‘Whimsy and creativity’
Hiddle-D-Dig Hats feature crochet hats, cowls and ear-warmers, where each piece is unique
Editor’s Note
The Makers feature is a weekly look at Atlantic Canadian entrepreneurs who are tapping into the creative marketplace. If you know of a local, creative business owner that should be featured email: Jennifer.little@ saltwire.com. To read more Makers features, visit: saltwire.com.
Amanda Hyldig had a problem. According to her husband, there was an overflow of crocheted items in her home and she needed to do something about it. That’s where the idea for a creative makery business came from.
Hyldig was born in Scarborough, Ont., and lived in Victoria, B.C., but eventually found her way to New Glasgow, N.S.
“I’m proudly Canadian, with roots in New Glasgow through my mother’s family,” said Hyldig.
It is here that she had amassed a large quantity of crocheted items. Crocheting had become a therapeutic endeavor during a tough time, helping to divert her and her mother’s attention from the passing of Hyldig’s father.
The solution was Hiddle-D-Dig Hats. She said the name was a creative spark from a conversation with her colleague and friend, Kathryn.
“Hiddle-D-Dig Hats captures the whimsy and creativity of my products perfectly,” said Hyldig.
Hyldig specializes in crafting hats, headbands and cowls, with plans to expand the product line to include mittens and finger-less gloves, catering to the need for functionality in the digital age.
Out of everything she makes she said the most popular items are a tie between brimmed hats and toques, with toques currently leading in popularity.
Hyldig also does custom orders and has seen an increase in them. People often want variations in colour, design or size to perfectly match their needs.
To learn the art of crocheting, Hyldig said it all started with a lesson from her aunt Darlene, as to how to make a hat. From there, her skills expanded through online tutorials and a lot of practice and experimentation.
Inspiration strikes from the yarn itself and the fashion Hyldig observes out in the world.
It’s about the potential she sees in materials and the challenge of creating or improving upon existing designs.
Through her creativity, Hyldig has also helped to make a difference. She describes a special moment when she donated a hat and cowl set for a fundraiser to support a friend’s cancer treatment.
“It’s moments like these that add profound value to my work.”
While she currently balances this passion with a full-time job as a data architect, she envisions possibly expanding the business and exploring new markets post-retirement.
Anyone wishing to view or make a purchase from Hiddle-D-Dig Hats, Hyldig can be found exclusively at the New Glasgow Farmers’ Market on Saturdays.
She advises that visitors plan their visit using the market map on the website for more information.