Vintage Marie Claire

Marie Claire was first published in France in 1937 and was distributed every Wednesday.

These vintage editions have been loaned to me by Amy who owns Ribbon Circus which sells a host of gorgeous haberdashery.

They really are a wonderful selection and it is hard to pick a favourite page or design.

Fantastic inspiration for anyone who designs and makes clothes or hats or anything with a vintage look.

I already have a few ideas for new hat shapes so you will no doubt see them here very soon.

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.

Cream and Ivory Birdcage veils

As Easter weddings draw ever closer I am busy sewing lots of bridal headdresses.

Merry widow veiling is very pretty and actually comes in many colours from black to hot pink.

The first pictures are of an ivory and shell pink rose, that nestles in an ivory birdcage veil.

The second a cream and ivory silk disk trimmed with swarovski crystals and pearls.

Both are on headbands which have been covered in matching silk.

Tip Top mini Topper

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My mini top hat block is very beautiful even before you use it to make your hat.

Here I have blocked the crown in an open weave natural straw and the brim in pari sisal fine straw.

To create an unusual look I have pulled out some of the woven straw in the crown which has given it a distinctive look.

Each piece has then been dressed in the lovely plaid silk and I added a few feathers to finish off the trim.

It has only been in the shop for a couple of days and everyone has fallen in love with it.

I wonder where it will make it's debut.?

Felted Roses

New additions to the shop are hand crocheted then felted rose corsages and long rope scarves or lariats, made by Heartfelt.

They make a beautiful present or keepsake for weddings, and the long scarf is wonderful for dressing up a simple outfit.

I have put them into my window and they make a lovely spring display. Lots of people stopping to admire them already.

If you look closely you will see they are delicately beaded too.