Hand Blocked Sinamay Beret

 

 

 

 Sinamay is not really one of my favourite hat making materials, but it comes in so many amazing colours which makes life easy when trying to find a particular shade to work with. This is one of my favourites blocks, a beret block that I had made to my design.After blocking the sinamay using 3 layers I have sewn brim reed to stabilise the inner edge and then lined it in dupion silk.I also added a hat elastic to keep it in place.
The stiffened silk petals are all cut by hand then hot irons are used to curl the edges. Finally beads and crystals were sewn to create a centre and hey presto you have a hat.!

Sinamay swirl

 

 

 

 This special sinamay has two colours in the weave instead of one which gives it a lovely hue and lends itself to many different uses. I have steamed and sculpted this piece by hand and rolled the raw edge with my finger

and thumb, it takes a while to get a smooth edge but worth it for a simple seamless finish.

The ribbon is a petersham grey/lilac that I have added a wire spine so that it can hold it's shape and then added two blue/grey beads.

It sits to the left of the head and skirts across the left eye.