hat-mad
[ click for a larger view. ]
This is a bit surprising as I don’t consider myself a hat gal (not like a certain fantastic lady!), but lately they have been occupying quite a bit of my imagination and sketchbook. Not just the errant hat doodle I shoved in the corner of a page, but entire pages of ideas and jotted down notes. That, my friends, is when you know it’s moved from a “one day project” to a “very soon project”. It means I’m slowly girding up my courage to venture into a heretofore unexplored area!
Which, isn’t quite the truth of the matter. I took a millinery class years ago–I think it was after I finished high school. The class was held at a local fabric store, and focused on learning how to block felt forms. I found it fascinating and fell in love with it straightaway. My teacher’s enthusiasm was catching too, and I spent much of the day dreaming about how I’d like to make hats! Except for the one little catch: blocking tools (forms, steamers, etc.) are notoriously expensive. So obviously that didn’t happen. lol! But I’ve kept a keen interest in the art of millinery, even though I haven’t been actively involved in it (nor it seems an avid hat-wearer).
[ click for a larger view. ]
I spotted an adorable little hat on Ebay a few weeks ago. I think it was from the 50s, although there was no date on it. But it was a pretty basic style: a shallow pillbox with felt flowers are the front and sides of the hat. I decided to make it in black like the original (mostly because that was the only color of felt I had enough of!), but embellished the flowers with black sequins and gunmetal gray beads when I attached them. I think it makes it look a bit glamorous! For basic construction ideas of how to put this together, I referenced this Threadbanger video. If anyone is interested, I’d be happy to post the little pattern pieces for the flowers…
[ click for outfit details. also a side view of my hairdo if you're interested! ]
I’m quite happy with how this looks, although I feel a bit funny wearing a felt hat when it’s still in the dead of summer here. So I think it’ll get more outfit-time once the temperatures drop a bit. In this collage I’m also wearing a skirt I made from a vintage pattern last week. I had to do a bit of wrangling with this one, as the lovely “waistband” that drew me to the pattern in the first place, wasn’t a proper waistband at all! Instead it was a separate belt, so I adjusted it so it was a waistband. (Less pieces to loose. lol!) I made it out of a cotton jacquard weave, which I at first thought was a floral design when I purchased it but was a rather geometric pattern instead. But no matter–it still looks suitable for the pattern!
Whew–enough rambling! lol. I hope you all are having a lovely Wednesday!
Posted on August 12th, 2009 to creativity, outfits, sewing.
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inspiration week #91 »43 lovely thoughts to “hat-mad”
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alicepleasance says:
Oh my, that hat looks great! You are a very very talented lady
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meaghan says:
WOW! i can’t believe you made that Casey it’s gorgeous! I would definitely wear hats if that’s what they looked like on me!
You look gorgeous with that pretty little number on your head!
xo -
Lizzy says:
You are so talented! That is such a gorgeous hat!
I love felt hats a lot, I just lost out on a cute one on etsy, that looked very similar to the one you made, but with bows instead of flowers.
I love your whole outfit, that skirt is stunning and your hair looks amazing in that picture without the hat. -
Rosie says:
Love the outfit! I really admire that you just go for things, and try, like with the hat.
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Amanda Nicole says:
Your talent and creativity never cease to amaze! So so lovely, both the hat and the skirt. A perfect autumn accoutrement.
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Sara says:
Wow! You are oh so clever – I’m in awe! xxx
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Marmielu says:
Oh my golly, lady! Everything is so incredibly cute! You are so clever! I love the hat on you, and that skirt turned out great. BTW I took a look at the pattern front picture, and I can see how you wouldn’t know that was a belt.
Mom -
Julia says:
I’m not a hat girl either, but gosh darn, you are close to converting me with that hat of urs. You look smashing! I love that blouse you are wearing too. Where do you buy such gorgeous prints and fabric? Do you shop online or from a local fabric store?
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Sal says:
Both hat AND skirt are just fantastic, C. I tried on a long, quilted (!) skirt with that style of waistband just last week. Sadly, it pooched out a bit too much to suit my figure. But yours is fabulously flattering.
