HATalk Competition Entry 2023

Julie Simon

Maker
Julie Simon

Country
UK

Name of Hat
Chives

Description

Fauna and Flora are manifestations of the classical element Earth.

To illuminate this, jute, which is made from flowers, has been used to make the hat base which represents the Earth’s crust from which everything comes from and returns.

The chives rooted in the hat base illustrate the life cycle of flora. Buds turn to flowers which in turn attract the bee to help pollination. The dead flower then scatters seed ready for next cycle.

Lost caterpillar represents the life cycle of fauna and is a reminder of the fragile interdependence of everything living on Earth.

Hat project has been carried out with this in mind using sustainable materials which are biodegradable and can return to Earth.

Materials:

Jute fabric – for hat base, from upholstering.
Harris Tweed – for bee, caterpillar, and chives, left over from tailoring.
Copper wire – for chives, stripped from earthing wire.
Silver wire – for bee legs and wings, from scraps on jewellery bench.
Jute string – for chive rooting found in greenhouses.

Techniques:

Hatting stiffener used on jute fabric
Multiple wooden blocks used to form hat base
Hatting wire and ribbon used to stabilise hat
Harris Tweed sewn three dimensionally to create decoration of chives, bee and caterpillar.
Jute string to give strength to chive roots.

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