDERFFUL time on the Cape. At least 6 people asked me where we got the hats and we were only there for 2 days!" - The Weir/Bloom Family

Click here to -Take a closer look at Beachcomber's by The Little Hat Company

The Oxford Beachcomber is one of our most favorite sun hats for kids of all ages at The Little Hat Company. It is made from soft cotton and has an adjustable cord on the back of the hat to make sure it doesn't fly away with the ocean wind. It completely covers the little ones face while they play in the sand and tidal pools, and protects them from the suns rays and reflection from the water. Best part of it - it looks so cute and will fit for more than one season with the adjustable sizing.

The best part is that the Beachcomber looks great on both girls and boys and is available in twenty beautiful fabrics. You may also find Beachcombers at Cape Cod Crafters in the Kittery Outlets in Kittery Maine.

Elf Lids come in multiple sizes for babies, children, and big kids!

2009-07-16T18:40:00.000-07:00

Jody sent us this picture of her adorable grandchildren sporting their elf lids from The Little Hat Company last Christmas Season. Can you picture all of them gathered around the tree listening to "Twas The Night Before Christmas"?

Jody contacted us today for two beachcombers - beach hats for twin babies with large brims that can be adjusted in the back so they don't fly off in the wind. I feel so fortunate that people have migrated from our retail location on 10 Portland Street in South Berwick to our website http://www.thelittlehatcompany.com This picture is a definite contender for Little Hat...Big World contest taking place each and every month. Send us your pictures of your loved ones, family, and friends wearing lids from The Little Hat Company.

Fleece Winter Lid becomes its own story at The Wells Craft Show in Maine

2009-07-12T03:47:00.000-07:00

So maybe I jumped the gun a little by blogging about Christmas in July. Yesterday when Sue and I were at The Wells Craft Show in Maine selling our lids the cutest scene played out with a beautiful little three year old girl. She reminded me a lot of my own Libby with very similiar spirit. She brought her family into our tent before they went into the show inside and then on their way out they came back to our tent. The little girl was attracted to our display of fleece lids and her mom was trying to gently "steer" her over to our display of bucket and beachcomber lids for sun protection.

She didn't make a scene, or cry, or throw a fit - the little girl. She just kept making her way back to the pumpkin lids that had been created originally for the Pumpkin Man Triathlon in South Berwick, Maine. When her mom put one on our finally the little girl had the biggest smile and kept feeling how soft it was and when she looked in the mirror her smile got even bigger. It was so cute. I could understand the mom's look of "but she really needs a sun hat". BUT I honor the mom for letting the little girl choose what she really wanted and loved. I'm not saying that kids should get everything they ask for but when they find something that they really love and it may be a season off, it was very big of the mom to let the little girl have the final choice. Hats off to you Mom!

Christmas in July - Baby Elf's First Christmas with our elf loope lid

2009-07-09T19:11:00.000-07:00

Christmas in July is one of my favorite times of the year. When the weather finally turns warm in New England, warm enough to pack away the fleece pullover, there is always the smallest reminder that Christmas is just six months away.

Today when I was gathering the recyclables from the basement stairway I noticed some forgotten Christmas decorations that were stashed between the studs of the wall instead of brought all the way down to the "Christmas Shelves". For an instant it brought me to our family cutting down our tree at Walkers Tree Farm in Madbury, New Hampshire, the cinnamon candle from Yankee Candle burning in the kitchen, and the smell of the kitchen when I bake my childhood favorite recipe, cream cheese press cookies. Most of all it reminded me of the wonderful gift Jane Cowen-Fletcher gave The Little Hat Company by including one of our loope lids on her front cover of her new baby board book, Baby Elf's First Christmas.

Last Christmas without even trying very hard we sold over $1200 worth of elf lids in just four weeks. All of the elf lids were made by adults in the confines of South Berwick, Maine. We are even more fortunate this year to sell the combined book and lid for all sizes in the gift section of our website - Gift Sets Jane Cowen-Fletcher is an amazing author from South Berwick, Maine and combined with our elf loope lid manufactured by stay at home moms in South Berwick, Maine equals a little bit of its own magic.

Don't forget to visit The Little Hat Company for other great Yankee Gift Sets for all occasions.

Happy Holidays and Hold on to the Summer, Christmas is Just Around the Corner!

Jen Houghton
Founder

The Little Hat Company

www.thelittlehatcompany.com

The perfect sun hat for the park.

2009-07-08T16:37:00.000-07:00

Yolanda is wearing on of The Little Hat Company bucket lids while swinging at the park. She looks stylish, cute, and well protected from harmful uv rays. Kids are meant to play and have fun in the sun.

Do you remember trying to swing so hard that you could swing over the bar when you were little? Has anyone ever actually done that or is it an urban legend? Some of my best memories from my childhood come from playing across the street from our home in Spofford, NH at the Grange playground on Church Street. Thinking back there was only a slide, a set of swings, and one of those "merry-go-rounds" that you run around while holding on and then jump on as fast as you can. The trick was to see who could stay on the longest without getting sick. I remember laying on my back looking up at the bright blue sky wondering what I was going to be when I grow up. Who could ever have guessed I would be building a hat company into a national brand. I love my family, I love my job, and I love the people I work with.

Baby Sun Hat blocks out sun and lets in some zzzzz's on vacation.

2009-07-06T21:16:00.000-07:00

Jen,
Here are some patriotic photos of my little hat wearers- Sarah on her way to the Buttonwood Zoo in New Bedford MA with her grandparents...and Miles, demonstrating how well you can nap out on the ocean with one of these great hats to shield the sun (and block out older sisters trying to poke you awake!). He is looking very patriotic on his 4th of July sailing trip with friends in America's (and Mommy's) hometown of Plymouth MA. (next email) Enjoy!
Amy

Lots of room to spare - Sparks the creation of new line for The Little Hat Company

2009-07-02T20:11:00.001-07:00

How incredibly sweet is this photo? We just received this picture today and I had an immediate thought "my babies had awfully large noggins". When I created the very first hat which just a couple of weeks later turned into The Little Hat Company, I made the pattern for Libby who at three months old had an 80% head. My thought as the company began to take off was that being a traditional Yankee spendthrift was that parents and children would get more use out of their lids if they were plenty big enough and they would grow into them. This has worked for us but as I openend this picture I had a sudden change of heart - even the littlest of noggins deserves a well fitting sun hat for ample protection from uv rays. So when a few things come together at the same time and place an idea is born and if you have a great group of people working towards the same goal, a solution is born. As we speak Deb is perfecting a new line of lids for the littlest noggins. We will be introducing asap - Little Baby Lids. These lids are designed with the younger crowd in mind, not preemies per say, but fresh new bambinos coming home from the hospital and making their first outings into the Big World we call life. We will be introducing our new line at our upcoming shows and then if all goes well bringing them live to the net in the next couple of months. If you would like to be among the first to try one of them please give us a shout via email to our friendly staff. We are looking forward to helping out new parents and grandparents fitting their new little loved ones with lids!

Drakes Island Bucket Lid for Adults lands in Eliot, Maine

2009-07-02T19:13:00.000-07:00

"I'm so excited about the new hat. Sophie LOVES it. Now she wants to know when the sun will come out so she can wear it at the beach!!"

Okay everyone - we were supposed to have a family get together b-day for Anna tonight on Drakes Island, kites, sandcastles, playing on the beach, picnic basket full of goodies, Frankie even made Anna an amazing sandcastle cake and of course because of our new weather patterns it ended up in our dining room. It was still fun - an old fashioned bday party in our dining room. Maybe the sun will be out next year for Anna's bday in July.

Our new line of Beachcombers are "Starring" in South Berwick, Maine

2009-06-29T20:53:00.001-07:00

One of our newest lines of lids, The Beachcomber by The Little Hat Company, made its debut this past weekend at The South Berwick Strawberry Festival and they sold out in every size except one. Amy's daughter looks absolutely stunning and well protected from the sun. She is sporting some great shade on her face and a perfect smile to match. Thank you so much for sending in this incredible picture of your daughter. We love to see our lids on very cute kids!

Don't forget to sign up for our newsletter and receive a 50% off coupon at www.thelittlehatcompany.com.

It was a good day for kids - South Berwick Strawberry Festival

2009-06-29T06:25:00.000-07:00

This little one is taking some well deserved R&R after a full day of fun activities at this years South Berwick Strawberry Festival. Or maybe it is her Strawberry Patch Lid from The Little Hat Company that is making her so sleepy. So super cute and one of our favorite little noggins that wears our hats.

Strawberry Patch Lids - popping up at the South Berwick Strawberry Festival 2009

2009-06-28T08:41:00.000-07:00

http://www.fosters.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090628/GJNEWS_01/706289874

EJ Hersom/Staff photographer Lydia Ruksznis, 2, wears a strawberry hat Saturday during the Strawberry Festival in South Berwick, Maine.

The Little Hat Company sold out of its Little Kid (4/5 yrs) Strawberry Patch Lids by noon. Who would have imagined that instead of the baby sizes selling out first it would be the bigger kids wanting to cover their noggins in berries this year at The South Berwick Strawberry Festival.

Deb & Cathie single handedly created and produced more than 60 Strawberry Patch Lids for the day as well as hundreds of our new styles and fabrics for babies and adults. Our new favorite the Cog, for adults was one of the first to sell out!

We had a great day and enjoyed seeing a lot of our customers in person. We look forward to seeing all of your entries for Little Hat...Big World and creating a real life strawberry patch of photos.

Little Hats invade New Castle Commons

2009-06-25T20:15:00.000-07:00

Today at approximately 9:00am twenty little hats invaded New Castle Commons, New Castle New Hamsphire. What a great day for a photo shoot. I can't wait to see the magic Jill Brady from Eliot Maine created today with lots of adorable hats and some pretty cute kids. Hanna will be using a lot of the photos to update our website. Thanks to everyone who lent their noggins today to make Little Hat one step closer to becoming a National Brand!

North Pole - Alaska

2009-06-25T19:45:00.000-07:00

I know that I've told almost everyone I know that we received an order for a hat shipping to North Pole, Alaska but I just can't stop thinking about it. If we never sell another hat again how cool is it that we are shipping a hat to the North Pole? Really...who would have ever thought? I hope they send us a picture of their little one wearing the hat.

