HATalk Competition Entry 2022

Sandy Aslett

Maker
Sandy Aslett

Country
Australia

Name of Hat
Cover Me With Sunshine

Description

Cover Me With Sunshine!

Sitting in the Winter sun in my studio, making this bright and warm piece reminds me of my amazing experience at the Chateau Dumas in the French country side looking at the fields of sunflowers around me.

I’m also reminded of the sunflower fields at the Scenic Rim of the Great Dividing Range in Queensland. Standing amongst the sunflowers and feeling rejuvenated by nature is an unforgettable experience.

The fields of sunflowers that surrounded me, along with the glow of the sun, led me to this stunning abstract version of the two elements of light and warmth in this creation. The vibrant yellow of the hand cut and shaped feather flowers framed by the frayed and curved pinokpok in shades of orange represent the gift of life given by the sun rays to all of nature.

Like the sunflowers around the Chateau Dumas and the Scenic Rim that follow the sun during the day, I also keep turning towards my inner sunshine.

It’s taking an idea about a hat and making into reality. Working with material and colours. Using lines and angles to creative amazing designs.

Spending my day working on millinery projects. Bringing my inspirations to life and sharing them with others. I’m so passionate about it, my imagination knows no bounds.

Happiness and happy places are self-sustaining. The memories, places and spaces glow with positive emotions. I’m so lucky that my “happy place” is my millinery. My sparks of innovation and creativity brought into being with my own hands

Materials:

  • Sinamay
  • Pleated crinoline
  • Cobweb
  • Piping
  • Wire
  • Pinokpok
  • Feathers cut & curled
  • Petersham Ribbon
  • Millinery Wire
  • Hand thread to match
  • Invisible Thread
  • Bondaweb
  • Blocking Pins
  • Blocking Cord
  • Sewing Machine
  • Glue for feathers
  • Hat Elastic if needed

Techniques:

  • Hand Block & steam sinamay & cobweb crown
  • Measure, pin & hand block pleated crinoline to dior brim block using sinamay collar support for headfit
  • Mitre & hand stitch join of pleated crin on brim
  • Dye piping, hand stitch two wires ie. one to the edge of brim and one in centre for support
  • Join crown to brim and hand stitch also add Petersham ribbon for headfit
  • Cut & curl all feathers as trim
  • Pinokpok – cut lengths & widths, add wire to centre & machine sew then fray as a curved abstract feature

Note: Entries have been not been edited or proofread to protect the integrity of the maker's original meaning. 

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