A Felt Beret For A Wedding

This is one of my favourite block shapes which I use to make my more formal berets.

A soft mushroom felt has been simply trimmed with a textured fabric which has a thread of colour running through it.

After blocking the beret two slits were made fairly close together and then I threaded the sewn fabric pieces through the main body of the hat.

Always a little nerve wracking when you cut into something that's already complete!

However well worth it to create this simple elegant look.

It has now been purchased and will be off to a wedding this weekend and then to Ireland later in the month.

The Humble Beret

 

I am working on lots of berets at the moment as I am opening an online shop. There will be three collections of berets, some to wear for work, some for the weekend and some for anytime you like. I'll keep you posted when it's ready to go. I'm trying different backgrounds for my pictures at the moment . I think the darker one works the best.

Winter Headwear

We all wish winter wouldn't come around so soon but there is always the plus of winter dressing.
Hats always come in handy when it's cold especially if you have to wait for a bus or train on your way to and from work.
I am busy making lots of winter hats, like the felt cloche above and the simple cord beret with a vintage buckle and as it's time for pulling out your warmer coat, why not add a great looking hat.
Here in the u.k. we have been promised a week of warmer weather but you can never tell till you wake up.

1940's Beret Glamour

I have entered a competition with this little hat and although there was no time for research and ordering of perfect materials I managed to select enough from the workroom to produce this hat. Heres Lucy of Lucy and the Caterpillar fame modeling my vintage inspired 1940's beret.

A hand rolled organza bow has been stitched in silver thread which is secured with a vintage diamante buckle,then the fine silver feather sweeps from behind. The corded lace motif I hand cut from a piece of bridal fabric and stiffened, then I have sewn a wire spine to be able to lift and twist it into position. Lastly some lighter navy organza ribbon was added to the spine.

Lined in navy silk and worn with a hat elastic it should be the type of hat a lady wears every day.! A big thank you to Shelly of Toast who yet again took these terrific photos.

Pretty in Pink Paisley Linen

I have always loved the paisley pattern since I was a little girl and still buy fabric when ever I spot some.

This lovely linen print has made a great summer duo in beret and bag, perfect for the summer months to team with other linen items.

The beret has a vintage glass button while the bag has a mother of pearl.

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.

Very Beret

Luxury leopard print in velvet, very simple and very soft.
People seem to love animal print and are drawn to anything made in a print fabric or really dislike it.
When ever I make an animal print hat it always sells very quickly, normally a women who will walk straight in, stride towards it, try it on and then say "I'll take this please".
The napa leather covered buttons and wide silk band add a luxury touch, to a very special little beret.

Monochrome Girl

Be bold, very bold, in black and white wool print highland beret and shoulder bag.
It's smart, soft and very wearable.
PERFECT.
I'll have both thanks.
Just hot out of the workroom this week but not too late to post for Christmas.
Beret £40 and Bag £45. Not bad for a classic.

Let it rain.

Who cares if it rains when you have this little number to wear.Turn a few heads,keep dry and look damn good in the process.
Not for shrinking violets but also the hat for bad hair days.
Lined with a damson violet to keep you warm.
Will there time for me to make one for myself.?
NAH I am always last in the queue.Maybe next week.!!

NEW HATS

Thursday; Yesterday had a phone call from the Jeremy Vine show on radio two,asking if I would like to be involved in the show as they were covering a piece on the recession and how it had affected different people in business.
I think I will make myself the unofficial milliner to the show.!!!!
Still making the rain hats but have made some new berets including a tweed hounds tooth check in tomato red.
Hounds tooth check is very IN this winter so get yourself kitted out and stride out in style.