Dear January

Hello how has your January been so far? It's good to be back at work and getting on with all the new seasons work. After we were all struck down with the flu over Christmas it has taken us a while to get some energy back and in the swing of things but we are just about there !

So last weekend there was a Christmas present visit to Harry Potter World and as I knew only the basics of the story I really didn't know what to expect.

What an amazing place it is showcasing the talent of so many makers from woodwork, metalwork and of course costumes and hats.

There was a whole section of millinery as well as costumes and other fabric items. 

I was particularly blown away by the tapestries which were enormous !

It was a brilliant day out and I definitely recommend it as there is something for everybody.

Back in the shop I am working on wedding wear for the up coming wedding season and a wedding fair at Gibson Mill in Hardcastle Crags just outside Hebden Bridge on March Sunday 18th.

It's owned by The National Trust and is a really beautiful spot.

My other news is that I've decided to not have a website anymore as it's so much work on top of all my making and general business duties and instead I shall post items for sale on my blog so you will be able to buy online just in a different way.

Possibly a small post of things for sale each Friday afternoon or something along those lines.

What does everyone think of the general idea ?

However when you search for me on google etc there will be a page with my details and a link to send me an e mail or visit my blog, instagram, pinterest or facebook pages so I won't disappear all together.

Chrissie x

December Dates & Shop Hours

Hello it's going to be a busy month and I expect everyone has a list as long as their arm.

My month of December kicks off with my birthday on the 1st and then on Sat 2nd I will have been open 12 years. [fanfare]

Can't quite believe that it will be 12 years but time flies when you are busy doesn't it.

I'd like to say thank you to all those who have supported me by buying hand made and spreading the word one way or another. Many clients have been visiting over this period and still continue to purchase from me so a huge thank you for that.

Also during December I shall be open on Sundays from 12 till 4 and there will be mulled wine and festive nibbles during the weekends while you browse. They say it's going to get really cold so a glass or two should warm you up. The shop is now dressed for the festive period as you can see and smells lovely with all the fresh greenery.

Saturday 2nd December the shop will be open from 10.30 till 5pm as usual but I will be at The Ripponden Christmas Fair from 11am till 6pm. Looks like it will be a lovely festive event with lots of artisan stalls to buy your gifts from.

Sunday while the shop is open I will be off to Altrincham to the very special Little Northern Contemporary Craft Fair.

Anyone who has been to the larger event in Manchester will know how good these gatherings are so expect only the best in a range of wears available from the selection of makers there.

Last but by no means least I will also be at the East Riddlesden Christmas fair on Sunday 17th December which will be held in their wonderful barn. It's a lovely spot if you've never been.

So hope to see some familiar faces over the next 4 weeks if you are visiting Hebden Bridge.

Chrissie x

Bumper Blog Post Catch Up

Sorry for the lack of blogging this month, it has been a busy time and every time I sat down to blog something more urgent took my attention.

So here's a bumper edition.

The first images of the old hatters brush was a find on my local market just yesterday and what a find.

Greetland is a local spot about 30 mins away from Hebden Bridge so I must try to find out about the premises if I can. I think it could be from the 40's or 50's. It's very special.

This weekend we have The Great Pumpkin Festival in town with carving and other activities so look out for things going on if you are coming to Hebden.

The woods are spectacular at the moment with wonderful browns and greens. The soft turban style beret is a great little hat for keeping warm and suits a range of face shapes. This one is trimmed with a little vintage buckle. Soft slouchy and a great everyday hat.

It's also time to create many felt hats this cranberry red with a large aubergine felt twist trim sold very quickly in fact all the felts have been quick to sell this month maybe people know it's going to be a cold winter.

I've started making neck wraps and hoods from luxury faux fur again.So soft and brings out the inner tsarina in you for the chilly days or nights.

My poor plaster head is really showing all the signs of age with cracks here and there so I am hoping to get her replicated as the facial expression is so charming.

