Handcrafted in Lyman, Maine
Hats Made to Tell Your Story
Begin with the Experience That Fits You
Whether you want to create a fully custom heirloom hat, host a palm leaf social with friends, or schedule some one on one workshop time to learn the craft of building your perfect hat; Dana can help make these dreams come true.
Meet Your Milliner
"I spent my life as an educator, but I eventually realized that my heart truly belongs to millinery and working with my hands. Now, from my studio in the quiet woods of Lyman, Maine, I craft high-quality hats designed to be your lifelong companions. My process is deeply personal; I love the collaborative journey of working one-on-one with you to create a piece that feels like a natural extension of who you are. By blending traditional tools with modern technology, I’m able to tailor every hat to your specific shape and style. We’ll hand-select premium felts and obsess over the details together to ensure your hat is built to last. For me, the joy is in the making, and I can't wait to help you create a piece of wearable art you’ll love putting on every single day."
-Dana Karukin
The Atelier: Hattie's Hat Bar
Hattie's Hat Bar is Dana's studio, and the home of her private workshops and Palm Leaf Socials. Sharing a building with other Maine creatives in the woods of Lyman, ME, the creative energy and spirit of the space helps set the tone for creating beautiful, timeless custom hats.
Four Ways to Work Together
Each offering is built around small, personal interactions. No rush, no mass production, and no one-size-fits-all experience.
Custom Hats
A one-on-one custom process for people who want more than a hat. This is custom crafted around the fit of your head, your personal story, and ethically sourced high quality materials.
Palm Leaf Socials
A relaxed, memory-making gathering for small groups. Shape your hats together, enjoy the moment, and leave with a custom crafted hat you can wear home.
Workshops
A two-day immersive experience for a small group of people who want to learn the craft from the ground up and leave with a finished felt hat.
Hat Restoration
Bring in an old hat and we can either restore it to its original shape, or we can collaborate and create something new. Schedule a 1/2 hour consultation to discuss options.
Why Slow Fashion Matters
Saltwater Sage was built in direct opposition to fast fashion. The goal is not to make more things. It is to create quality, unique items that last a lifetime. Hats that feel personal, wear beautifully, and stay with you for years with proper care.
Custom Fit
A hat should feel as good as it looks. Every custom piece starts with a fitting using a conformateur and formillion, and is then hand crafted with love to create a finished masterpiece that tells only your story.
Natural Materials
Quality starts with what the hat is made from. Dana works with Working with ethically sourced Rabbit, Beaver, Nutria, and Toquilla Palm from sustainably built companies who value the quality of their products.
Made to Last
A Saltwater Sage hat can last a lifetime, if properly taken care of. These hats are not trendy pieces, they are meant to be loved and lived in for decades.
The Feeling of a Custom Hat
Something Made for You Feels Different
Owning a Saltwater Sage hat is about wearing something built specifically for you. From the first time you put it on, you’ll feel the difference of a hand-blocked crown and a fit that actually matches the shape of your head. It’s designed to be a part of your daily uniform—a piece of wearable art that carries the quiet confidence of the Maine woods. My goal is to create an enduring, high-quality hat that doesn't just sit on you, but truly belongs to you.
Start Your Custom Journey
Ready to create something truly unique? Whether you're dreaming of a custom hat, planning a Palm Leaf Social, or eager to dive into a hands-on workshop, we're here to bring your vision to life. Connect with us today to book a consultation or inquire about our offerings. Let’s craft something extraordinary together.