Hats straight off the block

  

 

 

  

      

       

 

      

 

 

It's been a busy day in the shop but I managed to take some photographs this morning of three hats one of which sold this afternoon.!
The top hat is a knotted straw crown, fine straw brim and silk trim.
A very classic little hat but can be worn with so many styles so always great to have on my hat wall.
The red straw is an over sized beret with a hand tooled red silk flower. It's the type of hat that someone doesn't need but just wants.
The final pictures are of a really unusual block that I bought from Milliner Rachel Skinner in London, when I started my business. It's very different and can make some great shapes. Here it was used for blocking pinopok then sculpted after blocking to create a striking hat on a small base. It sold this afternoon.I shall make another but not the same.

Hat Therapy loves Instagram

 

 

In the last couple of weeks I have started using instagram and find that even I can make photograph's look half decent. Here is a little selection that I have taken around the shop. I really like it's ease of use it it's another way to link up with people. On the hat front there has been some furious making going on so I will be taking some pictures of the latest pieces just off their blocks. It's that time of year when I just can't make them quick enough.!

Straw and Sinamay Beret

 

 

Just a quick post to show off this lovely hand blocked beret made by Fran who has been on placement with me since October. The beret has been blocked in two stages. First the electric blue sinamay and then the patterned natural straw. Sandwiched together the blue peeps out from between the straw's gaps.
There's a straw ribbon  anchored with a turquoise shell long bead. Fran is very pleased with her hat and so she should be.

Lace Buttons and wool

 

I made a quick trip to buy a few pieces of fabric that I needed this week and of course left with more than was on my list. The braids are very fine and lovely quality, I intend to use them on a few bridal head pieces.
The grey wool cloth is for a mans cap and I am hoping that there will be enough of the checked fabric left as I would love a shoulder bag for myself....famous last words.!
Lastly the pink buttons are Italian and so pretty with a lovely sheen to them. I am going to wire them into twists and use as a trim..picture at some point will make more sense.