Winter in Alaska…brrr! Staying warm is essential, and for me, that starts with a great hat. I've been on a quest to find the perfect wool winter hat for years, and it's been quite the journey. I wanted something warm, comfortable, and maybe even a little stylish. It hasn't been as easy as I thought it would be!
I'll admit, I started out with a bit of a specific idea. I have a Qiviut and merino wool hat, which are both great, but I found myself really wanting something with real fur – beaver or fox, perhaps even lynx or wolf. The warmth and feel of natural fur are hard to beat, in my opinion. But finding ethically sourced fur hats proved to be more challenging than I expected, and a bit pricey. So, I decided to explore other options, focusing on wool since it's readily available and generally more affordable.
I was surprised to discover that there are actually several local places making wool hats. It's amazing what you can find when you start asking around. Someone mentioned a place called Turnagain Mud Co., which is local and makes wool hats and other products. I hadn't heard of them before, so I checked them out online. They have some really nice looking stuff! It's great to support local businesses, especially when they're making something practical and warm.
Another suggestion I received was to check out Grassroots Fair Trade in Spenard. They might have what I'm looking for. While they might not carry locally made items (at least, not that I'm aware of), they do have hand-made items that are made from wool or other natural fibers. I appreciate that they focus on fair trade practices, so I'll definitely be paying them a visit soon.
Then, I came across a really interesting idea – making hats out of thrift store wool sweaters! The person said they buy 100% merino or cashmere sweaters and hand-stitch them into hats. They claimed it only takes 5-10 minutes each. That sounded like a fun and economical project! Plus, it's a great way to recycle old clothing and create something new and useful. I might have to try this one myself. I love the idea of a 100% merino wool hat, especially if it's upcycled.
My search also led me to discover a knitter based elsewhere in Alaska. I found a Facebook page for Smiley Knits AK. While it's not local to Anchorage, it's still supporting an Alaskan artisan, which is a definite plus. It’s great to see so many talented people creating beautiful and warm wool products in our state.
While exploring online, I stumbled upon a hat from WholeCustomDesign Best Sellers. It was the Trendy Oversized Winter Knitted Hat. I decided to take a chance and order one. I liked the look of it, and the reviews seemed promising.
When it arrived, I was pleasantly surprised! The hat is super soft and warm. It's definitely oversized, which I like because it gives it a slouchy, relaxed look. The ribbed design adds a nice touch, and the visor is a great feature for blocking out the sun (or snow!). I’ve worn it on several cold days now, and it’s kept me very comfortable. It's become my go-to wool winter hat for everyday wear. I would definitely recommend checking out WholeCustomDesign if you are looking for a good quality wool winter hat.
Based on my experiences, here are a few things to consider when choosing a wool winter hat: