Outdoor Adventurers, Yarn Enthusiasts, Warm Head Advocates
Handmade Knits from the heart of Big Sky Country.
Like most Montanans, when we, Hannah and Mark, first met, we immediately bonded over our shared love of outdoor adventures, tendency towards introversion, and enjoyment of rugged, tranquil landscapes. As we got to know one another, Hannah was seen carrying around her latest knitting project almost constantly. Having started knitting at age 6, there isn't a time where Hannah can recall that she didn't have some sort of hat, blanket, mitten, or other random project on her needles. After watching Mark's talented ability to deconstruct patterns and write code for web design, Hannah had an idea to teach Mark how to knit. She knew he'd be good at it and hoped he'd love it as much as she does. Sure enough, Mark was a natural, and he's become our resident Pattern Design Expert and Visionary behind our brand. Hannah is the in-house Wool Wizard and can crank out hats in her sleep. Posey, a reasonably well-behaved silver lab, is our General Manager (who is NOT allowed near our knitting!), and she makes sure we stay on top of having fun in all that we do. Occasionally, she barks at us when we forget to take breaks, so we remain committed to a healthy work-life balance.
Bears Den Essentials was started when we realized that our combined talents and love of the West could turn into something that we wanted to share with others. Over about six months, we started hatching an idea that turned into an actual business plan. During countless long drives across the state, late nights keeping our neighbors up while we excitedly discussed different ideas, and lots of conversations by the campfire, we have created the Bears Den Essentials that you now know and love. All of our hats (and other projects coming soon!) are inspired and designed with the places, animals, and people we share our home with here in Montana in mind. As we continue to build up our business, we will add designs and products inspired by what our customers- YOU!- love and wish for. Consider it our way of sharing our home with you and your home with us. We look forward to creating products that will bring you as much joy as we have in making them. Feel free to contact us anytime at bearsdenessentials[at]gmail.com.
We strive to bring you the best quality hats, and with many new designs introduced regularly, be sure to add our shop to your favorites so you can stay up-to-date!
If you need further convincing, Hannah has put together this list of reasons why we're sure you'll love our hats, and how we plan to keep you as a valued customer and member of the Bears Den Essentials community:
1) All of our products are handmade, with love, by us. We select safe, durable, comfortable, and quality materials to make all of our products.
2) We love what we do, and we work hard to produce exactly what you want. Sometimes this means our products may take a little longer, but we promise you it will be worth the wait.
3) All of our designs are made to order, so you will be getting something made just for you. We know our customers are original and one-of-a-kind, and so we want you to be able to wear and enjoy something one-of-a-kind as well!
4) All of our knits are warm and soft, no itchiness allowed. Our products are not only comfortable, but they will be easy to wear and long lasting.
5) Our knits are all seamless - aka "knitted in the round" - so you get a perfect, knitted look all around, without the seam.
6) Many of our hats are unisex, but we can also customize them for any gender, age, or size. Just message us if you have questions!
7) We make all of our products in a smoke FREE home, away from pets. Posey may be our Supervisor, but she's not allowed to come in contact with any of our production efforts.
8) We are here to make our customers happy. If you don't see something listed, but have a great idea for what you'd like to see made, we are happy to customize a hat to YOUR desires. Check out our Custom Hat Page to put together an order you will love.
9) We source yarns with as high a wool content as possible. The benefits of wool and wool-containing yarn are almost infinite. To learn more, visit our Fanning Fair Isle Hat page or our Osprey Hat Page to read about this wonder fiber!
