My name is Rin (the Red), and I live in Bucks County, PA. It's about 1.5 hours from both Philadelphia and Manhattan. I've had this website since 2001. My Mama and my Mom taught me how to crochet 27 years ago. I've been making hats and tams almost exclusively for 10 years.

How can I contact you?

IM me or Email me. It's the best way to get an answer. However, when CUSTOM orders are 'down', I don't answer requests to make any CUSTOM items. Add me (RinTheRed) to your buddy list and I will keep you posted.

Who else works with you?

I have had up to 5 people work for me making items, or helping with the paperwork and website. Right now it's just me! I am looking for an investor to help me with my organic, US made, woman owned dreams of rock n roll reggae hats n tams. I insist upon quality, and if you want to work for me, you need to be computer literate (email and basic stuff), have a good work ethic, and live in the Bucks County area. You also need to be able to listen to Mozart and Iron Maiden (it helps). If you crochet, Knit, Weave, make jewelry, or do advanced web design, I might be interested in your talents.

RinTheRed sounds familiar. Have I seen you on Myspace, Facebook, Etsy, Ravelry, Ween Forum...?

Yes, I've been online since 'back in the day' and you can usually find me on IM and also many many music forums. You'll see me at a concert making your order before the show starts!

Can you make really make me something? What if I'd like you to re-make a favorite old, or lost hat?

Yes I can, and I'm willing to talk to you (within reason) as long as you need to get you the perfect options. If you have a picture, I can guesstimate the size and even the style or colors you might like best. However, until a payment is made, you are not on the list, and therefore must wait just like everyone else. I NEVER obligate someone to an order, so feel free to ask me about my hats anytime!

Put me on the top of your list?

Items are first come, first serve, and processed in the order which payment is received. However, if this item is for a GIFT, let me know in the PayPal payment, and I'll do what I can for you. No Promises! I'll email you and won't leave you hanging.

Do you take international orders?

YES! Using a verified PayPal account, or an international money order. Use this conversion chart to help figure out the cost of your hats. Use this link from usps.com to estimate shipping (based on 15oz weight for one hat or tam)

What size am I?

Most of my hats are one size fits most. Occasionally, someone will ask me to make extra"big head" hats, and I can do that.

The Tams, DHats, and DBrims, all have 4 sizes to choose from, based on the HAIR LENGTH, not your head size. The tams all have a toggle to let them be as loose or snug as you like, so it does not matter if your head is large. This is not a traditional sizing structure (like with Haberdashers or Milliners hats) but one that is based on customer info.

What does IN STOCK mean?

IN STOCK Items are available right now. What you see is what you are buying. The Best option for a gift is IN STOCK hats or Jewelry. IN STOCK items are first come, first serve. IN STOCK items are discounted from the CUSTOM price up to 50%. Items disappear from the website as soon as I get payment. If something sells and you missed it, order one CUSTOM made.

How can I be 'first in line' for IN STOCK items?

Join my newsletter. It's just a little note I send out with pictures and a small update of where I'm at, and what new stuff I'm showing off. It's not spam, and no way do I share or sell the info. You will get a little message from me when you sign up - this is to verify your email using a link you click to prove your really interested. I have to do this extra step or it's considered SPAM. :(

With a name like HIPPIE CRAP it has to be good. or SPAM? Look for my communication in your junk mail and take me outta there! If you don't want to be on my list anymore, please don't send me nasty emails, you signed up for this! You have to unsubscribe just like on any 'bigger' website newsletter lists. Change your email when you leave your job, leave school, etc.

What does CUSTOM mean?

CUSTOM made means you get to pick the style, color(s), yarn type used, and any other options I offer. CUSTOM can be Jewelry or Hats and Tams, and there can be up to a 4 week wait to ship your item(s). First come, first serve. There is always a waiting list, so please do not ask me to 'rush it'. Costs (as always!) are simply based on materials used plus labor. It can take up to 10 hours to make your hat.

Are your materials Environmentally Friendly, Organic or Green?

Mostly! I always advertise organic materials, so if it does NOT SAY organic, it probably isn't. Blue Sky Organic Cotton Yarn is my current #1 yarn. My customers have led me the way by asking me to 'go green' with my yarn since I started. Organic yarn, bamboo, banana silk, recycled, and hemp yarn are just a way for me to feel like I can give my products a unique spin. It's not just hippie crap! I like organic food (YUM), organic fibers, and re-using! I still use acrylic yarn for machine washable options, and also recommend it for baby and children's hats so you'll see them offered for IN STOCK items occasionally.

I'm Vegan / Vegetarian. Do you have options for me?

YES! I use many options that are Vegan and Vegetarian friendly. Look at the 100% Hemp, Organic Cotton, and the Banana Silk Yarns. I can also make Vegan Jewelry, replacing bone and horn with wood, gem and stone beads. How many options are there? A LOT, so I've tried to make it simpler by creating a SITE MAP. I work on this website constantly, so more show up all the time. How many yarn choices are there? Store your little treasure neatly, I made it with love! Here are the current yarn choices for this year. 7 types of yarn to choose from.

How many stitches can I choose from?