I am so obsessed with this order that I googled North Pole, Alaska and this is what I've found:

North Pole is a city in Fairbanks North Star Borough, Alaska, United States. It is part of the Fairbanks, Alaska metropolitan statistical area. According to 2005 Census Bureau estimates, the population of the city is 1,778.[2] The name "North Pole" is often applied to the entire area bounded by Fort Wainwright, Two Rivers, Alaska, and the Chena River Flood Control Project.
Despite the name, the city is about 1,700 miles south of Earth's geographic North Pole.
The city is a summertime attraction for tourists visiting nearby Fairbanks, and traveling to and from the Alaska Highway and Valdez. Its biggest attraction is a gift shop named Santa Claus House with the world's largest fiberglass statue of Santa Claus outside. Prior to Christmas each year, the USPS post office in North Pole receives hundreds of thousands of letters to Santa Claus, and thousands more from people wanting the town's postmark on their Christmas greeting cards to their families. It advertises the ZIP code 99705 as the ZIP code of Santa.
Christmas-themed streets in North Pole include Santa Claus Lane, St. Nicholas Drive, Snowman Lane, and Kris Kringle Drive. Street lights in the city are decorated in a candy cane motif, and many local businesses have similar decorations. The city's firetrucks and ambulances are all red, while the police cars are all green.
A past mayor, Jeff Jacobson, sent a letter (and a lump of coal) to U.S. Senator John McCain about a comment he made regarding why the city's "elves" needed money for a pork barrel project. The lump of coal inside a tin can was delivered to the offices of Senator McCain by local resident Jeff Turkel.[3]
The current mayor of North Pole is Doug Isaacson. The city council consists of six members serving staggered three-year terms, with municipal elections held each October. The mayor's current term began October 2006 and ends October 2009.

So... Cathie and I have decided that every child living in the North Pole, Alaska should indeed have an elf lid from The Little Hat Company!! Hopefully Ellen will read this blog all the way to the end and purchase Elf Lids for the whole town. Stranger things have happened with Little Hat. Cathie says, "that's for sure". She is still sewing Strawberry Patch Lids at 10:55 pm. She will be rewarded.

"I know I am cute but what about this hat?

2009-06-25T17:57:00.000-07:00

"These are pictures of my Daughter Maddy (Maddison) She was maybe 18 months old, now she is 2 and a 1/2 The woman working when we bought her hat in south berwick actually asked me to take some pictures and send them but I lost the e-mail so here they are, thank you for making such a wonderful product, my second daughter Peyton who is now 2 months old will also be wearing this hat because it was such good quality its in great condition! "

Let me down - I promise I can swim Mom!

2009-06-23T16:49:00.000-07:00

Amy and Bobby enjoying the water at a family friends' home on Great East Lake in NH. Everyone knew we were from Maine because of Bobby's Lobstah' Lid.

In honor of last year's Strawberry Fun Run's Winners...

2009-06-16T20:00:00.000-07:00

While we appreciated that the winners from last year's road race paused for a picture wearing their custom made Adult Strawberry Lids from The Little Hat Company in South Berwick, Maine we wanted to assure you that this years winners will be receiving a more contemporary style very much in the theme of berries. We wish you all good luck and success in this years run. May the day be not too hot, not too cold, not too sunny, and not too cloudy. May you luck fabulous with a Strawberry Lid on top of your noggin.

Best Wishes for Success and Happiness,

The Little Hatters of South Berwick, Maine

Strawberry Festival is coming...Do you have your Strawberry Patch Lid?

2009-06-16T19:54:00.001-07:00

Do you recognize this Strawberry Lid? It was last seen in South Berwick, Maine atop a little girl's noggin. Look for our brand new fabric this year at South Berwick's annual Strawberry Festival. Our booth is conveniently located along the front walkway at Central School. Sue and I will not be sporting Strawberry Lids this year we have "ditched" them in favor of our new Cog and Beachcomber styles. They will also be available in our booth to take with your or ship anywhere in the world.

Our countdown for the relaunch of our website has begun and while we were told it could be as early as this Friday we have no definite date. We will let you know! Happy Strawberry Hulling!

Down by the Sea - Bucket Lid

2009-06-14T09:52:00.000-07:00

One of our newest fabrics to hit the 2009 Summer Lid Season is Down by the Sea - it is shown here in our new Bucket Lid for babies to age seven. We are very proud of our newest line of lids and can't wait to see some of our favorite kids wearing it. If you have a picture of one of your little ones wearing a little hat lid email us and we'll send you a 50% off online coupon code towards the purchase of one of our new lids.

We are gearing up to bring back Little Hat...Big World promotion coinsiding with the relaunch of our online catalog. We are now making summer and winter lids for babies - adults. Send us your fabulous images of kids wearing our lids and we'll send you the super online savings codes. We would love to have a story to go along with the picture. It will be posted on Little Hat...Big World.

Best Wishes,

Jen

Submit your images & stories to jen@thelittlehatcompany.com

Countdown to Bucket Lids, Beachcombers, and Fabulous Fabrics

2009-06-09T19:08:00.000-07:00

Anna is sporting one of our new designs at her recent visit to New Castle, New Hampshire. The countdown to the relaunch of www.thelittlehatcompany.com has started and we are very proud of what Megan and Hanna have created to help brand our baby, children, and adult lids all handcrafted right here in South Berwick, Maine. We are also bringing back "Little Hat...Big World" encouraging kids and adults to send in pictures of themselves near landmarks sporting their TLHC lid.

Moving Right Along...

2009-06-05T22:09:00.000-07:00

So it's been less than a week that we've been out of the toy business but we can't seem to stop acting like Kids! Tomorrow June 6, 2009 we will be down in front of our old storefront helping kids make hats for themselves...for free of course out of my husbands old newspapers.

It is so funny how life works...I can remember my mom making us old newspaper sailor hats when I was little. Did I ever think? No!

Please come down and say hello and make yourself a hat to wear around Kids' Day. It is supposed to be hot and sunny so put a lid on your kid and join the navy.

50% off all Toys - Store is still Full of great items

2009-05-30T06:49:00.000-07:00

South Berwick's Little Hat shifts to online sales only; store closes Sunday

By JASON CLAFFEY
jclaffey@fosters.com

Saturday, May 30, 2009
SOUTH BERWICK, Maine — A 5-year-old girl was in The Little Hat Company Thursday when she overheard a conversation between her mother and owner Jen Houghton about how the store is closing.

The girl started crying.

"No! The Little Hat Company can't close," Houghton recalled the sobbing child as saying.

Houghton herself was nearly brought to tears.

After nearly three years in downtown South Berwick, The Little Hat Company is shuttering its storefront due to slumping sales caused in part by the recession. The company will live on, however, as it will retain its website, www.thelittlehatcompany.com. Only hats will be sold on the site — unlike the store, which sold a variety of toys and crafts.

Houghton sees it as returning to the company's roots. She opened the store in November 2006, exclusively selling children's hats made by stay-at-home moms.

"That's how we started," she said. "Our goal is to focus on the hats to build the brand and the company back up."

The store's last day will be Sunday. Currently, everything is being sold half-off.

"It's sad. But I had to do this," Houghton said.

Sales began plummeting last August, as customers cut spending when the recession took hold. Another factor was a federal lead testing law for children's products that was scheduled to go into effect February.

Houghton, like many small crafters across the country, couldn't afford to pay for the testing, so she held a fire sale to get rid of her children's products. A federal commission then issued a last-minute reprieve and delayed enforcing the law, but the damage had been done.

"It's just hard times," Houghton said.

The company's website will be redesigned June 8 and feature eight new hat styles.

Houghton said she's determined to turn Little Hat into a "national brand," especially after seeing the young girl cry.

"It made me sad but it also made me more determined to make it work," she said.

Thanks to the236diner.com - They have captured a chapter in our story

2009-05-30T05:17:00.000-07:00

Please visit the236diner to keep informed about the going ons in South Berwick. Here is an excerpt that helped us reach out to our friends and customers. Thank you for all of your help Molly and beautiful gift with words.

Little Hat Company store closing to focus on hats
May 27th, 2009 by Molly Colman.
This news from Jennifer Houghton, owner of Little Hat Company today:

Making Room for Hats

50% off all toys at The Little Hat Company – Help us Spread the Word

Thursday, May 28th from 12:00 – 7:00 pm
Friday 29th from 4:00 – 9:00pm
& Sunday 31st from 10:00 –5:00pm

Now is your chance to buy dollhouses, train tables, kitchens, and all of our great toys for half price. The Little Hat Company is going back to its roots and focusing on building our hat business from South Berwick, ME. We are moving our business online in order to stay focused and also more importantly to be with our children while they are still young. We are very thankful for all the support you have showed our toy store for the past 2 ½ years. We will be relaunching our website with our new styles and fabrics at the first of June. Take a look www.thelittlehatcompany.com . We will also have a booth at The Strawberry Festival on the last Saturday in June and can’t wait to show you the new adult Strawberry Lid that Deb created for the 5k road race.

Posted in: Businesses, buy local.
Tagged: business · buy local

← Wildlife Center Seeks VolunteersNice People doing Good Things →4 Comments on “Little Hat Company store closing to focus on hats”
#1 pfousek
on May 29th, 2009 at 1:50 pm
I’m sad to hear that The Little Hat Company is closing it’s store. In my opinion, The Little Hat Company brought character to South Berwick’s little downtown and will definitely be missed.

#2 Molly Colman
on May 29th, 2009 at 1:56 pm
I am sad too. It has been a great presence in the downtown. I will miss the herd of stuffed animals and the colorful flag that really added cheer to the downtown. I’m happy though that Little Hat will continue to grow as an online business. It’s gotten great national recognition. I wish Jen and her team the best as they move on to the next phase of their business.

#3 Mary Vaughn
on May 29th, 2009 at 2:59 pm
I am sorry to see The Little Hat Company closing it’s doors. It has been such a bright spot as you drive through or walk in town. The store had a charming, magical quality for children and adults alike. Best of luck to Jen and all her talented staff on their future endeavors. I too will miss the colorful flag and stuffed animals as part of the downtown landscape.

