Monday, May 4, 2009

Winter Hats

Today I finished off some winter hats that I started over the weekend. They're all made using my Hat patterns for adults and kids.

I made a bucket hat in this fab textured cotton fabric (scraps from my sewing buddy's coat). It looks cute with the brim slightly rolled, perched at a jaunty angle.... almost like a top hat. I used a vintage button from the stash I inherited from my grandmother.

Wool... OH HOW I LOVE making wool hats!!! I made a couple of kids hats in wool today, and FLEW through the process.

HOT TIP: If you're new to hat-making, make one in a brushed wool flannel or wool velour (even better, wool-cashmere!). It's the most malleable, forgiving fabric you'll find. Easing curves together is a dream and it steams into shape beautifully.

With a few rough running stitches and cross-stitches, it also makes a super-cosy little winter hat.

I used medium-light interfacing in these hats - didn't want too much stiff structure in the wool.

This hat below is in a brushed wool flannel. I used a straight-grain binding to create a sharp curve on the brim and made simple poppies with pinking shears and micro-suede.


Sometimes I have an idea and then I don't like it once it's made. This hat is one of those.... It's handwoved Donegal tweed in all the wrong colours. I thought I could make it work by doing a particularly rustic flower thing on it.... hmmmm.... not sure about it now.
I've been incubating this flower idea for a while but I think they'd work better on a bag or cushion.


I did like this hat, though - beige moleskin with micro-suede binding and belt (and another one of Nan's buttons). It didn't look like much until it was on a head. Mine was the nearest.


That old how to photograph yourself in a hat issue arose again. Lots of pictures of the floor, bag rack and a few blurry hats.... and a few that give you the picture... (At least it was daylight this time!)


If you want to learn the tricks and tips of fabric hat-making, I have a two-day workshop in October- and I think there are a couple of places left on it. If you're interested you can email Leah at sales@nicolemdesign.com.au .

If it's model millinery techniques you want to learn - and you can get to Melbourne - then Serena Lindeman is your girl. You can download her current course list here, and she'll be updating with a July-December schedule soon. If you want to be on her mailing list you can email her at serena.l@optusnet.com.au .

Happy hatting! Oh - and I'll be back to bags soon. I'm incubating a few ideas there, too...

16 comments:

Kate said...

Love the Donegal Tweed One - I think the colours are fab!

ellie said...

Beautiful photo of you and hat! I'm so loving seeing all your hat ideas and fabrics. Such fun.
xxx

Jodie said...

Great hats nikki, Love the last one!

Cass said...

Great hats, if only I looked good in a hat!

Anonymous said...

I also love the last one Nikki. Lucky I am already signed up.
Kerry

Marty said...

Nikki-you are a hat genius! I know what you mean about the loose-woven wools. I made a jacket a while back that didn't seem to fit together at the collar quite right, so I kind of forced it in and hand-stitched it. It's one of the nicest looking jackets I've made!

CurlyPops said...

I love the purple and pink!

Bree said...

I love 'the tweed in all the wrong colours'. Don't think they look wrong at all. Would love to see R in a pair of matching tailored shorts and opaque tights for winter???.............in all that spare time you have! lol

Sandra @ Pepperberry & Co. said...

Wow, haven't you been busy? Shopping at all those markets and making hats? That's just crazy talk!!

Fer said...

Wow, gorgeous gorgeous hats!!

Anonymous said...

Oh, I do LOVE those hats! Especially the one on you. I really must get some lovely wool cashmere and get sewing! But it is hard for me to drag myself away from prints.

KathyB said...

Hi Nikki, Great Hats, Could you do a tut on those pink flowers (the ones you thought would look better on a bag) they looked fab!!

Mon @ bpab said...

nice work!
I've awarded you the Queen of All things Awe-summm! Come on over and pick it up sometime when you're not busy being awe-summm. x

Serena said...

They're beautiful! I love the last one especially! Everything about it is wonderful!

Pinktulip said...

Your hats are fabulous!I have never made a hat before but that wool hat has me itching to try your pattern...Stunning fabrics too!

Taccolina said...

Beautiful hats for a very Paris 36 Melbourne winter. Gorgeous as always.