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...