Making A Hat Called Ellerslie

I'm sure a few readers might know that my family have lived in New Zealand since 1920 so it's a place I'm very familiar with.
I lived in Auckland for quite a few years and have been to the races a few times.
Ellerslie racecourse in Auckland has an elegant driveway planted with palm trees as you walk up to the entrance. I did find a lovely old image of this aspect on the internet so have a look if you're interested.
As this year I am calling my occasion hats after racecourses Ellerslie was definitely on my list of names.
Teal and grey are two of my favourite colours so this combination suits me well.
The crown is blocked from fine straw and the brim from two tone sinamay.
It's quite an elegant hat so I think it would go very well with a dress or suit.
It's now for sale in the shop and as I no longer have a website you can buy directly from you just need to get in touch if you have any questions or would like to purchase 'Ellerslie'

Chrissie

Turning Cold And Wrapping Up

There's a definite change of temperature this week and it's sent everyone reaching for warmer coats and gloves not to mention hats.

I've had lots of ladies in the shop finding a hat that suits their needs, looks great,and is easy to wear everyday.

This can be a challenge but with a little help it can be achieved.

Felt hats are very warm and I make a selection that can be folded on top of your bag, but they don't like to get very wet, so you need the right fabric as well as the right shape.

Our hand knitted poncho's are back in the shop, my sister knits them for me this one is a gorgeous blue and at the moment she's knitting a mustard one. 

Thick warm and can be worn over your coat as an extra layer when it's freezing cold.

I'm also making new winter bags including wool cloth and corduroy like the one pictured and there's a new range of backpacks being made so plenty to keep me busy.

There's also plenty of luxury faux fur hoods and headbands ready to buy as they are still very popular.

You can have your head measured should you need a smaller or larger fit.

You can just spot them on display in the window.

Get in touch or pop in if you'd like to see what we can make for you.

Chrissie x

Long Lazy Summer Days

Well Summer has officially begun so we should be looking forward to holidays and sunshine.

With that in mind I have now got a lovely selection of roll up ladies Panama hats with are as soft as butter and roll up inside a strong tube or you can make your own with a piece of card. 

Brilliant for going away, walking or in the garden.

Ascot this week with ladies day yesterday. I wonder if my ladies had any winners ? Always a hat lovers delight to watch the round up of fashion at the end of the week.

Lots of flowers out at the moment including dock weed and seed heads which I just love.

The little piece at the top of the post is a lovely stiffened lace with pearls on a black straw disc bound in pink silk to match a dress for a wedding. So pretty and delicate looking yet actually quite robust as it's wired to keep it's shape.

That bright pink hat has had a second piece in navy blue blocked I am just about start sewing it together and then trimming can begin. I will show you how it turned out next time.

Chrissie x

New Street Sign

It was time to have my street sign re done as it had my old logo and colour's plus after several years of general weather it was looking shabby.

A local sign maker has done a great job for me and was very patient as I wanted specific fonts, tones and spacing.! However I am delighted with it and it was exactly how I had drawn it.

This week in the mix of making this lovely little pill box hat was made for a wedding last Saturday and was worn with a black and ivory suit.

It was a sunny afternoon for the wedding party so I'm sure all the hats required no umbrella's.!

I am now making lots of felt cloche hats such as the red one and they are popular for everyday and weddings.

Still continuing to fill the shop with warm head wear and accessories which you can now buy directly from the blog ... just on the right hand side near the top of the page.

Keep warm,

Chrissie x