Friday, August 28, 2009

How to make Silk Wide Headband










Working with some beautiful silk this week and the results almost justify the price paid per metre (!) for this lovely weight silk fabric, an absolute pleasure to work with and I love the soft colour. I handmade the bias binding that they are made out of first up in one sitting - only 24 mtrs ! then all were hand sewn over a couple of days - only 50 ! very glad to see the end of these bands but very happy with the results.

Wednesday, August 5, 2009

Hand Made in Melbourne Book Launch







Hand Made in Melbourne - the launch of the new edition was last night as mentioned in an earlier post this is the second edition and here is the link to buy the book if you would like to purchase.

Tuesday, August 4, 2009

Vintage Display Flea Markets, Paris





I was in Paris in May this year and took these photo's in the flea markets on a wet rainy day.

Monday, August 3, 2009

How to make a Hat : Black Felt Cap with Faux Patent Trim


Hand sewing on the petersham band trying to be careful not to pull too tight as it will pucker, then I hit the edge that I had just sewn with a hot steam rag and then (after all had dried) added a small shinny strip to cover the hand sewing and to add the final touch.


Front and back views as hat is nearing finish, photographed on my trusty old poupee which I bought at 'Siegal & Stockman' in London before I returned home to live back in Melbourne (in 1988) - she has made many, many hats with me and still loves trying them on before the client !


Adding the head fitting - client has very small (21 1/2 inch head), I tacked the peak onto the crown and then added the (measured) head fitting by pining into place and then simply got the lot under the sewing machine and zipped around and all was sewn on at once, peak to the crown and head fitting to the inside, simple !


Finding the back seam


Above is the original - I actually think the black version is nicer (!) as it has a finer look because the black faux patent was a finer material to work with.

I have just finished this hat for my client, a lovely woman with long black, black hair and I think she is going to be very happy. I have made it in all black - so the result is very dressy and will look great on her. I have photographed the steps in achieving the result, the reason I did not make the original one in black was that I could not find the material in black but after searching high and low finally came across some and here is the result - what do you think ?
Sorry I have no photo's of this on the block. I have no excuse other than I just forgot to take photo's right from the beginning.
I try and make my range in a variety of colours as I object to making everything in black, black and more black (boring ?) but as I have now been making hats for over 20 years I think maybe I should just give in and make everything in black and then everyone will be happy !
I think though I will stick to my lone attempt at variety and colour - what do you think ?

Vintage Millinery




Some photo's out of old millinery magazines I have - loads of inspiration here and some wild looks !
















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