A Few Hats from Millinery Class

Hey readers! Back when I was in the midst of millinery class finals, you all left me so many encouraging words. I'm happy to report that I got my grade and I am officially an A student! As requested, I thought I'd model a few of the hats I made. Here are three of my favorites.

This red beret might be my very favorite. (Also, it's the only one I've actually worn!)

It's made out of a velour hat body, blocked on a wooden beret block, and accented simply with a bow made from velour remnants. (If you're unfamiliar, blocking is the process of steaming and then shaping material on a block--a hat-shaped piece of carved wood.)

Secondly, a sapphire blue cloche. This one is also made from velour. The crown was blocked on a "headsize block" (just a head shaped block with no design details) and the crown was done on a cloche brim, with the pleats added by moi.

This little series of pictures is also the result of me trying to improve my photography skills. The one below came out overexposed, but I actually quite like how it highlights the hat.

The trim is a silk ribbon with some vintage millinery berries.

Lastly, a saucer hat. This one is really more of a fascinator, head onto the head with an elastic. The material is black straw, with decorative hot pink leaves.

I have 8 more, which I hope to take photos of soon. I'm now deep into the summer semester, with the class "Fabric Hat Construction." This entails lots of berets, which makes me happy--I don't think there's any style I really love more than a beret. I'm registered for two more courses in the fall (Contemporary Men's Hats as well as Bridal and Evening Hats). It turns out that millinery has quite a hold on me for some reason. I enjoy the way it's given me a different perspective on fashion and sewing. So, more hats to come!