Something to shout about

Here are two hats that were made with one thing in mind 'PHOTOGRAPH ME'.
The one worn by a former Miss England at Ascot a couple of years ago, found it's way into lots of newspapers, the second is still awaiting it's debut.
It's great fun when you are commissioned to make these P.R. hats but they do cause a few headaches like making sure the plane will stay in place or your pork pie won't slide off the side of the hat.
In the middle photograph the cream hat is made from felt and has two wings with central cuts supported by black wire.Once that stage was complete the very elaborate trimming began.
The pork pie was made from washing up sponges and lots of small pieces of tissue paper,one lady actually thought it was a real pork pie.No smell should have given it away.!
I don't have any other hats like these in the pipeline at the moment but as both of these came completely out of the blue you just never know what you might be asked to make next.

Thanks to Ed Chadwick photography for picture of felt/plane hat, great to have a photographer next door at Snug Gallery.

Rich Warm Tones

So far September seems to have given us a very mixed bag of weather so I have been making as many types of hats a possible for the shop.This is a wool beret trimmed in cashmere.The rich tan complements the grey wool cloth and is really soft against the head.
The beret has an 8 sectioned crown top stitched in grey cotton.
The amber beads add depth with their rich glow, making an everyday hat just that little bit special.
The clutch bag is made from the same cashmere with a lambswool tweed edge.Three little shell buttons create detail in the center and a magnetic clasp keeps everything safe inside.
Today I have bought quite a few more pieces of cashmere in some gorgeous colours so will be adding to my soft winter collection soon.

Pink ruffles and dress clips

Two hats for the same lady,one for a wedding and one for the races.

The black hat made from pinopok sinamay has a vintage hat pin and two vintage dress clips as well as a gorgeous feather, great for the races as it is light and easy to wear.

The black straw hat has a pink silk ruffle and black woven bead trim.

Both styles are very dramatic which she loved, and as she is a new client I hope she back for more head turning hats.

Summer weddings are all over now and the race calendar is coming to its end so I am now making a lot more autumnal headwear, but I love working with felt and warmer fabrics so I will be back with winter creations soon.