#4 Little Hatter
on May 30th, 2009 at 12:15 am
I am sad that I am not going to be on Main Street to put the dogs out each day and raise the ladybug flag. There is something magical about the corner of Portland & Main - it was there before we even moved in. We have felt so fortunate to be a part of the downtown and know that huge things are in its future just around the corner. I have never felt at home as much as I do in South Berwick and yes I am a “NH” girl from an even smaller community with only one retail store in its center which hasn’t been opened since I was in 8th grade.

It’s not the individual stores that make up a town its the collection of businesses that can hang on through anything and it’s those store keepers that I truly admire. Abby has decorated our Main Street long before we opened and she will be here for my kids’ prom. The chinese & pizza places are my families main stay for late night dinners and will always be! Anna & Aaron ask for a Jones soda from Nature’s Way as a special treat when I’m on my way home from closing the store. The Catered Event has the coolest ice cubes in town - have you ever ordered one of Marsha’s ice coffees?

How cool is it that South Berwick has one of the remaining few privately owned pharmacies in the country. I had no clue how remarkable it is until my aunt and uncle filled us in. Kudos to Richard and his staff.

Where was the first place that we thought of going as we closed Little Hat for one of the last times tonight? Pepperlands of course, Lindsay was right there with his peculiar smile that we’ve all grown to appreciate. It was the toast of the glasses to a few of us Little Hatters and of course an order of Crab Cakes, Nachos, and Soup. We’ve laughed, cried, and freaked out many a times there over Little Hat and I’m sure we’re not done.

The best thing about our town? Really and truly the best thing? Our kids! I had so much fun watching them play today as their parents loaded up on holiday gifts and questioning our decision not out of judgement but out of kindness and care. One little girl started crying and said she didn’t want us to close. It made me really sad, not regretting our decision but knowing how she was feeling. It also made me hopeful knowing that against all opinions in the beginning of being on “the other” side of Main Street - we were able to create a place that people were willing to cross the street for…if the economy had held out I wouldn’t be typing this, but then we wouldn’t be shifting the focus back to the hats.

Please know that I tried everything that I could to keep our little store open…I’ve met so many wonderful people and shared way too many personal thoughts and stories. I will miss the holidays the most. Please keep an eye and ear out for us as we dig in deep to keep the hats growing and one day in the near future we will be able to open a store again and perhaps just maybe The Little Hat Company will sell hats.

Back to the Basics

2009-05-22T04:39:00.000-07:00

The Little Hat Company has decided what it wants to be when it grows up. It wants to become a national brand and keep all of its manufacturing in South Berwick, Maine along with its business headquarters. Little Hats have been shipped out over the globe to almost every continent over the past three years without it being our single focus. Now it's time for us to get serious and devote our time and energies into creating the best online shopping experience for hats of all sizes and meant for all ages.

We have made a team decision that building The Little Hat Brand is truly what our company is about and what it originally began as in 2006. It's back to the basics for The Little Hatters doing what we know best 'creating, making, and selling beautifully crafted hats in South Berwick'

Our new designs and swatches will be available at our online storefront as of June 2009. We will be keeping you up todate of our progress as our hats continue to spread out across the globe and hope that you will be okay with our decision to make the hats the main focus of our company.

Please feel free to contact me with any questions, ideas, or thoughts.

Best Wishes,

Jen Houghton
Founder
The Little Hat Company
www.thelittlehatcompany.com
jen@thelittlehatcompany.com
207-450-8441

This is for you Kimberly & Aunt Barbara

2009-05-18T21:16:00.000-07:00

Happy Birthday to you both and know that all that I do and try to do you are both always in my thoughts. Your time on earth was much too quick and I promise to never take one moment for granted. I promise to reach out with both hands and take hold of all that is good in your memories.

Your laughter and giggles will forever ring in my ears and I carry your faces with me always. This year we walked with Avon and will ride with Seacoast Safari. Make sure you send down some energy for that crazy bike ride.

I will always love you both!

Life is a Climb- Thank you Miley Cyrus

2009-05-18T21:05:00.000-07:00

You know in life when you pick up a piece of information in an unexpected place and it turns your life upside down? Well how is it that during an evening of Hannah Montanna in Newington with Sue, Katherine, and Anna I finally figure what I want to be when I grow up? It is almost like it's been on the tip of your tongue and everyone around you has been nudging you, supporting you, and slapping you to get you to wake up from whatever coma induced state you've been existing in for the past months or so.

When you wake up it's a major DAH moment and somehow without warning your cup is filled up again and you are ready to do battle or at least to sell hats. Somewhere along the journey I had forgotten what had started it in the first place. We all have our mountains to climb in life. No mountain is greater than another - perspective is an amazing fact of life. In fact the journeys are all very similiar filled with pain, fear, doubt, sadness, vulnerability, glimpses of hope, faith, joy, friendship, learning curves, and love. I guess if I have learned anything is choose your damn mountain in life and then committ to it with all your heart. If you keep giving up one mountain for another before you've fully climbed it you won't be able to enjoy the view.

Oh and by the way for those of you who are keeping score - I've only made it up a quarter of the way...it all gets interesting from here. Send me a postcard of your mountain and journey. I'd love to swap stories.

A Tip of the Hat for South Berwick's 'The Little Hat Company'

2009-05-15T06:00:00.000-07:00

A tip of the hat for South Berwick's 'The Little Hat Company'

Its product included in Emmy gift bags coordinated by Portsmouth native

By JASON CLAFFEY
jclaffey@fosters.com

Friday, May 15, 2009

The Little Hat Company owner Jen Houghton holds the "Cog" hat, featured on NBC's "Today" show Thursday. The hat was included in gift bags given to the Daytime Emmy Awards nominees Thursday in New York City. Claffey/ Democrat photo

* Order a print of this photo

SOUTH BERWICK, Maine — When Rachel Ray, Ellen DeGeneres, and Tyra Banks were handed gift bags Thursday night during the Daytime Emmy Awards nomination party in New York, inside they could find bucket hats made by none other than the The Little Hat Company.

And owner Jen Houghton, whose store was nearly forced out of business earlier this year because of a federal lead testing law, couldn't be happier.

"Talk about having nine lives," Houghton said Thursday from her store's location in downtown South Berwick.

The gift bag placement is a major coup for the company, following a 1,000-unit order for commemorative hats it secured last year for the commissioning of the USS New Hampshire submarine.

Little Hat made about 160 "Cog" hats — short for incognito, as the purpose of the hats is to hide celebrities' faces — for the Emmy gift bags. Houghton secured the order after speaking with Val Wilson, co-owner of Bedford-based Off the Wall Promotions, at a recent Portsmouth Chamber of Commerce event. Wilson's company won a contract to make gift bags for both the Daytime Emmy and regular Emmy Awards this year.

The gift bags were featured on Thursday's "Today" show on NBC, and one of the items hosts Kathie Lee Gifford and Hoda Kotb picked out was the Cog hat.

Houghton called it "unbelievable."

"We want to become a national brand," she said, adding there's "no better way" to achieve that than by having celebrities use her product.

"Celebrities create trends," Houghton said. "We want them to create a trend with the Cog hat."

She said she originally planned to make children's hats for the gift bags, but instead made adult ones because a federal law requiring lead testing of all children's products was scheduled to go into effect earlier this year. But after an outcry from small business owners like Houghton, who said they couldn't afford the expensive testing costs, the Consumer Product Safety Commission delayed enforcing the law by a year.

Houghton said her company might make another order of hats — possibly up to 2,000 — for the regular Emmy Awards later this year.

Little Hat mingles with Daytime Celebrites

2009-05-14T08:57:00.001-07:00

Seacoast products part of 'swag bags' for Emmy awards

Elaborate swag bags produced by Val Wilson and Mike Litson of Off The Wall Promotios for the 36th annual Daytime Emmy Awards. The bags are filled with beach vacations and products from the the Seacoast area.Rich Beauchesne photo

By Jeanné McCartin

news@seacoastonline.com

May 14, 2009 6:00 AM

PORTSMOUTH — Val Wilson, a Portsmouth native, has bagged a big one. Off the Wall Promotions, the business she and her husband, Mike Liston, own and operate in Bedford, landed the gift bags account for the National Academy of Television Arts & Sciences' Emmy Awards.

"This is a good opportunity that just got in front of us," Wilson said.

The couple is in New York City delivering and promoting the bags for tonight's Daytime Emmy Nomination Party at Hearst Towers. This morning, their bags, which include products from six New Hampshire businesses, will be featured on the fourth segment of NBC's "Today" show.

Off The Wall's National Academy contract runs through 2010 and includes the nomination party and the Emmy Awards in Los Angeles in September. The big-deal bag job literally landed in their laps, Wilson said.

"Our company has worked with NBC for the last few years. And a guy from NBC (Frank J. Radice) recently became president of the Academy. He thought of us for the gift bags ...; and called us back in February," she said. "We never even tried for it. It was an invitation. ...; I literally broke into tears. I could not believe such a huge project would just come to us. But it's a reality."

Off The Wall hauled 160 oversized micro-fiber yoga bags to tonight's New York City event, each valued at $2,500. "We put it together, we present it and actually give it to the celebrities and VIPs," Wilson said.

Gifts include a night in a Bermuda resort and another in Key West, Fla., on a private island. There's an airline voucher, books, truffle oil, and items from New Hampshire and Seacoast companies.

It made sense to share their good fortune with other businesses, Wilson said. The first to come to mind was The Little Hat Company in South Berwick, Maine. Wilson said she met the owners at a Greater Portsmouth Chamber of Commerce dinner and was impressed.

"We really liked them. They're young entrepreneurs ...; so on fire," Wilson said. "We thought they might be good candidates. Their enthusiasm inspired us to go for other New Hampshire companies."

Jennifer Houghton, Little Hat's founder and co-owner, said the opportunity would help build "brand" for the small company.

"We really need a high-profile person to fall in love with the hat, and say, 'This is the next up-and-coming thing,'" Houghton said. "The hats are made in the United States, by at-home moms, are of beautiful quality, and the company betters our own situations and our community's."

The company created the Cog Hat, as in "incognito," specifically for the bag.

"A huge piece of being included is the validation," Houghton said. "It builds your own story."

Livin' Out Loud, a Hampstead business, is also in the bag, with T-shirts.

