Meagan Feeder – USA

Description

It’s a good thing there are deadlines; otherwise a hat might never get finished. My hat has changed several times since I started working on it and is nothing like my initial idea.

I look for inspiration first by researching the “theme” online. Images of the subject (usually scientific charts) offer great ideas for hat shapes, etc. Originally, this hat was going to represent the three parts of Equilibrium (Stable, Unstable, and Neutral.) It was a struggle to get these differently shaped pieces to work together. I discarded the “Neutral” shape and found new inspiration when my sister suggested I look at Vintage Riding Hats.

My final hat consists of two crowns that are equal in size, but shaped differently. Each has a polka dot side (with added pearl beads), backed with several layers of a solid color Sinamay, and trimmed in contrast binding. Rows of black and white Horsehair tubing act as a filler between the two pieces. If you looked at these long enough you might experience a “lack of equilibrium.” Finally, a mesh bow to add volume and a simple finish.

Materials

• Sinamay
• Mesh Netting
• Horsehair Tubing
• Beads
• Millinery Wire
• Headband
• Petersham Ribbon

Techniques

• Two Sinamay crowns blocked on wood hat block (both the same size).
• Hand Stitching
• Cutting and shaping of final pieces.