Silk Petal headband for Ladies Day

 

 

We have just had two lovely days of sunshine for the start of Royal Ascot and tomorrow it's ladies day and everyone will be crossing their fingers that it won't rain.

I have several hats and headpieces being worn tomorrow, this is one of them. Very bright and fresh in pinks and oranges, I have sewn three large petals in raw silk covered the band in the pink silk added veiling, vintage beads and a quill.
It will be easy to wear all day you can take it off and have no worries about your hair looking flat.

Race Day

Just finished and off to the races tomorrow. It's one of those tones that change in the light and can appear very different. Always tricky when looking for accessories.

However help was at hand in the form of two beautiful shades of silk.

This client also had a silk clutch bag made in the lighter silk of the petals and her shoes were almost the same colour.

Once everything was tried on together the combination was perfect.

Hope she backs a winner.

Take a brim and a crown

When you make a hat by hand each part is blocked separately.
This is where you dampen the material then steam and stretch it gently over a hat block (mould)
When dry and removed it is then cut to the desired shape.
The brim is worked on by adding brim reed around the edge to keep it's shape and stop it flopping, then this is covered with fabric.
Here you sew so that the stitches can not be seen.Tricky stuff.
Petersham ribbon is sewn to the head size around the inside of the crown and the label added.
Next attention is turned to the crown this is the part that wraps around the head the top is called the tip.
A lining is made to fit inside the hat then the brim and crown are joined together.
Now you create a band to cover your workings and add the trim. Simple.!
This hat is a very simple design as the suit it will be worn with looked better without too much detail.

Topping the style stakes with a mini top hat

My lovely mini top hat block creates a terrific shape. Measuring 16cm across the top of the crown it's big enough to be a hat rather than a fascinator.
This one in black straw has a single quill, merry widow veiling and is trimmed in black silk.
Fun, shapely and just a little daring, perfect for head turning glances.
Now ready for popping into it's little red box and then off to the races tomorrow.
Lets hope my client has picked a winner.