Merry Christmas

Wishing everyone a happy Christmas.

Having a break then back to hatting in Jan.

Thank you for reading my blog and any support via social media it is much appreciated.

Looking forward to the new year.

Chrissie x

Festive News

It's been a while since I last blogged so I thought I'd load plenty of images to let you see what I've been up to.

This year I have been holding a millinery class on a thursday evening which has been lovely only 3 students per class so plenty of individual attention.

I have a Furoshiki class on Sunday 17th November.

This is the Japanese art of wrapping gifts with a scarf or cloth.

Fabulous day with a delicious lunch and full of surpises. It's a complete passion of mine and I first learnt how to wrap things when I lived in Bangkok and a friend had a Japanese neighbor.

Get in touch if you'd like to book.

Only 2 spaces left.

07977596373

I will have gift vouchers for Milliner's Apprentice for the day.

Spend the day with me and be involved in all things millinery.

General gift voucher and Millinery classes.

These can be posted too.

I think that's all my news including my celebration day at the shop on November the 30th can't believe I will be starting my 15th year of business. Time flys doesn't it.

The Harewood House Christmas Market is going to be a lovely event with lots of makers selling some really good quality crafts.

So of course I am making all manor of hats and accessories in wools and warmer fabrics as it really is turning colder isn't it.

Perfect Hat weather!

Chrissie x

Summer Holidays Hello Again

Hello I've been having a break from blogging as I haven't had any help in the workroom for quite a while and had too many plates spinning.

Sewing had to take priority for a few months and as you can see there's been plenty of it !

Ascot saw me make the pale yellow silk petal commission which took a long time but was well worth it and just looked fabulous on.

My client had a wonderful day and felt a million dollars.

Also the shop has been filling up with summer hats and accessories in cottons and linens plus some large brimmed roll up hats.

Plus lots of wedding hats have been made and bridal headpieces including the lace headband which I made from the lace of a brides dress.

All in all it's been busy and I now have some help so I have more hands.

Hope you have a lovely summer holiday whatever you do .

Chrissie x

Making A Hat Called Ellerslie

I'm sure a few readers might know that my family have lived in New Zealand since 1920 so it's a place I'm very familiar with.
I lived in Auckland for quite a few years and have been to the races a few times.
Ellerslie racecourse in Auckland has an elegant driveway planted with palm trees as you walk up to the entrance. I did find a lovely old image of this aspect on the internet so have a look if you're interested.
As this year I am calling my occasion hats after racecourses Ellerslie was definitely on my list of names.
Teal and grey are two of my favourite colours so this combination suits me well.
The crown is blocked from fine straw and the brim from two tone sinamay.
It's quite an elegant hat so I think it would go very well with a dress or suit.
It's now for sale in the shop and as I no longer have a website you can buy directly from you just need to get in touch if you have any questions or would like to purchase 'Ellerslie'

Chrissie

Talented Friends Create A Wedding Showcase

It's the time of year when I showcase wedding hats and all sorts of lovely things you might require for your wedding.
I like to share my window space with talented friends who make all sorts of gorgeous things.
This year there's lots to mention.
Wedding Cake from The Kind Cake Co in Hebden Helen is the chief cake maker of vegan celebration cakes.This one have sugar hellabores and a patterned base layer.
The Print of Gibson Mill hanging on the wall is the work of my friend Julia Ogden Artist.
She also screen printed my 'I Do' calico.
You can get married at Gibson Mill and they will be holding a wedding fair there on the 7th of April from 11am till 3pm.
It's owned by the National Trust in the beautiful Hardcastle Crags.
Jewellery is very varied this year.
Rachel Lucie has a variety of her botanical inspired work here all homed in a little display cabinet including her earrings made from vintage beads.
Marie Canning maker of tiny porcelain pieces has halos and hair pieces and By Harriet an Instagram pal has delicate beaded hair pieces and brial tiaras.
Not forgetting hat's and headpieces by your truly.
I also made the little bouttioners seen on the mannequin. Pretty aren't they ?
Once again please feel free to get in touch or pop onto the shop for any advice for you upcoming wedding.
I have lots of talented friends I can wholeheartedly recommend and pass on their details.
Chrissie x

Spring Hats And Weddings Galore

Well we are all enjoying this unexpected early spring sunshine.
It's a real bonus for all those early spring weddings not just for the light but not having to wrap up so much and cover all your glorious outfit.
Next week I will be dressing my wedding windows with a variety of wedding wears.
Once again I have some wonderful wedding suppliers to help me complete the look with flowers jewellery photography stationery and of course cake.
I will be taking photographs as it comes together and posting them next week.
I have borrowed a little bureau for one window and it looks very at home in the shop.
I'm busy blocking other hat's like the ivory beret that I then sprayed a soft gold and the teal and grey straw which I stitched together before I blocked it.
It's also time to fill the shop with lots of silk clutch bags that can be made in any shape and shade.
Chrissie x

Trilbies Twists And Millinery Classes

Happy February well we've made in through January and there's a lot more light around which feels better and helps you function better don't you think ?

I'm back at it in the workroom sewing away on various orders and of course getting ready for the wedding season.

I've been using my straw braid for a few trims I like the shapes you can archive with it.

A new hat block arrived in the post yesterday it's a larger button block so I'm itching to block on it as soon as I can possibly tomorrow I will take a few pictures as I use it for next time.

Next week my millinery course begins on Thurs evening, I had to change the date for starting and day to accommodate everyone so I'm looking forward to see what the ladies want to make.

One of them is going to a wedding so that will be tailored to her outfit and wedding day needs.

They will be fairly simple things but achievable within the 5 weeks course time. [with a little help from me]

If all goes well I will run another one starting in March so get in touch if you're a budding milliner.