HATalk Competition Entry 2024

Kate Nikolson

Maker
Kate Nikolson

Country
UK

Name of Hat
The Little Mermaid

Description

The Little Mermaid,’ inspired by the eponymous movie, my headpiece for this competition goes beyond the story itself. I explored the enchanting beauty of the kingdom of Atlantica, with its diverse features, flora, and fauna.

In my design, the main focus is on the shape of the headpiece. I envisioned it as a crown fit for one of King Triton’s daughters, yet distinct from traditional crown designs. I experimented with a handmade buckram hat block, evoking the graceful elements of a mermaid’s tail while harmoniously intertwining with the essence of a droplet of water.

By incorporating silk abaca as a decorative element, I was able to replicate the fluidity of aquatic spaces by twisting the fabric around the sinamay crown. The intricate embroidery, simultaneously, serves as an interpretation of marine life, capturing the blurred silhouettes and the enchanting play of sunlight on the water. Together, these elements enhance the design, making it truly worthy of a royal figure.

Techniques:

  • Sinamay blocking
  • Stiffening
  • Wiring
  • Hand embroidery

Materials:

Plain sinamay in royal blue and turquoise colors
Felt stiffener
Velvet ribbon 20mm in black
Silk abaca in turquoise
Hard wire 1.2 mm
Invisible thread
Silver sequins
Tube and round beads in blue and turquoise colors
Transparent beads in different size

Materials:

Plain sinamay in royal blue and turquoise colors
Felt stiffener
Velvet ribbon 20mm in black
Silk abaca in turquoise
Hard wire 1.2 mm
Invisible thread
Silver sequins
Tube and round beads in blue and turquoise colors
Transparent beads in different size

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

HATalk Competition Entry 2024

Kate Nikolson

Maker
Kate Nikolson

Country
UK

Name of Hat
The Little Mermaid

Description

The Little Mermaid,’ inspired by the eponymous movie, my headpiece for this competition goes beyond the story itself. I explored the enchanting beauty of the kingdom of Atlantica, with its diverse features, flora, and fauna.

In my design, the main focus is on the shape of the headpiece. I envisioned it as a crown fit for one of King Triton’s daughters, yet distinct from traditional crown designs. I experimented with a handmade buckram hat block, evoking the graceful elements of a mermaid’s tail while harmoniously intertwining with the essence of a droplet of water.

By incorporating silk abaca as a decorative element, I was able to replicate the fluidity of aquatic spaces by twisting the fabric around the sinamay crown. The intricate embroidery, simultaneously, serves as an interpretation of marine life, capturing the blurred silhouettes and the enchanting play of sunlight on the water. Together, these elements enhance the design, making it truly worthy of a royal figure.

Techniques:

  • Sinamay blocking
  • Stiffening
  • Wiring
  • Hand embroidery

Materials:

Plain sinamay in royal blue and turquoise colors
Felt stiffener
Velvet ribbon 20mm in black
Silk abaca in turquoise
Hard wire 1.2 mm
Invisible thread
Silver sequins
Tube and round beads in blue and turquoise colors
Transparent beads in different size

Materials:

Plain sinamay in royal blue and turquoise colors
Felt stiffener
Velvet ribbon 20mm in black
Silk abaca in turquoise
Hard wire 1.2 mm
Invisible thread
Silver sequins
Tube and round beads in blue and turquoise colors
Transparent beads in different size

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

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