LunaChics of Exeter, a clothing and accessories shop owned by Dana DeNiro of Rye, also has a product in the bags.

"I chose a boy-short; basically, it's undergarments — not traditional," DeNiro said. "It was tricky to find a product that doesn't just sit in the bag."

DeNiro recently redesigned her Web site, and this was a perfect opportunity to help launch it. Each piece carries the site address. "For the investment, it's great advertisement," she said.

Other state companies represented are Weeping Willow Designs of Hopkinton, Ava Marie Chocolates of Peterborough and Just Naturals of Amherst.

The September Emmy Awards will require 2,000 bags for guests and 60 for presenters. Off the Wall hopes to include more New Hampshire businesses. Participating businesses pay a product fee for inclusion. The nomination party package includes local and national television exposure, as well as additional regional news, and they will be on display at tonight's event.

"I can see ('Today' show celebrities) having a good time pulling out the hat, and the underwear is interesting," Wilson said. "This is all a great opportunity."

For more information, visit www.offthewallgifts.com.

Maine Merchants Association Supports The Little Hat Company

2009-05-13T13:00:00.000-07:00

Maine Merchants Association
The Voice of Maine's Merchants
NBC Today Show Highlights Maine Product

May 13, 2009

Dear Jen,

In late 2008, we first met Jen Houghton from The Little Hat Company in South Berwick. She was one of the many Maine companies that were unintentionally caught up in the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act.

Her Maine-made products would have had to undergo expensive product testing for federal compliance until a last minute stay of enforcement enabled them to continue selling their hats.

The CPSIA got Jen involved and she helped get the word out about this bill. Her involvement had a direct role in the stay of enforcement and many Maine product producers breathed a sigh of relief in February.

I am pleased to share some good news about The Little Hat Company. Because of the CPSIA, Jen started diversifying their product line to include hats.

Their new Cog hat was selected to be included in the Daytime Emmy Nominee Gifts Bags. The event is tomorrow in New York City. Each nominee is receiving a Maine-made Cog hat.

Jen and her team worked long hours to produce this new hat and she just found out that the hat will be on NBC's The Today Show with Houda & Kathie Lee tomorrow morning between 10 and 11 AM.

Congratulations to Jen and The Little Hat Company team. Great news for them and for Maine-made products.

Sincerely,

Curtis Picard
Executive Director
curtis@mainemerchants.org

We're off to the Daytime Emmys in NYC - well at least the Cog hat is!

2009-05-10T14:30:00.000-07:00

Deb & Cathie have been sewing around the clock refusing to let time beat them. Sue, our best cutter, has been busily making sure that their pipeline is full of pieces to sew just in time. It's been a mad dash of sorts to make sure our new Cog hat is ready for its unveiling in the Daytime Emmy Nominee Gift Bag for next week.

Hanna dropped off the Cog tag which will be attached to each and every lid being carefully placed in a celebrities gift bag ( Oprah? Ellen? Kelly Ripper? ) They are absolutely beautiful and compliment the design of the Cog perfectly. Hanna has been with us along growing the business and building the brand into an International profile that is easily recognizable and identified with - thank you Hanna.
Give Hanna a call if your brand needs a tune up.

Hanna Bulger

Good Girl Graphics

207-384-2545 Phone

207-384-4145 Fax

94 Old Fields Road

South Berwick, ME 03908

Newcastle Commons is not just about the beach.

2009-05-07T19:47:00.000-07:00

Newcastle Commons is a great place to take a load off your feet and let you mind quietly wander. May I simply remind you to make sure you cover your noggin as falling asleep thinking in the sun may cause your part or scalp (if you are bald) to get a little toasty.

New Castle Commons is located in New Castle New Hampshire by Wentworth by the Sea. A beautiful spot for families of all ages to enjoy the ocean, the beach, the grassy meadow, and the beautiful kid's playland. It also has bathrooms and tons of parking!

We come in two's...our newest fabrics are starting to appear

2009-05-07T19:40:00.001-07:00

I post these pictures with great pride as we are moving into our 4th summer of creating hand crafted lids for South Berwick and the rest of the world. This is our newest creation the "beachcomber lid" in our oxford ticking and Row your boat fabrics. It always comes back to the hats. I can't wait to share with you the new bucket lids that Deb has designed and of course we are bringing back our original stroller lids for a 4th season - who can even believe it? Next week our Cog Hat goes out into the Emmy gift bags. Cross your fingers, hold your breath, and dream big because that's what all the little hatters are doing. Fabric swatches are available in our store if you can't wait for Strawberry Festival to get your new lids.

Happy May Day everyone- Don't forget to grab your hat on the way out the door.

Love,
Jen

Support our Children - Attend Dinner & Live Auction at The Regatta Room

2009-04-29T11:47:00.000-07:00

There has been a great addition to our community. The Marshwood Education Foundation founded this year has scheduled it's kick off event.

Come attend the Marshwood Education Foundation's kick-off event and fundraiser!

Dinner with Live Auction and Raffles on
Saturday May 30, 2009
at the Regatta in Eliot, ME
Cocktails 6-7pm
Dinner 7-8:30 pm
Live Auction
Tickets $25

Exciting Live Auction items including:

2 Front Row Green Monster Red Sox tickets
Week in Orlando, FL
Weekend in North Conway (sleeps 16)
Weekend at Loon Mountain
Lobster Excursion
Fishing Excursion
Dinner and Theatre tickets
Tennis/Art/Surfing Lessons
Manure and Mulch
Italian Dinner for 6 cooked by Hilda Howell
Outdoor Survival Guide Experience
Golf for 4 at the Outlook
and much more!

For more information and to purchase tickets, please contact:
Rachel Martin at [mail to:bandrmartin@comcast.net ]bandrmartin@comcast.net or call 207-384-4541

The Marshwood Education Foundation has been formed this year to support innovation and excellence through grants for the Eliot and South Berwick schools. All faculty and administrators are eligible to apply for grants, as long as direct impact on students can be demonstrated. In recognition of the fact that we are all life long learners, MEF invites all staff members, students, parents, community members, and organizations to apply for a MEF grant with the support of a MSAD35 faculty or administrator sponsor.

For more information on the Marshwood Education Foundation, please visit the MEF website at:
[ http://www.marshwood-education-foundation.org/ ]www.marshwood-education-foundation.org

To Hat or Not To Hat...that is the question

2009-04-26T09:44:00.000-07:00

Have you ever tried to force a three year old to wear a hat? Why is it that some children welcome the addition of a chapeau to their noggin so easily like it is another piece of their anatomy and others struggle, fight, and end up tossing the hat off their head as soon as it touches down on their crown? When we first started selling hats just three years ago my standard reply when people said to me that their kids wouldn't wear hats was... " you just have to train them" I showed them pictures of Libby so casually wearing her stroller lids at the park, in her car seat, stroller, and playing in the yard."

Not that I don't think kids should wear hats because I do believe with all my heart that they are a great way to shade from the sun and elements, but some kids will resist hats to the day they outgrow them. As a mom of three I say take one less pressure or feeling of guilt off your shoulders. If your kids are not a natural chapeau stand then stock up on extra sun lotion. I'm all about going with the flow in life. Just remember to lather up their part in their hair.

Their is something so Audrey Hepburn about kids and grown ups in hats. The little extra touch of attention shown in getting ready for the day. But hats are not for everyone and it ultimately comes down to being a choice to hat or not to hat.

I hope you hat!! Have a beautiful Sunday!

Just when you start to think...

2009-04-22T04:52:00.001-07:00

Joyce and Brandon left yesterday morning, Bobbi and the s headed off to Busch Gardens. That left the Houghtons in the house with no real plans for the day. Aaron was already feeling the affect of having his vacation mate gone. Fifteen is a hard age to be hanging out with your two little sisters. We decided somewhat non unanimously to head off to Busch gardens. We left a couple hours after Bobbi so I didn't think we would run into them.

Steve took Aaron and Anna off for thrill rides and I decided to somehow keep Libs occupied for a few hours and even find things that would make her excited to be at the park. We climbed a netted structure for an hour or so, she played in the jumping fountain, watched some crocs snoozing in the sun and we finished with the skyride over the wildgame park. What was I thinking? Have I told you Libs has her own agenda in life and doesn't like to be told no when she is in action? I wonder where she gets that. We were taking a break from all our excitement and I heard my name called, It was Bobbi. They were very excited to tell me that Marlee had seen a Little Hat that morning. I kind of smiled and brushed it aside. My dream is to create a national brand but we were thousands of miles from home.

A few times on the roller coaster with the loop and a 60 foot drop to break the older s into the arena of coasters, Marlee came to me again and said she saw the little wearing one of our Stroller Lids. It was the same pattern they had purchased and brought to their baby cousin in Fl. I smiled. I know how close we are to becoming what we are all dreaming of. I was too shy to approach the woman with the little . Bobbi was so excited she went right up to her at the Cheetah ride and told her we were from Maine and was wondering if she could see the little s hat- the had taken it off for the ride. There it was - The Little Hat Company South Berwick Maine. Everything is possible and when you believe things seem to happen quicker and in greater ways than you could dream. I am very thankful for all of our little dreams coming true along the way. They serve as the greatest of inspiration and motivation.

Love comes in all colors!

2009-04-11T11:54:00.000-07:00

We received this email from a friend/customer. All the little hatters have their favorite parts and special pieces that they took away from reading it. I have to say that I caught my breath when I read the part of her Dad liking the blue hat...let me know what touches you.

Hi Jen,

I went to Pgh to visit my mom this weekend. She just loves her caps. They keep her warm at night and comfy during the day when her wig gets uncomfortable. She wore one in the hospital over the weekend and got lots of compliments. My Dad likes the blue one because it makes her eyes look blue and she likes the pink one because it makes her feel happy.

She thinks Amy's Treat sounds like a great org. We will definitely be donating.

Thanks for sending them to her - it's the little things like a comfy cap that matter when you don't feel well. Cancer Sucks - they hand out buttons with that slogan on it at her cancer center - you are doing something good to make it suck a little less. Thanks!

