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.

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.

Liberty Lovely

I just love Liberty prints, they are so pretty and super fine. This blocked straw beret which was part of an earlier post has now been finished and trimmed with a liberty print flower and small quill.
To make the cotton hold it's shape I brushed it with a fabric stiffner and then when dry curled it with hot irons.
Once it was stiffened I then oversewed the edges in pink thread.

I have also used the same fabric to edge the inner side of the beret and then added a comb which I have bound with organza ribbon.

All you need is somewhere to go.!!

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.

Little Black Beret

Almost September so it's time to add a few slightly warmer hats to the stock in the shop.

This Pure cotton hand knitted beret will just fit the bill when there's a nip in the air.

The crocheted trim of simple flowers and vintage buttons just adds enough detail to make a simple hat look very appealing.

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.