Current Doings...

No gown sewing just yet, but I have had time to make a new hat!
Some friends and I are putting together a casual meet up at a historical cafe in Berkley, CA...but dressed for the 1930s ;-) This inspired me to finally get on a smaller project I've been meaning to do. I have a lot of black hats from the 1930s, and I just needed something different. Since I have just enough time, I might as well get a new one done for this little shindig.

A few years ago, I found a really basic hat at a thrift shop in Santa Cruz for about $20.
The label was a semi-high end designer, but the hat was essentially an unblocked capeline (for the 'boho' look, I'm sure) of exquisite burgundy velour felt. I grabbed it with the intention of either blocking it, or cutting and stitching it into a new creation, and it has been in my stash until now.

I chose to make a mid 1930s look by using the crown of the original hat, and cutting pieces from the remaining felt to make a sculpted brim, in a style that sits close to the head with a nice swoop to one side.
A little stitching and a dig through my random findings stash for the little arrow pin, and voila! I have a new hat that looks like a never-worn vintage design.
I think I will be doing a lot more of these hats! Keep an eye on my Etsy shop too ;-)

I apologize for the 'un-done' hair and horrible photos. Hopefully better ones will follow soon:

 I love the little dove tail effect that happened in back.