Lace Feathers and Veiling

 

  

 

I have stiffened some lace fabric to create lace feathers and sewn a wire spine down the centre back so that they can be twisted into shape .Depending on how much stiffener you use will affect the outcome of your fabric so add a little at a time till you get the right feel.
I have been adding beads and veiling to my feathers as I have made a birdcage veil with a singular feather that clips in the hair and a cocktail hat with a veil and gold beaded feather in a slightly darker ecru.
The pictures don't really do them justice as they really are very pretty and delicate looking.
I have also made a few coloured ones and a couple of cotton ones. Perhaps I should try to construct a full bird.!

Pill Box Hat

 

I love Pill box hats, in general they bring such panache to the right outfit and veiling softly draped across the eye always looks good.
This is a very soft peach boom felt in mink with a vintage petersham ribbon trim,  The pearl beads are swarovski and you might just be able to spot tiny seed beads on the veiling. This one has now left the shop and is on it's way to a wedding in Greta Green in Scotland. The pin was left in until the lady had tried it on, but don't worry I did take it out after I added the final stitch.

Felt Hat Tweed Suit

This felt hat I have made for a bride who will be wearing the most glorious tweed suit from Liberty Freedom in a couple of weeks. It has a cut out pattern across the brim and is edged with dupion silk. Above a softly folded crown is trimmed with a silk tie and buckle.The brim sweeps across the right eyebrow and it's worn with a hat elastic to keep it perfect position.
Wow will she look good.!

Spring Cap

It's still very cold so a warm hat is still part of our outdoor clothing at the moment. This is a cap that I drafted a pattern for  couple of week ago. It has a wide slim peak and a crown that moulds to the head but is definitely not a baseball cap. The cap is made from boucle wool and has a vintage petersham ribbon trim secured to the hat with a lovely flower button.
I have also made one in a soft coral pink lambswool and intend to make them in lighter fabrics as the weather gets warmer.

Rainy Day Bag

This fabric is great for rain hats and bags it's a p.v.c. backed cotton in Charcoal grey I also have some in stone, raspberry and olive.
It's strong and showerproof so perfect for the u.k. island weather (rain) ! which we get frequently.
The handles in metalic leather make it soft to grip and it's edged and trimmed in a vintage petersham ribbon.
With a hard base it can take a little weight and the leather handles are lovely to hold.

Just Cruising

In January I often have orders for cruise hats. One to keep the sun off your face and one to fold in your bag in case of a shower of rain.
The trilby with a wide brim in a fancy straw will not fold up but will provide good shade, the rain hat has been made from pva backed cotton in a breezy print and will fold up.
So if you have a cruise booked you know where to come.!!
There is also a little hair clip being made for the evening, you never know when the captain might invite you to dine.

New Year at the Hat Shop

,

Happy new year, my first job before I re-open on Friday is to paint [with help] the inside of the shop.
The workroom was given a fresh coat of paint last January so that will be fine for now. I have a large amount of small and med sized windows so lots of fiddly bits.! Also new patterns to make. Enough to keep me busy.
I will take a few pictures of the work as I go.