12 stitch types for all kinds of uses, some are warmer, some are stretchier. There's a difference in difficulty, amount of yarn used, and how long it takes me. Here are the current stitch options.

Do you make baby hats?

YES! - CLICK HERE TO SEE EXAMPLES

How do I pay for something?

Use a verified PAYPAL account. It's quick, easy, and FREE! Please check your shipping address before you send payment, this is the address I use! Don't have Etsy? Don't have Paypal? That's ok! I take checks and money orders, too.

Can I get a Discount? You can! Here's a few ways how:

- BUY IN STOCK ITEMS. ALL IN STOCK items are discounted up to 50%.
- DROP A NAME/REFER A FRIEND. ALL "name droppers" (tell me the customer that referred you to me!) and BOTH people get 10% off their next IN STOCK order. You must contact me BEFORE you send payment for any discount so I can adjust your invoice.

Can I order from your Etsy page?

I love Etsy. If you see something on the IN STOCK page that is not represented on my Etsy page, I'm happy to add it for you. Just email me the link of the picture of the IN STOCK item you're referring to. I'd love to be your favorite, so add me and I'll add you.

When will my order ship?

I ship on Fridays or Mondays. You will get an email with a tracking # from USPS.com, so check your junk mail to make sure it's not there. Domestic Shipping up to 1lb = $4.75 International = $24.99

How do I care for my new hat, tam, wrap?

I think the best care is no care at all! I would like it if you would hug it and love it because it DID take me up to 10 hours to make your goodie! But you don't have to go crazy. Basically it'll last you for YEARS, you don't need to WASH IT all the time. Remember: Natural Fibers! Don't let your dog chew it (true story), or throw it on the floor for people to step on it or dust bunnies to live in it. If you take logical measures to care for your hat, you won't need a new one for a long time (though of course I always recommend you get more than one hat made by me *wink* for the seasons!)

I grew out of my hat! Now what do I do?

Good for you for keeping your hat this long! You have 2 options. I highly recommend you wash your hat and pass it on to someone you love. If it's a tam, I MIGHT be able to add rows to it so it's bigger. This costs about $15 plus shipping, and I can't promise anything! If you've really abused the hat, it might not be able to be fixed. Email me and ask my advice.

Do you take Returns/Exchanges?

I expect everyone to understand my hats and tams are handmade clothing items that I can NOT re-sell once they've been worn. However, if you get your package and realize immediately that something isn't right, email me and we'll discuss. Exchanges are encouraged over Returns.

The most common mistake people make is in their SIZE for tams, so pay attention to your measurements! Hats and Tams will start out snug, because yarn stretches with time.

Tell me how to make 'your' hats? Sell me a pattern? Give me your secrets!

I can not read patterns. I don't sell my patterns. I love to make hats for you. I spent a long time coming up with the BEST tams ever, and my designs are unique, and mine. I do not tell how I make my hats, please understand.

Random Rin Info:

Around 1999, I began using my random and non-traditional art passions to take over the world. If I knew then what I know now about what rewards hard work can bring, I might have picked a more serious business name, perhaps. *grin*

While you visit the site, I'm listening to music and making someone a hat they designed themselves. Or maybe I'm uploading new pictures. Say hi! What kind of hat would you love? I crochet one item at a time for individual customers, clothing designers, musicians, Movie/TV/Video. (Music is the best) Chances are good you'll see me working before a show.

Being a pretend rock star is fun, but what's better? Seeing your happy face when I give you your new favorite hat.

Can I send you a picture of me enjoying my new favorite hat?
Well, look how cute you all are, how can I resist? I love to get pictures, and if they're really good I use them in my catalog! Many of my friends and family pose for pictures, and let's face it, it can get tiresome! I don't get nearly as many pictures as I would like to. Keep in mind I like my pictures to be in focus, usually in profile, and featuring the hat as the main subject of the photo. Those are the kind of pictures that I love to have for the web site!

If you'd like to be added to my website, just email me a picture of yourself wearing your hat with permission for me to use it on my website! If it shows off the hat well, I'll use it to display 'your' style!

Once you get a handmade hat from Rin, I hope you'll come back for another, or a gift. My favorite hats to make are dreadlock tams, beanies, headwraps, and Hip Hop Hats.

I originally learned from my Mama - but by watching my Mom (amazing afghans) I learned how to crochet by watching, bless her heart for trying, it just never made sense to me to read a pattern. A code I cannot break.

Sadly, I have no patience for patterns or long projects. But it taught me how to play fair and share talents, giving everyone a 'no stepping on toes' business policy that everyone can enjoy. I've employed many friends and family thru the years, I am looking to expand and employ some computer nerd crafters like myself.

I started selling stuff at concerts around 1999. Living in NJ made it easy to get to lots. I was making mostly macrame/hemp jewelry at this point. I would make up patterns and sell them to my friends for presents during the holidays. Once I began buying my materials by the POUND, I knew I had to start selling to more people so I could keep crafting. Then I got into beads, then I got into hats.

I tried out a few made up designs for my friends, and started selling them at shows. People started asking me for my hats, it became most of what I was doing. REALLY busy! Whenever I see someone with dreads, I can't help thinking "oh- they need one of my tams!"