Sarah

We've partnered with Amy's Treat - a non profit organization for a couple of reasons. We love what they are giving and how they are passing on a legacy that will live through love. My sister is a two time survivor of breast cancer. One of the things she shared with me was that people were always looking at her head...she wanted to give them something to look at that was beautiful and felt good on her head. That's not how the Kozy Kaps came to be...they evolved from a Runner's Lid from The Pumpkinman Triathlon in South Berwick, ME. The gift is that they work for being battling cancer. They are soft, attractive and come in all different patterns and colors. We are proud to embroider them with Amy's Treat logo and $5.00 from each sales goes back to Amy's Treat. We are in the process of updating our website with new fabrics for 2009/2010 and the lids will be available online for now they are at our store in South Berwick or please feel free to call in to purchase one and we will ship it anywhere! 207-384-0080

The Cog

2009-04-10T13:30:00.000-07:00

THE COG!

My Store

2009-04-08T12:32:00.001-07:00

I'm in the store today trying to get bookkeeping done and working on marketing stuff and I received this email that just about made me cry. I love this town and I love the kids in it!

"How are things?

Funny little story for you... I had promised Marley that if she went for a jog with me in her stroller that we would go to the toy store in town and she could pick something out.... well mommy ran too slow and when we finally got there it was after 5:00pm.. we went off to North Conway the next day to visit family and again I said we could go to a toy store and she could pick something out -- she said"NO" i want to go to MY toy store in my town.... how cute so we drove home, got out of the car and walked down and Marley finally got her toy (Maggie the little doll that you dress) and she loves her!!!! She tells anyone that will listen where she got her present....."

Kid's Day in South Berwick - June 6th

2009-04-01T13:37:00.000-07:00

Save the Date! Saturday June 6th South Berwick will be hosting a Kid's Day on Main Street. The morning will kick off with an everything wheels parade - which will start at the Senior Center and finish up at Central School. There will be celebrity appearances by Smokey the Bear & Snoopy. The Seacoast Kiwanis is generously donating and fitting that day 100 children's bike helmets. We are looking for kids of all ages who would like to participate in our lego building competition, writing, painting, drawing, and bake offs. Participants will be proudly displayed along Main Street. There will also be an auction of gently used larger size toys for children growing up and out of their toys. We will have live entertainment and activities for the children. Please pack a picnic basket and stay awhile. To finish off the day there will be a family movie.

Hope to see you there! If you would like to participate in anyway please send us an email - Kid's Day South Berwick 2009 - A great place to Staycation jen@thelittlehatcompany.com

Kevin Sproles cites Little Hat as an internet success!

2009-03-30T17:18:00.000-07:00

I was looking for press links to The Little Hat Company and I found this article about our website. Read all the way down - how proud are we?

Quick Query: Volusion CEO on Factors that Create Ecommerce Success

January 22, 2009 · by Practical eCommerce Staff

Certain ecommerce businesses succeed, while others do not. To help understand why this is, we spoke with Kevin Sproles, the founder and CEO of Volusion, a hosted shopping cart with more than 10,000 clients, including notable sites such as Disney and Crutchfield.

PeC: Tell us why you think some ecommerce sites excel while others do not?

Kevin Sproles Sproles: I think probably five things contribute to either success or failure of an online business. One is building your brand. If you're a small business, you probably don't have a household name, but you could build the same trust by having things like a professional website with a nice logo. Take it a step further and tell your story, how you got started, your passion for the products that you sell, and encouraging customer service. Show that you're a real person behind the business; you could still compete with a household name.

Another would be SEO and making sure that you take advantage of that free marketing that's offered by Google and the other search engines to send customers to your website. If you optimize your website for those search engines, that's the best ROI that you can get.

Give a lot of detail in your product photo and your product information to build trust that the product that you're selling.

Another is having a high margin on the inventory that you sell. That will give you more opportunities to leverage advertising that's out there.

The next one is differentiating yourself if you are a commodity and leveraging the power of niche selling.

PeC: So, that would be brand, SEO, attractive and effective photos, higher margin products, and leveraging niches. Can you give some specific examples of smaller firms that you think do a particularly good job of it?

Sproles: One is Thelittlehatcompany.com. They are a small business, but their website does a great job at brand building. They do a good job of trying to show the person behind the business, their passion for the business, and displaying their products with real-life scenarios. For example, they sell hats for kids, so they show a lot of pictures of happy kids wearing hats. That goes beyond just showing the hat. They build their story, build the emotion and created a unique website.

PeC: Tell us how your firm, Volusion, has evolved over the years.

Sproles: I started it when I was still in high school in the late 1990s, just kind of an after-school project. Eventually I saw a big need for ecommerce. Today we have over 10,000 online stores that use our software to build and run their entire online business.

PeC: How much does Volusion cost?

Sproles: It starts with a free 14-day trial and then our lure of plans is only $29 a month. [Volusion has] all of the features you need to build and run your entire online business, everything from the design tools, to free templates, to managing the content on your website, being search engine optimized to processing those orders. As you have potentially large inventories of products, it ranges up to about $197 per month.

PeC: Do you think ecommerce will look substantially different in five years?

Sproles: I think what you're going to see is that the ease of use is going to be improved. The challenge of shopping online will be eliminated, and checking out will be easy. The way people find these websites and products will change a bit. For example, social networking. There are communities online, such as and Facebook, where people are communicating about purchasing products online.

PeC: Any other thoughts related to ecommerce?

Sproles: As you grow, you're going to start to care about things like scalability, so picking the right platform is going to be important. Another thing is PCI compliance, something that's important in the ecommerce industry. You want to make sure that your website is as secure as it can be. Be compliant per Visa and MasterCard rules.

New Fabrics have been chosen-Spring/Summer 2009 Collection

2009-03-28T06:04:00.000-07:00

So along with bringing new fabrics to The Little Hat Company's Spring/Summer collection 2009 we are also introducing two new styles of summer lids: The Bucket Lid & The Beachcomber Lid. These are two beautiful yet practical new styles of Summer Lids with two very different looks. All of our lids work to get noggins covered and protected and faces shaded from the sun. We are very excited to announce that this summer we will be producing (in South Berwick, Maine) sizes from baby to men's ! YEAH it only took us almost three years to design, produce, and manufacture lids for all noggins and all sizes. We have sample swatches of the new fabrics at the store and will take orders to make sure you have your lids for Spring Break and vacations abroad. Thank you for all of your continued support! We love our lids and we love making them in South Berwick Maine!

99 Pink Balloons

2009-03-22T12:20:00.000-07:00

I've decided it is very humbling to have to ask for money and also wondering how can it be snowing in Spring. Oh yeah I forgot we live in New England.

Donate to Team Laffalot

"Boobs in training for a good cause."

Marie says, "a small business is like an infant except that it never grows up"

2009-03-21T12:18:00.000-07:00

It keeps you up all night, demands all your time, attention & resources, but when it finally makes a profit - priceless

Marie from SoBo Book & Bean is sitting here in my office on a slow Saturday afternoon. There a million and one things that we should be doing but more importantly she showed me how to stream "the River" on my laptop. So when I'm supposed to be preparing for the lecture tomorrow at the New England Products Trade Show, but it's much more interesting talking with Marie about our past lives and how we landed on Main Street, South Berwick.

Little Hatters to walk in D.C. for breast cancer

2009-03-18T13:44:00.001-07:00

Eat, Drink, & Be Merry - The Barn Tavern – Local Moms Raise Money to fight Breast Cancer

Red Sox Home Plate Tickets are being offered up to help raise funds for local group of Moms participating in the Avon Walk for Breast Cancer. In 2008, Team Laffalot began with four friends who wanted to make a difference. After experiencing their first Avon Walk in Boston and raising close to $8,000, they came back to South Berwick and spread the word about a truly life changing experience. With their enthusiasm, their team has grown to 8: six members from South Berwick, one from Texas and one from North Carolina. This year we are walking with one local survivor and one relative who is currently fighting breast cancer.

Join us on Sunday April 5th at The Barn Tavern in Dover, New Hampshire. It's going to be a hoot and can't be missed. It's all to help raise funds and awareness for the Avon Breast Cancer Walk- Washington D.C. May 2nd-3^rd 2009. This is building up to be a great outing for couples looking for a relaxing casual afternoon with good food, good company & good music. We will be featuring a live auction with amazing products and services generously donated by local businesses and friends. This event is co-sponsored by The Barn Tavern and Favorite Foods. The Ruben Kinkade Project has donated their live performance – a contemporary rock band that is known for igniting audiences everywhere. Local businesses and individuals have generously donated their wares to help support the cause and will be auctioned off on April 5^th at the event. To reserve your spot contact Cathie 207-384-1904 or email cmcoomb@comcast.net.

One of our personal favorites is an Oceanfront Vacation Week Rental – Deer Island New Brunswick, Canada

Donations for auction provided by local businesses and friends: The Regatta Room, Kittery Trading Post & Plum Island Kayak, Nicole’s Hallmark, Alladin Carpet Cleaning, Atlantic Gymnastics, Vicky Stewart, Danforth Bay Campground, Dover Yoga, Mikayla J’s, Face Body, & Spirit, Indoor Ascent, Irving Oil, Isles of Shoals Steamboat, Ixtapa, The Little Hat Company, Through the Grapevine, Terra Cotta Pasta, Monkey Business, Beach Pea Bakery, Rices Automotive, Shawnee Peak, Starkey Ford, USA Training Gym, Upscale Nails of Portsmouth, Natural Difference Day Spa, Putnam Sports, Hibachi Japanese Steakhouse, Waterstone Hair Salon, Surfing Excursion with “Tom”, Fiddlehead Farms, Wentworth Gardens, Noggin Factory, Herbal Path, Outlook Golf Course, Pepperlands Restaurant, Abby Chic, Storyland, Glenn NH, Aroma Joe’s, Cartellis, Cocheco Falls Gallery, Doodlebugz Studio, Dunkin Donuts, Gail’s Dad – handcrafted bookcase, Harvey’s Embroidery, Jumping Jays, Kim’s Dry Cleaning, Kris Bisson, Market America, Motives by Loren Ridinger Cosmetics, Pawsitive Pet Grooming, Red Shoe Barn, Poppyseed’s Studio & Many More.

