Give-Away #13: Tiny Toppers

Tiny Toppers is a little place to find all fine handknit hats & booties for baby. They specialize in what I consider to be their "trademark" bear hat, which is a tiny knit hat with two cute little ears - perfect for some newborn pictures! Another adorable option is their hats with earflaps! Of course, I don't really think I'd actually need that for a baby in metro Phoenix, but...they are adorable, so I myself who lives in the desert would even break it out (or for just some amazing photos ops!).

So I was honored to receive this Carmel Stripe Bear Hat last week, and it was love at first sight. Well, okay, maybe not love, but you get my drift.... What I found extremely fascinating was that my 2-year old son who normally HATES hats (with a passion!), actually wanted to wear this hat (he managed to squeeze it onto just the crown of his head, as it was sized up to 6 months!) when he saw it...he was totally in awe of the two little ears it had! Amazing! So there's an idea for any child you have who doesn't like hats...just find one with ears! The knitting was done superbly, and it was absolutely adorable, so "bravo!" to Tiny Toppers on a job well done!


Beyond stripes & ears, Tiny Toppers also offers other iconic details you can choose from, such as sailboats or birds, which is something I haven't really seen on any other similar hats. Also, they do offer organic knits, and you can even choose your own styles and colors for a completely custom look, if you like.

Here is a bit more about Tiny Toppers...

How did your business start and when?
My business started when my son was about 3 months old, in October of 2008. I was looking for a way to make extra money since I had recently left my job to be a stay-at-home Mom. I started with the idea of onesies, but I have always loved to knit, so it wasn't long before the hats took over.

How did you come up with your business name?
My sister actually thought of it. I started my shop at about 11:30 pm one night, and I just used it because I needed a name to get my shop started, and I couldn't think of anything I liked better. I planned to change it later, but it stuck! Now I think it really fits.

How long have you been making your creations?
I have been knitting since I was about 8 or 9 years old, when my Grandma taught me. I only started hats when my shop opened, though. I did a few practice ones before I listed anything and went from there.

What medium/s do you use to create your products?
I love cotton yarns, but use mostly blends of cotton, acrylic and wool, since thicker yarns are better for making the bear styles. I have recently discovered the best little yarn shop near my house, so I am hoping to star using some of their really nice quality yarns for the new winter styles.

Are your products in any brick-and-mortar stores?
I am actually in the process of doing my first order for a store! It is a cute boutique in Michigan, which sells only products made from organic or recycled materials. I am really excited to get started on it!

What sets your business/products apart from others that create similar items?
Each hat is hand-knit by me, and I put special care into each one, mkaing sure it is special, and of the quality that I would expect as a buyer. I also like to think that my designs are somewhat unique - there are many Etsy sellers who make hats, but I try to keep my personal designs and style through the collections, so they are a little different from the rest.

Any other comments or advice for our readers?
I would just like to recommend Etsy, or similar types of businesses to any other moms out there who love crafts. There is an ever-growing demand for handmade products, and it is so much fun to do something I love! It helps me keep in touch with "myself" when the rest of my life is dedicated to being a wife and mother. I love that I can do something creative and at the same time make something useful and special for someone else.

Leanne has graciously offered this carmel stripe bear hat (in size of choice) to one lucky Haute Tot reader!

Here is how you can win it!!
*Visit Tiny Toppers to find your favorite item,
then come back here and comment on it!

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All winners for Blitz Give-Away to be posted early-mid September.