Custom Hat Process

I wanted to share a photo of a custom cloche I recently finished:

Burgundy fur felt cloche

That's a 3/4 view. First we discussed basic shape (cloche), then type and color of felt (plain finish burgundy fur felt). After I blocked the overall shape, we talked about trim a bit and how the brim should be cut. 

Based on her face shape, I went with a flared, asymmetrical brim. (She has an eyebrow ring, so the brim was cut higher on that side to show it off!) I didn't want the bulk of a welted (turned under) brim, but I wanted to add some wire for structure/stability, so that's the logic behind the choice of the matching grosgrain ribbon. 

She liked the burgundy paisley silk from another hat I had done, so that's how the band was chosen. And the cockade was my idea — to suit her personality. Similar to a rosette, which she had admired on another hat of mine, but a specific type of vintage flair that I thought really suited her.

Custom cloche (right side)

Custom cloche (front)

Creative Covetousness

I want it all. There, I said it. I want all the hat blocks my little heart could desire. I want all the vintage trimmings money can buy.

I think most creative people are the same way. My husband, a photographer, lusts after better gear and expensive lenses (or "glass" to the initiated). Me? I want to load up on hat blocks and hat-making supplies.

It feels good to know that I don't generally want to spend my money on "toys" like a new iPhone or TV. I want to spend my money on things to help me create.

Here's one object of my affection that, alas!, I am not able to justify buying:



I have so many millinery things I'd like to do with this gorgeous lace. Well, it's so pretty I at least enjoy looking at it even if I can't buy it. :)

Procrastination!

Eep! I've procrastinated updating my blog for almost two months. The ironic thing is that I have many things in my head that I want to write about, so it isn't even a problem with writer's block. I've just been prioritizing making hats. :)

So I'll be trying to blog more regularly going forward. I also have to build my web site.

Lots of big and exciting stuff to do!