Fort McPherson (Apr 24/06) - One thing's for sure: you know who you're talking to when addressing Fort McPherson's youngsters.

That's because a good many of them have woolen toques created by Susan Blake or Emily Neyando.

It's not so much the toque, but what's on it: the child's first name, large and across the forehead.

"I've been crocheting for years, but I only started making hats about a year ago," Blake said.

The multicoloured lids for kids started as a novel gift. But what was good for one child became a snowball of requests.

"One of my kids wanted one," Blake said. "Of course my other kids and grandchildren wanted one. From there, other people find out you make them."

She calculates she's crocheted more than 300 toques in the past year.

"They're popular because you want to personalize it, eh?" she says of people who ask for favourite colours or a toque to match their jacket.

It's a nice bit of extra income, but she's sticking to just the hats, thank-you very much.

"I don't have the time to make other things," she said of branching into scarves or blankets, items she used to make when she first took up the craft.

"People have to order them directly," she said. Her waiting list has 16 names on it.

Word has got out and Blake's toques have been sold to people in Yellowknife and Edmonton. "There was a lady here from Manitoba who took a few home."

It's not like Blake is a factory. She fits in crocheting time with personal time.

"It takes just a few hours to make one, so I'll do them when I sit and have tea and visit when anyone comes over."

Because Fort McPherson stores don't see yarn, she gets her supplies on visits to Inuvik at V&S Options, a store specializing in yarns and craft goods.

One little girl seen running about the recent Peel River Jamboree lucked out. She had a Blake toque crocheted in a sky blue colour that sparkled. "That was a novelty wool that you won't get any more," she said of Jay Wright's unique toque.

It's come to the point where Blake is encouraging others to join in.

"I've taught one girl to do it and she's taken some orders. One girl has a big family so it would be worthwhile for her to learn," Blake said.