Fairy Fall

Claire White

England

• HATalk Issue 37
• HATalk Issue 98
• HATalk Issue 126
• HATalk Issue 132
• HATalk Issue 159: Paseo con Sombrero – Spanish Hat Walks and The New British Hat Guild
• HATalk Issue 167
• HATalk Issue 177: Hat of the Month by Stephanie Spencer and An Interview with Katherine Elizabeth
• HATalk Issue 180
• HATalk Issue 181 
• HATalk Issue 182

As a beginner to millinery, HATalk is new to me. All of the articles are inspiring. The many used led me to blocking, stiffening, decoration and finishing techniques. As well as a wealth of visual inspiration from fantastic talented designers and enthusiasts. Used in tandem with the guidance of a known Business Academy featured in the first article I read (177). Lacking in creative design. Opting for less design creativity. The intention was to complete a hat by a deadline. In order to actually make a hat. To be a quality hat maker it is important to learn by mistakes, develop skills and polish a professional finished confirming my entry as a finished sample. Trying to create a piece with as much sewing and technique as possible. For a beginner with no art or fashion training/qualifications. indecisive as to if I was making an average hat or a themed (ish) piece for stage/drama. An area that has always interested me. Inspired by the positive social community (159) of milliners and the social events in which millinery thrives, Seeing an idea professionally brought to life in article 177, the ballet shoes. Had I adapted the tutorials, I could of created ears, in what appears an average styled hat, I am in a state of fear of design at the moment. The fancy dress shop look is not my intention. Its name confirms indecisiveness of design direction. Fairy. Front Profile. Animal, fairy (drama inspired) Fall. Side Profile. Represents seasonal colour choice. I am pleased with a second attempt to hand block and sew a hat. Good anchorage. The flowers were purchased. Dismantled replacing plastic components with Shell Pearls. Excellent benchmark for me to learn and improve. The deadline was met within a short time of setting weekly and monthly goals.

• Sinamay 2 Different Colours . !.5 Metres Required
• Crown Block/Film To Cover
• Medium Button Block/Film To Cover
• Blocking Pins & Dress Makers Pins
• 4 Various Coloured Thread
• Scissors
• Sewing Needles
• 2 Craft Flowers
• 2 Shell Pearls
• Milliners Elastic
• Petersham Ribbon
• Tape Measure
• Iron
• Pencil
• Millinery Wire
• Fabric For Lining
• Polystyrene Head
• Metal Head Band/Slide Comb (Optional/Available)
• Fabric Stiffener
• Small Paint Brush

• Blocked a Crown and Button Block with Sinamay.
• Stiffened both Blocks. Left to dry.
• Cut Crown Block to desired size. Wired with blanket stitch. Edged with Sinamay and stab stitch.
• Cut Button Block. Wired With blanket stitch.
• Played with various designs on Polystyrene Head. When happy attached the Crown pieces to the Button Block.
• Craft Flowers attached with Shell pearls.
• Milliners Elastic Attached.
• Fabric cut 15″ x %1/2″ on Bias. Sewn/Attached inside Button Base.
• Add Petersham Ribbon
• Metal Band/comb Optional/Available