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Sam says:
That hat is lovely, and I really, really love the skirt! It’s such a unique style, and very flattering.
And, I thought I’d let you know that I’m having a giveaway on my blog! I’ve got a little box full of crafty goodies just waiting to be won and used for something wonderful…
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reilly says:
Yes! Hat fever is spreading! It looks so wonderful! How did you end up making it without a hat block?
I really love the skirt, as well. I’ve been wanting to buy a similar pattern for such a long time, but I just don’t wear skirts much! After seeing how fantastic it looks in real life, though, I may have to make one anyway!
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Solanah says:
Ah! I love it! I wish I could do felting as well, but as you said, expensive! This hat turned out so well, just love it.
It makes me want fall to come, so I can wear wooly coats and felt hats
Adore the skirt as well!
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jen says:
that is way too cool! i always dream of taking a millinery class but like you said, the supplies are so expensive and the thing i need to do is buy a bunch of expensive supplies they may not end up being used!
but i love your version, so elegant; i’m really impressed!
and vintage sewing patterns can be very tricky about things, skirt and blouse combos masquerading as dresses (i suppose they just called those 2 piece things dresses but i beg to differ), belts masquerading as waistbands…at least you were able to figure it out.
i’m starting to look forward to fall now!
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Sydney says:
What can I say! You are just an amazingly talented women! The Jane of all Trades! It turned out beautifully…
XOXO,
Syd -
Jennifer says:
Oh I love that outfit, and you did such a great job on the hat! Not too much longer and you’ll be able to wear it! You can wear felts starting Labor Day and you can wear your straws starting on Easter. That’s how cowboys have always done it anyway haha!
xoxo
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Erin says:
your projects are so inspirational. you’ve really motivated me to get crafty and start up some projects of my own! the hat and the skirt are just lovely.
and not to sound creepy, but you have such a cute smile!
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Peldyn says:
That hat is so totally adorable! I now have to make one for myself.
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Rhiannon says:
Goodness gracious, you ought to be a hat person! You look so lovely and natural in it, plus I love how the hat you made looks extra wearable and more modern than the normal fussy ’50s ones. Oh, and I’m crossing my fingers that you’ll start selling skirts like that . . .:)
I’m so glad you’re reading The REpublic of Suffering, too. It does get super morbid, and there are definitely some parts that might have given me nightmares . . . We should start up some super nerdy fashion blogger Civil War park meet up! Ha ha, it would be heaven.
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Miss English Rose says:
I love this! Its so lovely and looks great! I also took a millinery class a few years back and it was great, I loved every minute, the fine detailing and old , timeless techniques. However I know what you mean about the cost of it all!! I wish I still did it as its such a specialised and unique talent to have! Love you blog! xxxx
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Sorcière Camomille says:
Hello Casey !
This is my first comment, but I really enjoy your blog since a little time now.
I’m really interested by the model of your skirt. Would it be possible that you send me a photo of it ? I’d like to try to do one for myself… It’s so beautiful !
Thanks ! -
elaine @ clothedmuch says:
I love your outfit! You look very classy and feminine. Your hat is very cute too! How did you do your hair??? It looks amazing!! I don’t think my hair could do that.. It’s too virgin and soft. It never stays up even with bobby pins.. It’s very annoying.. Your dress reminds me of a Marc by Marc Jacobs dress. except yours consists of separates! Genius!! I need your skirt now….
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Esz says:
Looking stunning as ever. Love your hair. Wish I had the room to try my hand at sewing. I keep nagging my bf that when we get a bigger place I want a sewing machine
And of course, the hat is wonderful
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Brianne says:
Your outfit is amazing!!!! You are so lucky that you can make such beautiful things and wear them so well
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Mary Van Note says:
I love your outfit. Beautiful hat and hair. The skirt is awesome. I want to learn how to sew so I can make something beautiful like that.
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Allona says:
I love the things you come up with! And furthermore, I am interested in those lovely pattern pieces for the flowers =)
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Livy says:
So fabulous – the whole outfit is just perfect!