Created and Hosted by Team Laffalots – Kathy Bousquet, Kerry Hoyt, Cathie McCoomb, Susan Page, Gail Dimmerling, Jen Houghton, Amy Mayo & Luanne Nygard.
Tickets are limited $20 per person - Reserve your spot now! Contact Cathie – 207-384-1904 cmcoomb@comcast.net

All Moms Work - Some Moms make and sell Little Hats

2009-03-18T04:54:00.000-07:00

Sharon contacted The Little Hat Company over a year ago and asked a number of questions about how this little business was growing and evolving with all stay at home moms. We were honest and hopefully provided some answers that would help other moms make decisions about working with young children at home. We are very proud to be a part of this book and hope it might answer some of your questions.

This book is for moms who decided to stay at home to care for their children but who are now ready to -- or need to -- go back to work. In All Moms Work, career-expert and mom Sharon Reed Abboud offers sound, sane short-term strategies to supplement the family income -- working from home, finding a good part-time job, or tackling a full time job to meet economic and/or career goals. Her book helps you plan wisely and devise short-term strategies that will lead to long-term career goals. And, yes, it offers you ways to continue your career and still be a hands-on, primarily-at-home mom.

All Moms Work - More information available

Why?

2009-03-15T12:06:00.000-07:00

Ok- so I just received this image from Shawnee Peak. Should I be jealous that I'm not experiencing Spring Skiing with Steve and Anna and the Pages? I would be lying if I said that I didn't want to be there with them.

Instead I'm here in the store on the first real Spring feeling Sunday and I get it. Life is about choices and I chose to start this business as a first step to a dream I've always had since I was a little girl.

I know in my heart why this business is still growing and moving forward and I'm very proud of it and also all of the people involved. It makes me happy to know that my family is experiencing life when I'm at work and it makes the times that I spend with them all the more special. I love my family and I love Little Hat. Look for new exciting products coming in the near future.

Looking for a Sponsor

2009-03-10T19:39:00.000-07:00

I'm sitting in my living room - Aaron, my son, is on the couch he came home sick from school today. It's late but I can't help feeling the answer to all our questions is right in front of me and I'm just not seeing. We have had so many amazing experiences since I sewed the first hat nearly three years ago but we all know that we are destined to be a National Brand and want to get there sooner than later. Something made me reach out to an old colleague tonight. I had been recruited by him from one of my first jobs doing business development on the Internet. OK - for real how could that be ten years ago. I still feel so young and inexperienced inside - no grays Thank You God! But with three children and a small business I'm ready to push through the next level. Marriott told me something on the phone that I've know all along. He told me to do what I've already done countless times for businesses that I've worked for. Somehow when it comes to doing it for yourself mental block begin to appear out of nowhere. We laughed about our memories of running to appointments in NYC and him needing to purchase a leather jacket to feel younger before meeting a client or the dinner conversations on Broadway that seemed to come out of thin air with our boss at the time. Marriott now runs a $350 million dollar company and is happy. He's happy not because of the money he had all of it before he's happy because he's doing what he loves and what he is good at. He told me that I have forgotten what I do best and what makes me happy in business. I need to go big. I've been caught up in the small town mentality of letting daily sales determine my level of success. That's not who I am. I like to reach out into our big world and help make things happen. I love to see who and what I can connect to help build a successful strategy and business relationship. After being on the phone with Marriott tonight I know what I need to do. This week I'm going to spend my time and energy finding the perfect celebrity/large corporate sponsor for The Little Hat Company. We are a fabulous little company with a proven product and a story that reaches out to people and touches their heart in the right place. Now we just need a bigger pair of legs to help us get to the next level. I've done it before but this time I won't be doing it for someone else it will be for our company, our town, and our future. How great does that feel?

Youth Crew Lids

2009-03-10T15:29:00.001-07:00

We wanted to introduce everyone to the Youth Crew of The Avon Walk for Breast Cancer. In each city teens join the youth crew to help support the thousands and thousands of walkers joining together to raise funds and awareness for Breast Cancer. Most of the teens who join the youth crew have a family member who has been diagnosed and may be battling cancer or even lost their battle.

We couldn't be prouder to be part of their journey and lend our support to their efforts by creating Youth Crew Lids for all the Youth Crews across the country. We are able to do this through the help of other local businesses who care and our peeps who are volunteering their time sewing anc cutting. Exeter Handkerchief has cut the price of the fabric dramatically, Harvey's Embroidery ( Dave and Jeremy) of Portsmouth are donating the entire embroidery costs to the effort and Cynthia Barstow has donated her talent and time for digitizing the art file so Harvey's can embroider our Youth Crew Lids.

If you would like to help out a local group of gals "Team Laffalots" is hosting an auction at the Barn Tavern in Dover on April 5th from 1-4:00pm. There will be live music food and an amazing auction including a pair of Red Sox tickets behind home plate, a waterfront home vacation week - Deer Island Canada, and many more. You can purchase your tickets at The Little Hat Company in South Berwick - limited numbers available.

I love coming home to good emails...

2009-03-09T19:42:00.001-07:00

"from an anonymous member of the company"

Ok, I just went on the website....LOVE THE BLOG!!!!!!Talk about making it REAL! Looking at that Emmy Award!!! I have no words...shocking I know...

Who came up with the new name Cog Hat...genius I tell you! It is catchy and something that would make anyone ask...what kind of hat is that? Who is The Little Hat Company? What a great story! How can I get one of those hats? Hello Jen, this is Katie Holmes...I was wondering if I could order matching hats for me and Suri....stranger things have happened with this magical company my friend...

Have a wonderfully peaceful night and know that we are all with you in this adventure..xoxoxoxo

And the winner is...

2009-03-09T14:35:00.000-07:00

We received a call this week that has us all in a little bit of disbelief and utter excitement at the same time. Our contact who brought us to the Today Show - Val at Off The Wall Productions has asked us if we would like to have our Lids in the Emmy Nominee Gift Bags handed out at the Nominee Celebration. This is a huge honor for our little company. We are working with Susan Sargent, fabric designer, to pick the very best designs to use in our new adult lid "The Cog Hat" which will be placed in the Emmy Nominee Gift Bags.

Keeping It Real in South Berwick

2009-02-26T11:49:00.000-08:00

Two South Berwick brothers are keeping it real in their LHC Kozy Kaps.

So here I'm sitting at Little Hat Company looking out at the zillions of cars driving through town through the drips of melting snow. Could it possibly mean that Spring is just right around the corner? We've started putting the dogs outside again and they are already getting the attention of passing four legged creatures.

There are a few exciting opportunities on the horizon for our little company. We are working with The Avon Breast Cancer Walk to create bucket lids for their Youth Crews across the country! We will be sewing Yellow Lids and having them embroidered by Harvey's in Portsmouth. They will be appearing in cities across the country with our South Berwick label proudly displayed inside.

We are busy working to bring to life a Kid's Day - South Berwick 2009 this June 6th. It will take place downtown South Berwick starting at The Counting House Museum and winding its way down along Main Street and through to Fogarty's Restaurant. Look for bunches of bright colored balloons and an all wheels parade that will start at 10:00 am at the Senior Center and end at Central School.

The Little Hat Company proudly remains dedicated to protecting noggins across the world and looks forward to building their brand right here in South Berwick, Maine.

Bucket Lids for

2009-02-18T12:24:00.000-08:00

Sue is sporting our newest Bucket Lid made for children of all ages and s. We are in a holding pattern at The Little Hat Company trying to balance the new CPSIA law and hoping they will exempt our hats from the Mandatory Lead Testing yet being realistic that they might not. In the meantime we still carry all of Melissa and Doug's favorite toys in our store with our inventory of Stroller Lids, Kozy Kaps, and now Bucket Lids.

Twaddleton's Cheese is now at The Little Hat Company

2009-01-30T06:10:00.000-08:00

Ryan Higgins, local author and resident of South Berwick, Maine has brought a little bit of magic to our Main Street. Signed copies of Twaddleton's Cheese are now available at our store on 10 Portland Street. The illustrations are amazing and the storyline offers a creative solution to a ginormous problem for a small town. Twaddleton's Cheese is a perfect gift for little one's and adults alike and is perfect to send to family and friends.

New Lead Law is Poison - Portland Press Herald

2009-01-25T15:44:00.001-08:00

By NOEL K. GALLAGHER, Staff Writer January 24, 2009

SOUTH BERWICK — Jennifer Houghton is getting out of the children's hat business.

Houghton, owner of The Little Hat Co., is among the thousands of small manufacturers and retailers nationwide who say they can't afford to comply with a new federal law requiring that all products for children 12 or younger be tested for lead and phthalates, which are chemicals used to soften plastics.

Houghton looked at the law and did the math: For a recent special order of 24 hats for a local ski resort, she would send one finished hat for testing. If it cleared, she could sell the hats. Then, even if she used the same raw materials for a new hat, it would have to be tested again as a new product.

Since it costs about $400 to test each component, a hat with four of five components – thread, ribbon, cloth and buttons – could cost as much as $2,000 to test.

"I can't afford that," said Houghton, who is now holding a fire sale to dump the 1,000 children's hats in her inventory by Feb. 9, when she'll switch her business to adult hats. "It's just surreal that this is happening."

The Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act was signed into law in August 2008 in response to the recall of millions of Chinese-made toys.

Under the law, which takes effect Feb. 10, manufacturers must pay a third-party lab for the testing and put tracking labels on all products to show when and where they were made. Retailers must ensure that their entire inventory is in compliance.

"Our phone has been ringing off the hook the last couple of weeks," said Curtis Picard, who represents about 1,000 Maine retailers as executive director of the Maine Merchants Association. "It's a well-intentioned law, but it's certainly having some unintended consequences. They unleashed a whole army, when the problem probably just needed a more moderate response."

Large manufacturers mass-producing a toy can absorb the cost, but smaller operations say it will be too costly to comply. Fines are $100,000 per violation.

"If this law had been applied to the food industry, every farmers' market in the country would be forced to close while Kraft and Dole prospered," read a posting at the Web site for the Handmade Toy Alliance, a grass-roots effort by thousands of toymakers nationwide to change the law.

Alliance member William John Woods, who sells about 2,000 handmade wooden baby rattles and toys through his Ogunquit Wooden Toy company, agreed that the new law is a problem. The only thing he puts on the wood is walnut oil and beeswax, he said.

