HATalk Competition Entry 2023

Linda Mirembe Nakimbugwe

Maker
Linda Mirembe Nakimbugwe

Country
United Kingdom

Name of Hat
Mother

Description

My entry captures the essence of a boater crown headpiece that not only pays homage to cultural heritage but also emphasizes the importance of sustainability and our connection to the Earth. Here’s a summary of the key elements and symbolism:

Lubugo Fabric: The use of Lubugo, a bark cloth fabric from the native mutuba tree in Uganda, showcases cultural significance and eco-friendliness. It represents the sustainable and resilient nature of Earth.
Tree Bark Scent: The scent of earth embedded in the fabric adds a sensory dimension, further connecting the piece to the natural world.
Bark Elements: The incorporation of bark for the flowers, rose buds, and leaves reinforces the connection to nature and the Earth’s materials.
Handwoven Braid Base: The handwoven braid base, resembling a traditional Ugandan mat but adapted with poly braid for longevity, symbolizes the intricate interconnectedness of ecosystems.
Color Symbolism: The use of gold, silver, and brown intertwined braid signifies the minerals that form the foundation of our planet.
Printed Organza: The printed organza with flowers and plants introduces bursts of color and life, representing the vibrant biodiversity found on Earth.
Fusion of Heritage and Consciousness: The overall design of this artistic hat/slider is a fusion of cultural heritage and environmental consciousness, celebrating the beauty and fragility of our Mother Earth.

This description not only creates a vivid mental image of the headpiece but also tells a meaningful story about its design and significance. It highlights the importance of preserving our planet’s beauty and resources while honoring cultural traditions.

Materials:

Barkcloth
Woven polybraid (brown, metallic silver, metallic gold)
Millinery wire
Florist Wire
Florist tape
Hat block
Lighter
Printed Sheer organza
Home made stiffener glue
Uhu glue
Hot glue
Alice band
Black satin ribbon
Red and green stamen
Brown cotton thread
Transparent thread
Elastic band to hold the crown in place
Pins

Techniques:

The technique I used is similar to a mukeka (mat) which is a traditional Ugandan straw mat that has been elaborately woven together using dyed palm tree straw fiber instead I used poly braid for durability.
I employed a hand-woven technique to create a four-braid using gold, silver, and brown stripes, intertwining them to make the surrounding crown, outer and inner brim.
I used barkcloth is a type of non-woven cloth produced by stripping because it doesn’t fray, eliminating the need for additional stiffening.
For the printed organza, cut out shapes and then carefully burned the edges

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

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