The Puffin Club: A Tale of Friendship, Healing, and Handmade Wool Hats

There’s something rather magical about crafting with wool. The softness of the fibres, the gentle rhythm of creation, and the quiet satisfaction of turning something simple into something special. It’s a process that feels almost meditative, and this week, it became even more meaningful thanks to my dear friend Steve and his love for puffins.

It all began with a message:

“Hey, If I sent you some patches, would you make me some more hats?”

Steven Higgins, a man with a heart as big as his enthusiasm for puffins, had reached out. He’d already commissioned two hats from me, but now he wanted four more. Of course, I said yes. Steve is someone who’s weathered the kind of storms that make you cherish the calm. In 2020, he lost his husband, and in the years that followed, he faced the heavy weight of depression. But in 2023, something wonderful happened. His friends, John and Sarah, took him (they call him by his nickname ‘Stig’) on his first proper holiday since his loss. They went to the Isle of Harris, a place of wild beauty and untamed skies.

It was there, on a trip to St Kilda, that they first saw puffins together. Those little birds, with their comical waddle and brightly coloured beaks, stole his heart. There’s something about puffins, they’re resilient, full of character, and always seem to be smiling. For Steve, they became a symbol of hope and new beginnings.

Last summer, the trio travelled to Northumberland and visited the Farne Islands, where puffins nested in abundance. This summer, they’re off to Pembrokeshire in Wales, where they’ve booked a snorkelling trip to see puffins up close. Their WhatsApp group? It’s called The Puffin Club.

When Steve asked me to craft him four puffin-themed hats, I knew this wasn’t just another commission. This was a chance to be part of something bigger, a story of friendship, healing, and the joy of finding light after darkness. He sent me photos of the puffins he’d seen, along with patches and colour combinations. He even requested folded brims and pom-poms, because why not add a little extra whimsy?

As I set to work, I thought about Steve and his friends. I thought about the laughter they must have shared on those trips, the way the puffins made them smile, and how these hats would become a part of their adventures. Each moment spent crafting felt like a small act of love, a way to wrap them in warmth and remind them of the bonds they’ve built.

The hats are now finished, and I must say, I’m rather chuffed with how they’ve turned out. They’re cosy, colourful, and full of personality, just like the Puffin Club itself. Steve’s story reminds me why I started making hats in the first place. It’s not just about creating something beautiful; it’s about being part of someone’s story, even in a small way.

As I write this, I’m sitting in my living room, surrounded by my four pugs. They’re sprawled out on the sofa, snoring softly, and the evening light is filtering through the windows. It’s a peaceful moment, one that feels like the perfect end to a day spent creating something meaningful.

So here’s to Steve (or Stig) John, Sarah, and their puffin adventures. May their hats keep them warm, their hearts stay light, and their friendship continue to be a source of joy. And to anyone reading this, may you find your own version of the Puffin Club, a reminder that even after the darkest storms, there’s always a chance to soar.

Steven wearing his puffin hat

If you’d love a handmade hat with a story woven into every stitch, why not create your own? Whether it’s inspired by an adventure, a beloved animal, or just a colour palette that makes you smile, I’d love to craft something special for you.

Check out my collection at www.handmadewoolhats.co.uk and let’s bring your vision to life!

Now, if you’ll excuse me, I’ve got a pug or four to cuddle.