New Year New Ideas

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Since I closed for the Christmas break I have spent time in Norfolk with family and visited friends in London. So I am back to work and now full of ideas for the year ahead. The workroom has been cleared of all junk and is now in great shape, I have bought new scissors and made a few new patterns.

One of the new projects is 'Hat Therapy at Home'  a selection of fabric lead table wear including table mats, napkins, tea towels and other lovey items.

I have always loved table linen and of course my love of fabric allows me to indulge both passions at once.

There will be spring hats to design and make as well as a photo shoot in March which will encompass a very unusual theme. [more on the later]

So if you would like to see my At Home range they will in the shop in Hebden Bridge from the weekend or on line later next week.

Hope your year has started well.

Chrissie.

Christmas Dressing

After last weekend I have been busy restocking the shop in preparation for the Christmas shoppers who were out in force this weekend.
Next Saturday I will have been open for 8 years and so I hope lots of clients past and future will pop in for a festive drink and nibble.
Time flys when you are busy sewing so it will be nice to pause a moment reflect on my small achievement.

Also we were  treated to the most beautiful sunset as I closed the shop on Saturday and I managed a quick picture, wonderful isn't it.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Chocolate Dream

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Lots of ladies don't want a large brimmed hat or even a hat that covers their hair so a small but distinctive piece is often the answer. Here is chocolate fine straw toque hand blocked and then hand pleated, I pop bull clips onto each pleat to keep them sharp.

The shape would come under 'toque' mostly without a brim and a circle that fits close to the head.

The trim which is fine braided straw has been sewn into a simple bow and a couple of vintage beads added to the center.

A corn yellow silk binding and a wide tooth comb bound in organza ribbon is all that is needed to finish this lovely little hat.

Very Beret

Luxury leopard print in velvet, very simple and very soft.
People seem to love animal print and are drawn to anything made in a print fabric or really dislike it.
When ever I make an animal print hat it always sells very quickly, normally a women who will walk straight in, stride towards it, try it on and then say "I'll take this please".
The napa leather covered buttons and wide silk band add a luxury touch, to a very special little beret.

Softly folded cream felt

I am often asked what type or style of hat do I like to wear? Well this is it simple,strong clean lines and holds it's own amongst the bigger hats.
This is the second hat for the exhibition in Manchester's platt Hall.
I went there on Thursday and it was so beautiful inside as it has just been lovingly renovated.
Made from peach bloom felt,wire and vintage buttons my hat is so simple but very striking.The cut out piece with inserted wire helps the edge to tilt upwards.
Simplicity is often the best recipe.
Let me know what you think.?

Hats Glorious hats

This is one of two hats bound for an exhibition in Manchester's costume gallery, Platt Hall which is re-opening 13th March.
Both hats are very different this one being made from a sinamay called Gracia which I have hand frayed(see picture) before sculpting into separate shapes.
Each piece has then been sewn together.
The soft wire brim hangs down softly over the left eye.No winking required.
I have rolled the edges around a very small curling tongue to soften the blunt edge.
So what do you think.? My other hat is made from soft felt and is VERY different, photo's to follow in a few days.
Hope the general public enjoy looking.
I am going to be in some very salubrious company.No name dropping please.

Royal Flush

This Royal Blue felt hat has been hand sculptured into shape and then machine sewn to create a dome.To keep the edge firm I have sewn in brim reed.
Shell buttons have been sewn on both sides adding detail and shine.
It sits easily on the head and can be worn any way you choose just keep turning for a new style.

It's been so cold here that everyone has needed a warm hat,even the self proclaimed NON Hat wearers, so last two weeks in the shop have been BUSY.

Felt is such a great material to work with.Just steam and shape, well just about.!

Bows

As Christmas shopping begins for most people early December I am busy making a few little accessories as stocking fillers.These felt bows are a great gift for all ages.
Wear on your coat or bag, or just like jewellery.
Lots of colours available let me know if you would like a custom one made from £8 plus postage.
They all have a different center,buttons,pearls or beads to name a few.

Let it rain.

Who cares if it rains when you have this little number to wear.Turn a few heads,keep dry and look damn good in the process.
Not for shrinking violets but also the hat for bad hair days.
Lined with a damson violet to keep you warm.
Will there time for me to make one for myself.?
NAH I am always last in the queue.Maybe next week.!!

Clutch that

A little clutch bag, always popular.This one is in a soft grey wool very soft but strong too.The gunmetal frame sets off the colour perfectly.The tricky bit is applying the glue to the frame and then the material.Close your eyes and pray.!!!

Matching Neck wrap

Got a bit carried away on my hounds tooth check theme but it looks good together.Nice and warm as well as On trend. (Sounds like Mary Queen of shops) Mary portas
Great for those chilly mornings which seem to have come around very quickly.Also thought a little corsage might add a dash of colour to a winter coat.
Anyway no time for chit chat today loads to sew so I will leave you with a picture of my latest
handy work.
All available in the shop or by phone if you can't live without one.