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.

Warm Winter Knitted Hats

It's been too cold for early September, so everyone has been pulling out their warmer coats and for those of us who love our hats it's the perfect opportunity for a new everyday warm hat.
No need to pass on style either, I always have a lovely selection of berets and simple pull on knitted styles in the shop.
All beautifully made by my sister, in wool or wool blends. The top hat is a 1920's style cloche with little flaps that sit out to the side when worn.The beret has a vintage buckle and liberty print trim. Lastly the fine 4 ply beret has a pretty cabled band and button holes down one side to which I have added little vintage shell buttons for fastening.
So if you are shy about wearing a hat try a simple little warm hat at first and before you know it you will have your own collection. Keep warm.!

To Block a Cloche

The CLOCHE is one of my favorite hat shapes. This grey felt cloche with a flower trim is blocked as a one piece instead of a crown and a brim.

The crown block is pushed down inside the brim block as the last picture shows.

Sounds tricky but with a little patience you can produce a really lovely shape.

Once the felt is taken off the block you can then steam the brim wider, then trim into any shape you desire.

A brim reed is stitched around the brim edge to keep it in shape.

Little Red Cloche

This lovely red fine straw cloche hat is a real winner in the cute stakes, so far just about everyone popping into the shop has fallen in love with it.
I also made one in cream but that went to a wedding in California a while ago.
I took this photograph for my new web site which is slowly making progress.
My friend Clare Lupino looked so good in this shot I decided to post it on the blog first.