HAT SKETCHES

I have been thinking for a while that although I use my Hat Therapy logo for most things it would be nice to have a different price tag for my hats and accessories.
My labels are woven and are stitched into all my work.The logo is used on my business cards and price tags in the shop, but I think it's time for a change so I have been sketching a few ideas.
I use a hammered ivory card to print on so it looks fairly crisp.
[Sorry to have taken these pictures in the evening hence their darker appearance.]
As I will be opening an online beret shop very soon I am also working on logo and packaging etc so all this sketching will come in very handy.
Not sure which I will use as yet and I may make a few changes but I will see how I feel about them after a few days.
I am a very prone to doodles, but managed to keep control of my pencil.!

A tale of two trilbys

Since starting work after the Christmas break I have been very busy. After our cold December it's nice to be thinking of spring colours, these two hats are for a lady who lives in Italy the trilby crown is blocked from fine straw and the brim in pinopok. The buttons are made from mussel shell and the blue fabric is a linen /viscose.
She will have no trouble shading her eyes with these wide brims, especially the linen print. {last photo }
I have also transformed my workroom by moving everything around including shelving. I even cut a small slice off my cutting table to make it fit it's new space.!
It's all go now working on everything in readiness for the spring/summer months, but of course I have to keep up with my orders so much plate spinning required.
I have quite a few plans for the business this year so I will be back soon with more news.

To Block a Cloche

The CLOCHE is one of my favorite hat shapes. This grey felt cloche with a flower trim is blocked as a one piece instead of a crown and a brim.

The crown block is pushed down inside the brim block as the last picture shows.

Sounds tricky but with a little patience you can produce a really lovely shape.

Once the felt is taken off the block you can then steam the brim wider, then trim into any shape you desire.

A brim reed is stitched around the brim edge to keep it in shape.

Winter Wedding

This is for a wedding on saturday so I hope they can make it to their venue.!! Very cold here in the U.K. at the moment.

It has been made with tangle tuft sinamay which is great for hand sculpting and blocking into twists and turns. The bride has very dark hair so this piece stands out very nicely.

It is worn on the right with the plume of feathers falling over the back of the head.

Little pearls and a vintage button for something 'old' complete the focal point.