"When I first heard about the law, I didn't pay much attention to it because I didn't think it applied to me – but of course, it does," said Woods, who has been making toys for about 35 years.

"It seems like a law that doesn't have a lot of thought behind it. I keep thinking that someone is going to say, 'Oh, we don't mean that.' "

And if the law takes effect?

"I don't want to say it would put me out of business, but I guess I'd have to ignore it. I know that's not right, but what am I going to do?" Woods said. "In all my years of making toys, I have never had one complaint. I've never, ever gotten one back."

There are signs in Washington that the toymakers are being heard.

Several lawmakers, including both of Maine's U.S. senators, are getting involved on behalf of their constituents, and the Consumer Product Safety Commission is considering recommendations from its own toxicologists that some unfinished natural materials – such as cotton, silk, wool, hemp, flax and linen – should be considered lead-free and thus exempt.

"I cannot overstate how critical it is that CPSC expeditiously work, within the constraints of the law, to exclude merchandise that poses no danger to the public," U.S. Sen. Olympia Snowe, R-Maine, wrote in a Jan. 16 letter to the Safety Commission chairwoman.

U.S....

For small businesses, new lead law is poison

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In Maine and elsewhere, owners can't afford to pay to test children's products that they know are safe.

enlarge Doug Jones/Staff Photographer

Manager Kimberly Frank straightens out children’s hats on the racks of The Little Hat Co. in South Berwick. The company’s owner is discontinuing her line of children’s hats because it will cost too much to comply with federal product-safety requirements.

enlarge John Ewing/Staff Photographer

William John Woods, owner of Ogunquit Wooden Toy, uses a sander to polish his wooden rattles. “I keep thinking that someone is going to say, ‘Oh, we don’t mean that,’ ” he said of mandatory lead and phthalate testing.

(Page 2 of 2)

Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, said in an e-mailed statement that she would continue to "work with the CPSC to improve the clarity of these new regulations to prevent unintended consequences from negatively impacting our nation's small businesses."

A public comment period on those recommendations closes Feb. 17, after which agency staff will analyze the comments and decide whether to forward the recommendation along to the commission for a vote, said Joe Martyak, chief of staff to Safety Commission Chairwoman Nancy Nord.

However, he emphasized how difficult it would be to change the law.

"The way the legislation is written, the language for exemption is very, very narrow and very, very demanding in science," he said.

The commission did announce Jan. 8 that resellers, such as thrift shops, are exempt from having to test their products, but they face penalties if they sell products not in compliance with the law.

"What we have is a well-intentioned but not necessarily well-planned law which is causing all the havoc out there," Martyak said.

In the last seven or eight years, he said, it has been "a very rare occurrence" to have a recall of a toy or product made by domestic manufacturers, such as the ones protesting the new law.

On Wednesday, two congressmen requested that the House Energy and Commerce Committee hold a hearing on the new law's impact.

"Many involved in (the law's) creation were passionate to improve the safety of our children's products, but surely no one expected or wanted to drive thousands of home-based and small businesses out of operation and turn thousands of Americans into surprise victims of a brutal recession," read a letter from U.S. Reps. George Radanovich, R-Calif., and Joe Barton, R-Texas, to committee Chairman Henry Waxman, D-Calif.

Martyak at the Safety Commission said the uproar over the new law has overwhelmed the agency.

"I cannot tell you how serious this is. The agency doesn't have the resources to implement this on the timeline we've been given," said Martyak, who had just stepped out of a meeting with apparel industry representatives, who were making the case that cloth products should be exempt.

"We are exploring what we can do to address some of this problem before Feb. 10. We are just swamped."

The commission will be responsible for enforcement, generally done through its approximately 100 field inspectors nationwide and through tips and official documentation of problems from consumers, hospitals and medical examiners. The state attorneys general also have the authority to enforce the law.

Picard, of the Maine Merchants Association, said he was encouraged that the commission is taking public comment on the proposed exemptions. But he doesn't expect any changes before the law takes effect.

"It seems like the wheels are moving now," Picard said. "They're starting to realize that there are some real legitimate, obvious concerns that weren't addressed."

Lead Law affecting HandCrafters & The Little Hat Company

2009-01-25T08:34:00.000-08:00

John Huff/Staff photographer Marshwood High School Senior Emma Morrison holds a silk-screen T-shirt and a pair of knitted booties, both made by local artisans.

By JASON CLAFFEY
jclaffeyfosters.com
jclaffey@fosters.com

Sunday, January 25, 2009

John Huff/Staff photographer Durham resident Christina Buteau makes children's clothes for vendors across the country. She says she will be forced to go out of business on Feb. 10 due to a federal law requiring that children's toys be tested for lead.

SOUTH BERWICK, Maine — When millions of children's toys imported from China were recalled in 2007 because they contained too much lead, Jen Houghton, owner of The Little Hat Company in South Berwick, said customers would come to her store, which features handmade goods, specifically to avoid buying contaminated toys.

The Little Hat Company carries a variety of children's items, from mittens made out of old sweaters to winter hats made by stay-at-home moms who work for the company — and people were comforted by the fact they didn't come from China, she said.

But now a federal law passed in response to the imported toys debacle could have the unintended consequence of putting small shop owners like Houghton out of business, along with independent crafters.

As of Feb. 10, any consumer product designed for children 12 and younger can't be sold if it contains more than 600 parts per million of lead. On Aug. 14, the limit will drop to 300 ppm, and the products will be required to be tested by a third party (other than the maker and seller) — which can cost $350 per item component.

The law was broadly worded to include not only imported toys, but items like children's books and clothing accessories.

While large toy makers like Mattel, which had millions of its toys imported from China recalled, can absorb those costs, small businesses like Houghton's can't.

"It's scary. We're hit already with the economy, and if we lose our children's hat market ...," Houghton said, trailing off.

She is currently selling hats for half price and turning away local crafters who want to sell their handmade goods in her store. She has been contacting lawmakers and the Consumer Product Safety Commission, pleading that changes be made to the law.

Patty Davis, a spokeswoman for the commission, the federal agency charged with enforcing the law, said store owners like Houghton "should be prepared to comply with the law."

The commission is aware of the effect the law could have on shop owners, Davis said, but may not be able make exceptions because of its strict wording. It applies to any "consumer product designed or intended primarily for children 12 years of age and younger," according to the law's text.

The law, the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act, was revised by lawmakers in 2008 to require the testing of both imported and domestic children's items. It was overwhelmingly supported, passing by a vote of 407-0 in the House of Representatives and 79-13 in the Senate.

Christina Buteau, who runs the Cuddlebee's craft business out of her Durham home, said lawmakers had good intentions by putting safeguards in place to protect children, but overlooked the impact the law would have on small businesses.

"I don't think they intentionally meant to hurt the little people, but that's what they've done," she said.

Buteau, who sells baby blankets, bibs, and burp clothes to hundreds of customers and vendors across the country, including The Little Hat Company, is afraid she won't be able to continue her business.

"What are you going to do?" she said. "These are all handmade products made in the United States ... we're just sewing fabrics together. (The commission) is going to have to come to some middle ground."

Earlier this month, the commission issued a statement saying resellers and sellers of used children's products will not be required to test their products if they already meet safety standards, as the law states manufacturers are responsible for testing their products. But for crafters who make their own goods, even goods that are made from tested materials, would still be required to pay for testing, because they technically act as the manufacturer.

Lead is a neurotoxin that even in small doses can stunt growth in children and cause learning disabilities, hearing problems, anemia and brain-related developmental problems.

Houghton said she understands children should be protected from lead-tainted products, but finds it ironic owners like herself will be disproportionately affected when contaminated toys imported by large companies were the impetus for the law.

Adam Brown, a spokesman for Etsy.com, an online market for buying and selling handmade crafts, agreed the law unfairly affects small businesses.

"It's ironic and funny, if it wasn't tragic," he said. The law "is really intended for big companies who make thousands of toys."

Houghton said about 25 percent of her inventory is comprised of locally made craft items, which she will no longer be able to sell come August. She has been contemplating putting all children's items in storage in the hope the law will be revised, or selling them for adults and pets only.

"Whatever we have to do to stay in business," she said.

Kerry Wood, co-owner of the Noggin Factory in Dover, said she will be forced to no longer accept toys from local crafters because they can't afford the testing.

"It seems to me a bit of an overkill," Wood said of the law.

The Consumer Product Safety Commission currently has no plans to subsidize testing costs for small businesses. The penalty for violating the law is a fine of up to $100,000. Before the revisions to the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act were ratified, the maximum fine was $5,000.

The commission has the authority to interpret how the law is enforced. Davis, the commission spokeswoman, said her organization has been receiving comments from small business owners and will issue another statement before February.

In a statement, U.S. Sen. Susan Collins, R-Maine, who voted for the law, said the commission hasn't given clear guidance to store owners.

She added that she will work with the commission to "improve the clarity of these new regulations to prevent unintended consequences from negatively impacting our nation's businesses."

Maine's 1st District U.S. Representative, Democrat Chellie Pingree, urged the commission to exempt items that contain materials that "aren't risky" like wool or unfinished wood.

"I'm deeply concerned about child safety, but also sensitive to any unreasonable regulations that might drive small companies out of business," she said in a statement.

Buteau, the owner of Cuddlebee's, said she hoped an exception could be made for owners like herself.

"These are little people. Isn't that supposed to be the American dream, to own your own business?" she said. "I'm just really hopeful something will change."

Something to think about in South Berwick!

2009-01-22T04:57:00.001-08:00

Foster's Daily Democrat

Study: Former church would work as South Berwick library

http://www.fosters.com/apps/pbcs.dll/article?AID=/20090120/GJNEWS_01/701209950/-1/FOSNEWS04

By JASON CLAFFEY

Tuesday, January 20, 2009

SOUTH BERWICK, Maine — St. Michael's Church is a "more than sufficient" space for a new library, though there are multiple structural issues that need to be taken care of if it is to be converted, according to the first draft of $18,000 feasibility study commissioned by the Town Council.

The study, completed by the Connecticut-based JCJ Architecture firm, was reviewed by the town's Building Committee at a 7 a.m. meeting Wednesday. It put the cost of converting the main church floor into library space at $1.3-$2.1 million. Two additional projections for renovating the basement and building an addition to the west wing were estimated at $900,000-$1.3 million and $1.9-2.1 million, respectively.

