A hat for all occasions

Well here is the hat I came up with for Royal Ascot. Simple yes?

I got pretty overwhelmed with choice so opted for the ‘less is more’ attitude.

After much deliberation I opted for a simple Christian Dior inspired headpiece.

One big bow and baby pink dupion silk on a curved base.

The simplicity of it stood out within the abundance of feathers and sinamay that was Royal Ascot. The handbag is vintage and a perfect colour match.

I recon the lovely lady looks like a cross between Julia Roberts in Pretty Woman (once she’s been to Rodeo Drive!) and a 50’s Parisian debutante.

And the Jubilee winner is…

Thankyou for all those who entered the Jubilee giveaway.

I picked a winner out of a hat and the lucky recipient is…

Mrs Ruth Webb

Congratulations! Your hair accessories are on the way.

I will be doing another giveaway next month so please follow the blog for more special offers.

Kate Middleton Ascot hat inspiration & Diamond Jubilee FREE giveaway!!

I’ve been asked to make a hat for Royal Ascot this year which is exciting but I have only got a few weeks to come up with something fabulous! It will be worn inside the royal enclosure so has to adhere to the stricter dress code. No longer are ladies allowed to wear fascinators, dresses to low cut on the shoulder or above the knee. The hats must be a minimum of 4″ in diameter. This actually isn’t too big and a small headpiece can be as sophisticated as a crown full of feathers!

Searching for inspiration I couldn’t help but look at what Kate Middleton wore in the past. She was named ‘hat person of the year’ in 2011. Certainly she has brought headwear back into the spotlight and hats are now more in vogue than they have been for years.

Since the royal wedding last April, the Duchess of Cambridge has worn an incredible array of sophisticated but simple pieces. She plays it safe with colours and easy to wear styles that don’t make too much of a statement.

I will be sticking to a smallish base and embellishment with feathers and flowers. I will post some pictures of the finished product nearer the time!

In celebration of the Queen’s Diamond Jubilee next weekend I am having a smashing FREE giveaway for you lovely readers!

 I have these Gold Silk Roses on a Liberty lawn fabric band.

The band is also long enough to be worn as a belt or choker necklace too.

You will ALSO receive this gorgeous Jubilee bow hair band.

The little crowns will be suitably festive for those street parties and picnics!

To win this lovely little giveaway simply post a comment below.

I will pick a winner at random on Monday 28th May and post in time for the holidays.

Good Luck!

Heartland Devon Handmade fair

We got back from holiday at the weekend having had an amazing time in Dartmouth, Devon. Over the bank holiday weekend I was lucky enough to display my products at the Heartland handmade craft fair at Knightshayes Court. It was a busy weekend! Although I couldn’t be there at my stall I understand that everyone did well.

Here are a few images of my stock which I am in the process of listing on Folksy right now.

Jubilee hair band bows for a bit of fun in June! The blue ones have cute crowns for your little ones to play Queen. 

I have just been asked to make a hat for the Royal enclosure at Ascot this year. These feather bands may not be up to size as hats must be a minimum of 10cm (4″) diameter, but they will make great accessories for weddings, christenings, proms etc.

These are just beautiful freshwater pearl necklaces. Inspired by The Great Gatsby. 

The necklace is 60″ so can be wrapped around the neck a few times. The rosey brooches can attach to make a unique look. They come in a number of colours and sizes.

I made a limited number of these rose necklaces in green, yellow & red. They are a modern take on a classic style and make quite a statement. I can make them to order if you require a specific colour or fabric.

The posey brooches double up as hair clips and come in small, medium & large.

I have just a few flouncy bags available at the moment. I used fabric 3 times the width of the bag for the gathers so they are very roomy. They come with a small rose brooch too!

Keep an eye out for a post later this week for my Spring giveaway!

 

Sewing in the flood

Living below sea level is always a bit of a worry but this week we had to move everything upstairs as the rain didn’t stop. We listened to the thundering rain through the night and the river burst its banks into the surrounding fields. We are now lake-side!

My other half took this lovely picture at sunset the other day.

I’m all prepared for the Heartland Craft fair at Knightshayes Court, Devon this weekend & bank holiday.

If you live near Devon why not pop in and see the exciting handmade goodies on offer. We have photography, jewellery, glass and more!

I will be taking a much needed holiday next week so will be back in mid May for stock updates and a very special giveaway…

Hannah x

Crikey it’s vintage!

We had a fantabulous trip to the vintage & handmade fair in Exeter on Saturday. Crikey it’s Vintage are in their third year and proving increasingly popular! It was incredibly busy and there was a huge array of beautiful things to look at. The entertainment had a 1940’s theme with the Three Belles singing and a burlesque stocking removal workshop… Many visitors had also taken the time to doll up vintage style and it was lovely to see pin curls, quiffs, prom dresses, lace and stockings. Even Laurel & Hardy put in an appearance.

There were over 50 stalls with vintage clothes, textiles, china, homewares, decor, kitchenalia and collectables as well as some amazing handmade lovelies.

If I had been looking to buy my vintage wedding dress  it would have been difficult to pin down my favourite as they were all so magnificent! Days of Grace sell authentic antique lace and silk dresses as well as new designer gowns with a vintage feel. I had my eye on a Jenny Packham ivory number.

Crown and Glory was one of the most popular stalls with a mass of fun headwear. You could choose from boho floral crowns, spunky star creations and whimsical bobby pins. It has to be said my absolute favourite was a headband incorporating a tiny birds nest and pastel coloured eggs for Easter. Yummy!

In my opinion the best interior products at the fair were from Quincy Lampshades. What a lovely change from all the neutrals in the shops at the moment. The fabrics used are bright, eclectic and fun. They come in an array of colours to match various schemes and themes.

Despite being overwhelmed by the products on offer I managed to restrain myself and bought only two items. I found a silver filigree brooch from a lovely lady selling random antique pieces of glass, porcelain and jewellery. Small vintage brooches are handy for adding interest and I attached mine to one of the petal posy pins. A brooch within a brooch. I also bought a pin cushion that I had mistaken for a cupcake. Goes without saying really!

Rivka Jacobs Millinery had some innovative hats and fascinators, perfect for a trip to the races. I won’t be going to Ascot this year but I was tempted to get a hat just in case. Here is a question. Do you buy the hat first or the outfit? I have always gone for the hat as it’s easier to match up clothes rather than endlessly searching for a hat in the perfect colour. This method has obviously resulted in a cupboard full of unworn hats as I buy before I need one and then forget what I’ve got. A girl can never have too many hats?

Of course after all that shopping it was impossible to resist a bit of a make over. Lucy Milton the hair stylist did a fantastic job in turning many ladies into vintage beauties! I opted for a Rita Heyworth style with curls around the crown and looser length at the back. It was a luxury to escape the crowds for an hour and get pampered. Our make up was done by Jane who did a 50’s feline flick and rouge lippy to give us a bit more glamour. In the 40’s they couldn’t get hold of much mascara let alone eyeliner. Jennie Hill was the photographer on hand to take some stills of anyone who stepped into the studio. Check out her website if you’re interested in a period portrait.

All in all a great experience and well done to everyone involved!