Ive been buying lots of fabric and picked up a lovely piece of navy jersey which I hope to make a soft slouchy hat with and some velvet ribbon which I can never have enough of.

I also found a moment to make green tom chutney from the last of our cherry toms that we grew inside this year. So tasty and I added a few raisins but no sugar. Smells just as lovely as it tastes.

I was given a vintage dress box which was the same as my hat box from Marshall and Snellgrove who had dept stores around the U.K. may moons ago. They look great as a display item and many people seem to remember seeing them as a child or know someone who owned one, bring back back many lovely memories.

Lastly the mother of pearl buttons which I also found on the market in town [only three] were in fantastic condition and just needed a clean. I've used one so far but am hanging on to the others as long as I can, however there will be a moment when they are just the most perfect thing to use and will find a new home.

Chrissie x

Hats Under Constrution

So I finished the pink beret with the vintage navy twisted ribbon as the trim. Its very striking on and just needs a simple dress to pair with it. It has a navy sinamay blocked inner and the open weave blocked outer. I love brimless hats but they do leave you very exposed so not always the choice for the first time hat wearer.

The middle image is a reversible sun hat, yellow one side and check the other. It folds up into a small triangle and will pop into a bag while you don't need to wear it. It's so easy to leave a larger hat behind when your on holiday isn't it !

Finally the gold and grey hat has now been sewn together but I haven't taken a picture as yet. Every time I try the light seems to fade or some other distraction happens so I will get one taken for the next post.

Chrissie x

The Making Of A Cocktail Hat Called Mimosa

It all started with a piece of crin which is a nylon woven fabric that can be twisted into amazing shapes. I like the ability it gives you to extend the width of a smaller base making it light to wear.

After I had sprayed it pale grey I then whipped it into shape and sewed it onto a fine straw button hat which I had blocked earlier.

Next was to start adding the vintage petersham ribbon in grey with a fine black line into the spaces created by the swirls.

Once I was happy with the overall effect I then added a sprinkle of lovely dark grey pearls at the front and a few around the central back.

That left the lining to cut and make and sew into the hat, adding the hat elastic and a little teal braid as an added extra or surprise on the inside. I decided to choose a simple grey cotton lining for this piece.

Now it was just a matter of naming the little hat and of course I though of  a cocktail.

'Mimosa' is now sitting in the shop waiting to be chosen for her first outing. I'm sure she will be whisked off to somewhere glamorous very soon.

Chrissie x

Cold Enough To Wear A Hat

Natures pallet continues to provide all the inspiration for colour choices with the fog, frost and low light tones while we keep making warm hats. Last week was freezing here but the hoar frost bought the most beautiful images with crystals on all the trees and bushes.
Felt hats like the grey one are still very popular as they pull down over the ears which is never a bad
thing in the winter months.
I have a little selection of lovely boiled wools and this neck wrap is made with a mustard piece lined with a silky paisley print.
A few wedding hats were made in January but mostly cocktail headbands as they tend to be celebrated indoors.
However all our spring / summer hats are all under way, ready for warmer months and pretty summer weddings.
Chrissie.

Getting Ready For Christmas

Hello we have been busy getting ready for Christmas shoppers as it's only 6 weeks away !

Lots of people are popping in to see what we have in the shop. Of course hand made items don't suit everyone but most people have a least a few lovers of original gifts and every year I try to fill the shop with different ideas.

I will also be going along to the lovely Hepwoth Christmas Market on Sat 26th / Sun 27th

It's always good with a wonderful selection of artists selling a wide range of goods. Well worth a trip if you are in the Wakefield area.

There's a cafe and seating area for those who prefer to people watch and last year I had customers who had travelled up from London.

Then there's my own Christmas Shopping Saturday which will be Sat 3rd Dec 10am till 5pm so come along and share a glass of something and a few ginger breads to start December off in style.

There is something for everyone in Hebden and if you've never been this year would be a great time to visit.

Chrissie.