Patent Leather Feathers

Hello hope everyone had a great Bank holiday weekend it's always good to get an extra day off.

I've been using a material called Jinsin which I bought from a Paris supplier a few years ago and have only used a few times.

Jinsin is a woven straw fabric which is brilliant for sculpting into wonderful shapes.

It has a warp of straw and a weft of polyester thread. This creates strong vertical lines which you can twist and shape into amazing curves.

This makes it the perfect material in my book as there's nothing I like better than a sculptural hat.

The feathers have been made from patent navy blue leather which I bought from a friend who makes bags. http://www.ce-leathergoods.co.uk/

Ticking is another of my favourites so a bag and a holiday cap seemed to fit the bill with brown suede straps for good measure.
Alliums have been showing off the last few weeks so I took this picture as I watched them open up.
I bought myself a hydrangea for the shop doorstep as the hellebore and violas had come to the end of their season.
Still making Ascot hats but can't reveal them as yet !
Chrissie x

Cotton Hats And Oil Cloth Bags For Summer

I've been busy re painting my kitchen in between making hats and bags.! It's not finished yet as hats and other sewing take priority, two walls are white and two walls are F&B 'Pigeon' which is a great colour.

We have been busy re filling the shop with casual cotton holiday hats and bags including cross body oil cloth bags which I love as they are so easy to wear and you can fill them with the kitchen sink.!

I have bought another lovely piece of oilcloth today which I want to make myself a bag from as I always seem to low on the list when it comes to making.I am going to use it with a piece of leather so will take pictures and show how it worked out in the next post.

Flowers are opening up in the garden and borders around town and continue to make my day however it's not that warm at the moment. 

This coming week I am expecting the last minute Ascot ladies, but I am ready with lots of options in the shop and of course we can always add touches of colour to match outfits.