Fashionable and functional, locally made Coal headwear [1] appeals to guys and girls who want hats and caps that keep their heads warm but also have a high hip factor. New fall styles by Coal include simple knit caps in soft and stretchy fibers, sassy newsboy caps and jaunty driver caps. These stylish accessories are being snapped up at shops like Blackbird [1] in Ballard.
Brad Scheuffele and his partner/girlfriend Kami Wilde formed the Coal company four years ago. Scheuffele was a professional snowboarder and viewed hats as a necessity, but appreciated well-made headwear that wasn't branded with obnoxious logos. Wilde started making his hats. "Her handmade beanies kicked off my passion for all things headwear related," says Scheuffele. When Scheuffele was approached by friends (now his business partners) with the idea of starting a headwear-specific accessory company, he took that passion and started his own brand.
Once they got on a roll making hand-knit headwear and machine-knit beanies, they expanded to more fashionable styles including newsboy caps, driver caps, fedoras, derbies and military inspired caps. The team is adamant about good design with interesting details made from quality materials. They use a variety of fabrics including cashmere, acrylic blends and wools. Many hats are unisex, but some are made specifically for women or men. There is often a crossover. "A lot of the guys will pick up the women's hats and vice versa," says Scheuffele.
Along with hats, they make scarves, arm warmers, mittens and gloves. Prices range from $20 to $65.
Various styles are available at Blackbird [1], Snowboard Connection [1], Tweed [1], Edie's [1], Coastal Surf Boutique [1], 5 Doors Up, Evo [1], Zebraclub [1], and Alpine Hut [1].
Kathy Schultz is a Seattle-based free-lance writer. If you have a shop, sale, event or great product tip you'd like to share, E-mail seattleshopping@nwsource.com.
Copyright © 2008 The Seattle Times Company