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eithlinn says:
I am pretty much a hat girl, But I have always had a hesitation when it comes to pillbox hats! I don’t think I can pull them off! But you sure do with your amazing hairstyle as well!Your outfit is excellent too!
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Josie says:
That hat is amazing! And I am so taken by the skirt too! Stunning outfit, and great work on both!
By the way, what is the name of that skirt pattern? I’d really love to have a go at it, on the off chance I could find another copy floating round! I really do love that ‘waist band’! -
Andi B. Goode says:
Not only are you fabulous, you’re very talented, too! The hat is gorgeous and it sits so well on that lovely hairstyle.
<3 -
Alyssa says:
Don’t you hate when that happens with patterns? I think it came out amazing anyways. I’ve been messing around with those sorts of waistlines myself – I’ve got a pair of shorts I’m still trying to finish with a heart-shaped waistband.
Your hat is also adorable. I wish there were millinery classes near where I live *tear*. -
Sarah says:
Oh I just love your hat! What a beautiful work of art. I am so glad to see other ladies wearing hats – I like knowing I’m not alone! The whole outfit is so lovely (that skirt!) and your hair is always spot-on perfect!
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Rachel S. says:
Such a wonderful job on the hat! Not sure if you’ve ever read “The Slapdash Sewist”. I find her very entertaining (tho’ a completely different style from yours – she claims more of a fantasy lean). Anyway, she’s recently done some hats and blogged about getting used millinery tools from eBay. Here’s a post of hers on it:
http://theslapdashsewist.blogspot.com/2008/11/millinery-or-do-i-really-need-another.html
Can’t wait to see more of your lovely ideas! -
Erin says:
Nicely done! That hat looks great on you! I always have trouble figuring out how to style my hair in a way that wouldn’t make a hat look like I’m trying too hard, hehe!
Btw, I’m celebrating my 100th blog post today and hosting a giveaway! All are welcome to enter, so feel free to stop by
http://trailertreasure.wordpress.com/2009/08/13/100th-post-celebratory-giveaway/
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Lynne, Tea for Joy says:
Have you seen the film Coco Before Chanel – now that would definitely inspire you to make a hat!
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Maverick says:
Love the hat and the outfit. You’re gorgeous-your hair must take so much work to get it like that, though!
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Gertie says:
Brava! I always admire your photos too. Do you take them yourself?
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alli says:
casey – you continue to marvel! how on earth do you manage to make a hat? i’m flabbergasted at your skills:) the hat is too cute – maybe you could make a step by step tutorial if you have nothing better to do (although i really hope you do, lol)? and though i get that felt might be a little inappropriate for summertime, it will be the cat’s pajamas when the autumn comes:)
have a lovely day
alli -
Thérèsa says:
you look so lovely and your hat is very gorgeous
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Hope says:
Dear Casey,
I enjoyed this post! Everything you do is so creative…everything…the layout of your photos with the tape, the flower pattern behind them, the little labels…everything! You look positively like a model right out of the pages of an old magazine. You look so adorable!
♥Hope
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little my says:
Gorgeous hat! You look darling with it!
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More End of Summer Inspirations: Ladylike Looks | Fashion planet blog says:
[...] little hats too if I had some more courage or even the slightest chance of looking as cute as this girl. Sarah Sophie Flicker and Alison Lewis in Lewis, via Ringo, Have a Banana . . . .my sister Lauren! [...]
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Marie says:
Oh! You look marvellous! I love hats, but I have never been brave enough to really carry one off well. You, on the other hand, look positively darling in your new felt hat! I LOVE the hair, the outfit, all of it! Ah… to be talented like you! (and pretty!)
Have a wonderful day!
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More End of Summer Inspirations: Ladylike Looks · Blogs says:
September 16th, 2009 at 9:45 pm
[...] little hats too if I had some more courage or even the slightest chance of looking as cute as this girl. Sarah Sophie Flicker and Alison Lewis in Lewis, via Ringo, Have a Banana . . . .my sister Lauren! [...]
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