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.

Lady wears feathers

I was pleased to find out where my vintage hat prints came from and also thrilled to be offered this wonderful print of a woman wearing plumes of black feathers in her hat.
They all came from a 1930's catalogue
" Album du Figaro" La Mode de printemps.
Originally it cost 250 francs and is full of wonderful images of the fashion of the era.
There are quite a few more so I may be tempted to buy again.!
The hat in the print has glorious black feathers so I have taken some pictures of a few of my feathers which I am using at the moment for various pieces.
These chequered feathers are achieved with a burning technique and are known as brulee, just like the dessert.

Peacock

Peacock feather's are just so beautiful and I love to use them with a contrasting silk,this one is a double thread silk of peacock blue and red giving it a deep rich hue.

This piece sits to the right side of the head sloping down past the right eye.

The vintage button used to anchor the two pieces together is a soft pearl grey and very beautiful.

I have sewn the silk twists on to a headband so there are no worries about positioning, just pop on and go.!

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.