Tuesday 28 June 2016

Felt, faux fur, and more felt

Over the years I have made quite a few hats for my family and friends, and my mother has the biggest collection. So I didn't take many with me on my recent holiday, but instead planned to borrow some of those! My favourite was a small black felt hat with felt feathers and a snow leopard fur trim. I enjoyed wearing it so much, I decided to try some similar styles again.


I would be wearing this hat right now if I hadn't accidentally made it a bit too small for me! Instead it has gone, along with the rest of the hats in this post, into the Blackheath Hub with the berets for my first restock of winter.


I tried again with red and black, but I don't love the black faux fur on me. I guess I'll just have to make another one for myself!


Something that is so lovely about vintage hats is how different they look from different angles. This is particularly noticeable in those that sit on the back of the head, as these do, and create a frame around the face, with hidden details at the back. In this case, none of the red is visible, and it creates a nice bright surprise as you turn.


This next one I have mixed feelings about. I was going for a sort of heart-shaped halo effect, but I think I've arrived at fluffy tricorne instead. What do you think?


While those experiments had their ups and downs, it is hard to go wrong with a classic cloche. There is so much inspiration to draw on, but a swept back brim and velvet ribbon is hard to beat. And the dove grey vintage wool felt was lovely to work with and is such a subtle and classy colour.


This next was a design challenge, since the orange felt hood already had a bit cut out of the bottom (to make the visor on Nicole's 1960's rainbow helmet hat) and I don't work with orange very much either. So it had to make a small hat, leaning towards the 1930s in inspiration, with bow details I saw in a late 20s illustration. This type of hat often doesn't look like much on a mannequin, but is really flattering when worn. It might be the hair that makes all the difference.


Hopefully I'll manage to borrow them back from the shop and do a photoshoot so you can see them looking their best. Actually, I hope they sell out before I get that chance, but the photoshoot would be a nice option too. Although these hats are in the Hub now, non-locals feel free to contact me to ask about prices or about having something similar made.

I know many of you are in the sweltering heat of summer and may not enjoy even looking at wool, but try to imagine yourself in the misty cool of a mountains morning. Here, this should help:


Now, which one would you choose?
SHARE:

17 comments

  1. It's so hard to pick - they're all so pretty! I love the first one, but I think the gray cloche might be my favorite. It's just so classic and elegant I can't resist it.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thanks Jessica! Those are my two favourites too :)

      Delete
  2. Stunning creations one and all. I especially love the burgundy and red ones, but each of these hats calls out to me and is just as glam and gorgeous looking as the day is long.

    Many hugs & happy tail end of June wishes,
    ♥ Jessica

    ReplyDelete
  3. Oh my, so many gorgeous hats! I love the burgundy fur one at the beginning and I can just imagine that being all snuggly and warm in the winter. However, the grey cloche and orange 1930s style ones are definitely my favourite. Both are absolutely stunning.

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you Cate! Felt hats are sooooooo snuggly in winter. I love them :)

      Delete
  4. I think they all look great. My favorite is the cloche but I love the burgundy and the blue with the halo effect too

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you! I'm glad you like the blue one too.

      Delete
  5. Hard to choose a favourite! I love the first one and the cloche is great too. I really like the zingy orange colour and the blue fur. Nope, can't choose!!

    ReplyDelete
  6. The burgundy and fur one is my favourite i think; I like the orange one but I know I'd never wear that colour!

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Orange is a tough colour! I think I would give it a miss too!

      Delete
  7. I am in awe of your talent! I adore the black and red one, its so pretty!

    I had a go at making a hat last year, it wasn't perfect but I want to have another go. It wasn't a hat-hat, more of a perchy type affair, attached with hat elastic, I certainly don't have any ability to take millinery adventures any further! xx

    ReplyDelete
    Replies
    1. Thank you so much, Melanie! Making hats is so much fun, whatever the type, and ability is all from practise and good teachers so I'm sure you could take it as far as you like.

      Delete
  8. The cloche hat is wonderful but honestly they are all adorable! Great job :)

    Liz

    ReplyDelete

Blogger Template Created by pipdig