Customer Review " The Wall of LOVE " ( featuring my friend Jesse )

The Character Hat that started this adventure!!!

The Character hat as shown in the my store.

A couple of months ago, I received an order for a crochet character hat from Jesse. He was busy packing and getting ready for a festival over Memorial Day weekend with the kids camp he manages. When he saw the hat, he exclaimed, "It's absolutely adorable and I think it's going to be perfect!"

Once I finished his hat, I sent him an email to let him know it was on its way. He quickly replied, expressing his gratitude and asking, "Would you like pictures of the final costume?" Of course, I eagerly responded, "I would love to see the final costume," though I secretly thought I might never hear from him again. But I'm thrilled to say I was wrong!

Jesse in his costume Memorial Day Weekend

Shortly after the festival, he emailed me some photos. Although he wasn't completely satisfied with them, he was glad to have captured the moment. I shared an idea for my website and asked if I could write about him and feature his photos on my blog. He enthusiastically agreed, saying, "Yes, absolutely, that's ok. At the next festival, there will be a professional photographer, and I'll get a great shot for your website." He added, "I received so many compliments, and people couldn't stop staring—it was wonderful!"

Another view of Jesse in his costume Memorial Day Weekend

And sure enough, a couple of days ago, I got another email from Jesse with some fantastic photos.

His Email:

The ultimate highlight of the season for the costumes is the Oregon Country Fair, a whimsical gathering of forest creatures that began as a children's Renaissance and Craft fair. When the Grateful Dead needed a place to play, they joined in, transforming it into an amazing multigenerational, temporary village, where all items must be handmade, much like the Portland Saturday Market.

My costume journey began at a regional burn offshoot from Burning Man, where they have a theme each year—this year it was 'Not to Scale.' I initially thought of being a giant gnome on stilts, but then thought, goodness, how challenging would that be for an entire weekend, let alone three or so over the summer? Suddenly, the Lorax came to mind! I wasn't keen on painting my face and wearing lycra like you see all over the internet, and then I found your hat and thought, this is perfect. The tree turned out awesome, and I'll send you photos of that. I have a big orange fur coat that complements it, along with other variations for colder weather.

Jesse in his costume at the Oregon County Fair.

The reactions from people were delightful, and of course, little kids were thrilled to see the Lorax. Many stopped to chat with me along the way, but my favorite reactions came from the older crafters, typically women, who would pass by, see my costume, and burst out laughing! True Lorax fans recognized all the pieces and parts. They asked if I made the hat, and I proudly told them it was handmade by you—they thought it was wonderful. From the pathways to the dance floor, everyone loved it, and the hat truly made it all possible. So far, it's been quite the year for the Lorax, and after attending the Oregon Country Fair, I realized I need to up my game on more details. This costume is going to remain a part of my special appearances for many years to come.

To be continued...

Another view of Jesse in his costume at the Oregon County Fair.

I don't know about you all, but I'm absolutely thrilled to hear back from Jesse and I'm on pins and needles to hear about the adventures he and the Lorax have been up to!

This is exactly why I do what I do!!!

Thank you Jesse for not only allowing me to make this hat for you, but for keeping your word, and sharing the LOVE, Happiness, and Adventure that you and the Lorax display everywhere the two of you go together!

I'll keep you updated as I hear from him.