Currently, the church has water infiltration in the basement, asbestos material in its siding, and a side handicap ramp that does not meet the standards of the Americans With Disabilities Act. All those issues can be resolved during the construction process, according to the study.

The council bought St. Michael's last year for $875,000 with the intention of turning it into a library.

A sketch plans call for eight book stacks spread across an adult section in the space that church pews currently occupy on the main floor, which is 5,800 square feet. Four stacks would be placed in a juvenile section in the middle of the floor, and a children's area would occupy what is now the back of the building. A study room would be placed near what is now the front entrance, and staff offices would be built across from the children's area.

Library Director Mamie Ney, who attended Wednesday's meeting, said the she saw the plan as a "jumping off point, but not a final design."

She added she was concerned about increased operating costs for the bigger space. The current library, located on Portland Street, occupies one-and-a-half floors of a colonial-style house dating back to the 1850s. It seats about 10 people.

Building Committee Chairman Tom Harmon and other members agreed they wanted the firm to further study the water infiltration and asbestos issues. The committee will soon notify the firm of its requests, and the firm will in turn submit a finalized study that could be presented to the council in February.

Council Chairwoman Jean Demetracopoulos, who along with fellow Councilor David Burke attended Wednesday's meeting, said the leakage and asbestos issues could raise the cost of the project. She added a potential bond for the conversion work would not come up this budget cycle.

Burke defended the 7 a.m. start time of the meeting — which was a point of contention among some residents during Monday's council meeting. Councilors argued the time was more convenient for the Building Committee members who work day jobs.

"In order to get things done, you have to make it convenient for people doing the work," Burke said.

JCJ Architecture has been involved in dozens of building projects throughout New England, including the recent proposed expansion of Portsmouth Middle School.

Keep South Berwick Warm - A great family event

2009-01-22T04:40:00.000-08:00

Keep South Berwick Warm

Hot Night, Warm Town
An Evening of Friends, Food, and Fun

The Ballroom at Wadleigh Gardens
On the Square, South Berwick
Saturday, January 24, 2009
3-5 PM Pre-bid and purchase raffle tickets.
Crafts and face painting for children
5-6 PM Hors D’oeuvres ,refreshments, and cash bar
6-8 PM Auction and raffle drawings
Admission: $10 donation requested

A raffle, auction, and party to raise money for South Berwick’s fuel assistance fund so that everyone in South Berwick can stay warm this winter.
You can help by donating items for the raffle and auction and by attending and enjoying the warmth of neighbor helping neighbor.

Seeking donations for raffle and auction: Some ideas: Restaurant and store gift certificates, antiques, collectibles, historical documents, art, fine crafts, sporting goods, professional services, wine, fuel, weatherization supplies, travel packages, vacation home use, etc.
Donors are encouraged to get creative with their ideas.
For more information contact David Ramsay at
384-8154 or dramsay24@verizon.net

Keep South Berwick Warm, South Berwick, Maine

We really want to keep making baby & children's hats

2009-01-18T06:03:00.000-08:00

The Little Hat Company is a small manufacturer, retail store in South Berwick, Maine. We started when I couldn't find a hat for my baby that was pratical and unique. In just two years we have grown to employ 10 part time employes and have shipped our baby and children's hats to five continents as well as building a full fledge toy store. We are just entering our third year and the prospect of having to sell adult lids only in the store is anti climatic to say the least. We don't have the cash flow for testing which will never be recouped by the sale of children's lids with our current quantities.

This law is not about the The Little Hat Company it is about the ripple affect it will have on the micro businesses and hancrafters across our nation. It won't stop there - it will affect packaging, delivery and postage, supplies from larger chains and farms who spin their own wool, it will affect the hosting companies, website design, groups fundraising, young entreprenuers, seniors, it will affect our entire economy.

Also what do they mean by permanent disposal of finished goods that are not tested? What if the law is repealed? What about our already over flowing landfills? Are we supposed to follow the law or are we supposed to be following the law when it makes sense? My children, 14, 7, 3 are listening to the numerous phone calls coming into our business and now house. They are in disbelief and looking to me to see what I do. What do I say to them? They've watched our business grow in a small town where it has made a positive impact and now the older two are in disbelief that our country, the land of free entreprise, is telling their mom that unless she can cough up the cash she won't be able to continue making baby and children hats at The Little Hat Company. We've fought so hard to develop a business model that makes it pheasible for us to manufacturer all of hats in South Berwick, Maine and not outsource overseas - this summer we had finally hit on a system that allowed us a 55% profit margin while paying our local stitchers $18-$24 an hour.

I applaud our government for wanting to keep our children safe but I ask them is this what they meant by helping to bring manufacturing home to The United States?

One more thing- all baby and children's hats are now 50% off at our store in South Berwick and soon on our website. It's better that we at least are able to recoup cost of goods than to loose 1000's of dollars and man hours invested in the future of The Little Hat Company.

Hope for Change & Hope for Balance

Best Wishes,

Jennifer Houghton
Founder & President
The Little Hat Company
Put A Lid on Your Kid - up until February 9th, 2009
then - Adult Noggins need Protection Too!

The Cat in the Hat

2009-01-17T08:35:00.000-08:00

It might rhyme but for some reason it doesn't have the same ring as Put A Lid on Your Kid!

Hats- The Big Hat Company

2009-01-16T09:11:00.000-08:00

You know I've been thinking that we've been a little bit partial to kids and babies at The Little Hat Company. With the passing of the new law it will force the Little Hat Company to change it's course and manufacturer hats for only teens and s. Well at least till we hit the economy of scale and we will be able to have a testing done for lead and the costs will be absorbed by the shear numbers. For now Deb has already changed directions in production and has designed one fabulous Bucket Lid which will look marvelous on either men or women. We're excited to show it to you and so you know I won't give up contacting the press, elected officials, and anyone who will listen in regards to the impact on not just The Little Hat Company but the economy as a whole from just one bill signed in 2008 by President Bush. There is hope for change, there is a new President about to take office, and there is still a need for handcrafted items for children made in America. I just wanted to let you know that I still believe in The Little Hat Company and that I made a hat for Libby for a reason. I could have protected her from the sun with any of the hats that had been given to me...when I stop to think about all we've been through there's a lot more to us than just little hats. Thanks for stopping by to catch up.

To find out more about this new law to take affect on February 10th please visit:

http://www.change.org/ideas/view/save_handmade_toys_from_the_cpsia

Thank you for your support,

The Little Hatters

I Love this Company!

2009-01-14T13:40:00.001-08:00

So - I know that I should be finishing inventory, balancing the books, and getting more work for LHC but instead with my personality I'm sitting here cleaning off my desktop and found this great picture. When else in my life have I been able to go to work and paint pumpkins with kids that I love? Let me tell you that I've gone the corporate route and I don't ever want to go back. When you dream believe that you can take steps everyday to move towards it.

Does anyone know this person?

2009-01-12T10:40:00.000-08:00

I received this picture in an email this week and at first glance I mistook the person for our very own Sue Page...Sue thanked me for the compliment but said it was not her - if you can identify this woman please contact susanpage@thelittlehatcompany.com we are looking for people to wear our Kozy Kaps, Bucket Lids, & Beachcomber Lids in our next shoot.

Wednesday Mornings are moving Next Door!

2009-01-12T10:28:00.000-08:00

Dear Familes and Friends of Music Time and Story Time,

Happy New Year!

The Little Hat Company is pleased to continue to offer free music and story time classes in South Berwick, Maine. We are very excited to announce that our classes will now be held next door to TLHC at South Berwick Yoga. We wish to give a big thank you to owner, Rachel Martin for welcoming our families with open arms.

Our classes will be held every Wednesday from 10:00 to 10:30 a.m. and is free and open to children from birth through age seven and their families. We offer a drop-in format that does not require registration. Just come when it suits you.

If you have any questions, please contact Miss Kris or Miss Kimberly at the email listed or you may call The Little Hat Company.

See you at class!

Ms. Poli recommends - A great read by a Maine Author

2009-01-11T11:31:00.000-08:00

Mrs. Poli recommends Dawdle Duckling by Maine children’s author Toni Buzzeo. On a bright, sunny day a downy little duck dawdles and dreams, instead of keeping up with Mama Duck and his siblings. This book is certainly meant to be read aloud and youngsters will love to participate, especially when Dawdle tells his mother repeatedly, “No, quack quack, I won’t catch up!” This story has simple, poetic text and colorful pastel artwork that your child will want to hear over and over!

If you would like to be put on our newsletter list to receive local news and Mrs. Poli recommends from The Little Hat Company just email us at friendlyperson@thelittlehatcompany.com

Nell's own baby elf!

2009-01-07T17:19:00.000-08:00

We just received this picture from Wendy of her little grand elf enjoying Jane-Cowen Fletcher's latest book. Nell, the baby's mom, take special care to make sure her little one's ears were just right for the picture. We would love to see your pictures of little elves this holiday season.

Something about that Hat!

2009-01-02T06:44:00.000-08:00

It's the new year and time to start thinking about putting back all of the holiday garb...I'm a procrastinator at heart and instead of grabbing the boxes from the basement to start cleaning up from Christmas I'm on my ltop thinking I'll clean up folders and files. I just came across this image of Little H-man and have realized why I'm still pushing forward with The Little Hat Company. It makes me smile and I've made the greatest friends that I hope are always in my life. Little Hat makes me smile, belly laugh, pull my hair out, tear up from laughing so hard, and occassionaly makes me cry. (well okay a lot) but one thing for sure I definitely feel alive and know that I with the help of an amazing group of peeps are building something for the future for our children.

Powderhouse as seen on Channel 6

2008-12-31T11:08:00.000-08:00

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

2008-12-30T19:20:00.000-08:00

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!

2008-12-18T05:21:00.000-08:00

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!

2008-12-17T14:23:00.000-08:00

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!

2008-12-16T12:58:00.000-08:00

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!

2008-12-08T18:39:00.000-08:00

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

2008-12-01T06:16:00.000-08:00

'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

2008-11-21T08:37:00.001-08:00

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!

2008-11-21T08:03:00.001-08:00

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