Historically Inspired Hats

European Renaissance


In this time period, hats were always worn outside. There are many styles from all over Europe. Made popular by Renaissance fairs, these styles have become popular for reenactors and fair goers.

This is the hat that started my foray into renaissance hats. This beret has a large floppy crown and a stiff downturned brim. My son requested two colors of faux suede and a big feather. This hat even has a special drawstring lining that he can hide away treasures in his hat.

Early America


Early American fashion was greatly influenced by the French and English. Usually the new fashions were adopted in America a year after they were seen in Europe. I started with simple hats worn by the working class. I am working on some new pieces for this time period, including top hats and other types of bonnets.

This cotton sun bonnet with a semi-stiff bill was for everyday wear. It has a large fabric flap at the base of the back of the head to keep the sun off the neck. The bill protrudes several inches past the face to keep it protected from sunlight

These working men’s hats were made from sturdy materials such as denim and twill. The bill is reinforced but can be rolled to fit in a back pocket.

This poke bonnet is for dressier occasion than the bonnet above. This has a small stiff crown and oversized bill covered with a blue jacquard with a lining and tie made with a flowered cotton print. Flowers adorn the side of the crown. A black velvet bonnet may have been worn when mourning.

The bowler hat was first seen in London in 1849. The one on the left is black felt with pheasant feathers. The one on the right has a short crown and rolled wired brim. It is made of grey wool felt and has a grosgrain band with guinea feathers.

The top hat was first worn in London by the Dandies. This is a natural wool felt with a satin sash.  

1920's


After WWI fashion moved to less constricting dress and shorter hair styles. The cloche (a bell shaped hat) was at the height of fashion.

This dark green wool cloche was the first felt hat I created. I was experimenting with asymmetry. It has a deeply scored crown and an asymmetric rolled brim. It is trimmed with a black velvet ribbon and bow. I brought this hat home from my workshop and my daughter fell in love with it, she even had a senior picture taken wearing it.

This rounded crown cloche has a wired brim which can be worn up, down or asymetrically. It is trimmed with velvet ribbon, biot feathers, and a two-color wool flower with a button center.

This “Scout” hat has a dual scored crown and a slightly down sloping wide brim. A friend said I looked like a girl scout in it so the name Scout was born. It is simply trimmed in satin ribbon

Mid 20th Century


In the 1950’s and 60’s hats are still being worn on a daily basis. People “dress up” when going out in public. The pillbox hat is made famous by Jackie O. This small roundish flat hat with straight sides could be worn on the back of the head or askew above either eye.

Late 20th to Early 21st Century


In the seventies, came the jeans generation and people stopped wearing hats every day. The fashion was more casual and hats became a utilitarian item; worn to keep the sun off the face in the summer or protect from the cold in the winter. In the 1980’s, the “big hair” styles did not lend well to hats, as hair styles would be flattened by a hat. Grand hats were only worn for special occasions.

This straw hat was from my first summer collection in 2014, “Trimmed in Black.” It is a natural straw fiber with a round crown and wide brim. It is adorned with tulle, ostrich and guinea feathers and a black fabric flower.

These wool felt hats have wide brims, perfect for keeping the snow and rain off your face.

This knotted sisal sailor hat is trimmed with a rose patterned fabric.

This blue sailor hat is made of visca, a synthetic straw made of viscose. It is trimmed with a white satin ribbon and long tailed bow

Fascinators

A fascinator is a small decorative headpiece. It may have a base, and can be attached to the head with a comb or headband. These head pieces have become very popular with the British royalty. Princess Kate often wears a fascinator instead of a hat. Many people prefer fascinators which are lighter and more versatile.

This fascinator is made with a natural sinamay with a silver thread interwoven. The base is wired having a silver bias tape edging. Three sinamay flowers and 5 loops give this piece its beauty.

These headpieces have no base, but a slide into which can be put a comb, clip or headband. Tulle, feathers, and an organza flower make up these lovely fascinators.

Fantasy Hats


My fantasy hat collection includes hats and hair accessories. I have a variety of witch and wizard hats and Santa top hats. I also have traditional fleece Santa hats.

Many of these Halloween hats are made with a felt base overlain with lace. The witch and top hats have a wired stiffened brim with lace on top and bottom. The wizard hat has a satin covered piping brim. They can be simply decorated with a ribbon bow, spiders and a feather boa, or more elaborately decorated with glitter flowers, tubing, feathers, pumpkin picks, and more. The black and silver hat was commissioned for a Witches’ Ball. The patron said, “It’s the most beautiful witch’s hat I’ve ever seen.”

This Santa top hat is a buckram frame covered with red felt. The brim is faux fur covered buckram. This was a commission piece for a musician.

Special Occasion​

Wedding

Christmas and New Year

Accessories

 Flowers and Headbands

In addition to hats I have a line of hair accessories.   The flower clips are made with tulle, organza,  or satin and have coordinating stamen and/or decoration. They are attached to an alligator hair clip. I have a wide range of colors and special flowers themed  for Halloween and the winter holidays.  Lace and velvet ribbon headbands are available with or without added decoration.

Hat Pins

A customer once asked, "How do you keep your hat on?"  I replied, "With a hat pin."  Since many people are unfamiliar with hat pins, I decided to create and sell some myself. I make hat pins in gold or silver and some of the large glass  beads are hand made by me also.