​Some things never go out of style. Take, for example the mother of the bucket hat, the classic garden hat, known also as the “picture hat” and the “cartwheel,” among several other names: this hat was already chiq even in the late eighteenth century. At that time, this large-brimmed hat was worn coquettishly perched sideways on the head, as depicted in the artworks of Gainsborough, or with the brim turned up and pinned with a satin cockade, as shown by the French portraitist Elizabeth Vigee-Lebrun.

​The garden hat continues to be a versatile accessory that makes a statement and keeps the sun and wind at bay. No day hike is complete without one! From bucket hats to straw marvels, this type of hat has nearly endless varieties, and can work in any color or pattern. But how are they made?

​There are several ways to make hats: blocking, shaping by hand, and patterning are the most common methods. Hat blocking requires a variety of hat blocks, which are (usually wooden) blocks designed to shape hat crowns and brims. To make hats in a variety of different shapes and sizes, many hat blocks are required. Hats can also be shaped by hand, designed with folds and curves and various hand-molded details, though sometimes the materials required for this method (typically wool felt or straw) can be prohibitive.

For the hat-making hopeful that doesn’t have endless storage space or disposable income to start collecting hat blocks or amassing the particular materials for hat shaping, flat patterning may be the most accessible method of designing one’s own hat. Patterning shares some similarities with dressmaking, and allows creators a greater freedom of choice when it comes to material, as well as less restriction in fit. 

Unlike dressmaking, hats are not created solely based on measurements. The inner hat band of that hat should fit the circumference of the head, but the crown of the hat might be taller or slightly wider than the crown of the head. The hat crown might follow the contours of the head, or it might be a different shape altogether. Similarly, brim sizes and shapes can be chosen to be as small or broad as desired, without requiring additional measurements.

​Flat patterned hats can be made in two ways: by making a pattern based on an existing hat, or by drafting and draping. The former method involves placing tracing paper or sheer fabric over the different parts of the hat and tracing them; the latter is accomplished with a variety of shapes being drafted and overlaid until they create the desired shape to be assembled. The tracing method relies on crafters already having a hat in the shape they desire, whereas the assembly method allows for extra creativity and does not require an already made hat to be the prototype.

Flat patterning has a variety of advantages, particularly for beginners. For one thing, a paper mock-up of your hat can be tweaked as needed to accommodate changes in head size or hat scale, so that the hat can be fitted or altered before the actual construction process begins. This allows for plenty of experimentation before designs are finalized, without wasting materials. Flat patterning as a process can also help with the conservation of materials, especially valuable ones, by allowing creators to position the patterned hat pieces over the material in a flexible way, optimizing the amount of space pieces take up. Patterns can also be laid out on a table or large surface so that material usage can be carefully planned before any cutting is done. Additionally, flat patterning is a great introduction to hatmaking for those with sewing experience. Traditional sewing skills translate better to patterning than some other types of hat making.

Bucket hats are a great way to be introduced to the world of millinery because of its versatility, as well as the way it references other types of sewing. The highly creative process is extremely customizable, and creators can experiment with their patterns in numerous ways before committing to their ultimate design. This process works particularly well with the versatile garden hat! Wide floppy brims, shorter but changeable bucket hat style brims, and even asymmetrical brims can all be achieved with different styles of patterning. Crowns and trim, and all those fun little details, can be designed in a plethora of different styles and combinations. The sky is the limit with the fun and always stylish patterned garden hat!

"You can't do sketches enough. Sketch everything and keep your curiosity fresh." John Singer Sargent

What I do more than make hats & sew is work in my sketchbook. I have sketchbooks that go back to when I was eight years old. Some of them take years to fill, others were quickly finished during dull office jobs. They line the shelves of my library each one looking uniquely different from the other.
They became my unique treasures during college. It was a requirement in architecture school that we keep sketchbooks to show the progression of our design and to always have them when outdoors walking around so we could learn how to quickly sketch buildings. There was also one rule in school - show them to no one. That's right, how artist love to share and comment on their sketchbooks, we were told the opposite that they were a place of sanctuary - a place to make ugly mistakes without judgement.
The only hitch is that if a sketchbook doesn't have a lock on it like a diary, it will be looked at. My solution at the time was to get only sketchbooks that could fit into my purse. There is a unwritten code that we should never look into a woman's purse & that provided the sanctuary needed. Overtime, the purse turned into a bag that went with me when I wanted to sketch. Creativity spilled out and the bag/satchel would become part of the decorative cover of my sketchbook. Then I became so attached to that specific sketchbook being partnered to the bag that when I retired the book to my library, so did the bag.   
By now you can see where I'm leading to with a blog title of 'Weaving Story.' I have woven a couple of bags/purses/satchels to hold my sketchbooks. The most infamous one I made super quick was the Cookie Monster purse pictured. I've progressed on from the plain weave to the multitude of texturally enthralling weaves that I now share in my Woven Purse class. 
​Lets go over a few that I cover:

There is different avenues to learn how to tapestry weave. The one thing that I provide different from them is how to continuously weave to create a bag. If you are interested in creating a bag in a day with me. Click the link below to register to my in-person class coming up January 30th, 2021 at the Art Students League of Denver.

You put a lot of time, effort and money into creating the perfect look and there is a pretty good chance you'll experience some rain drops. Here’s a milliner’s tips to help you look your best even if it pours.

First, the risk of ruining your hat before the day has even begun is the walk from your car.

• No one will blink an eye if you carry your hat indoors in a dry cleaner bag or large (unused) garbage bag.

Next, if you do get caught in the rain, let your hat dry out naturally & slowly so it will retain its shape.

• Depending on what kind of straw your hat is made out of will determine the time. Thicker straws like Panamas or Parisisals will take longer to dry than gauzy sinamay.

Then there is the wind. With rain comes wind. If its turning out to be a breezy day, keep those elaborate headpieces at home. Saucer hats & perchers  just turn into a frisbee outdoors. Go simple with an elegant feather fascinator.

Here in Colorado, every Summer day turns from high-altitude sunshine to two o’clock rain shower. I like to be prepared by carrying a hat cover in my purse. Here are some hat covers to select from:

• ​A go to for most is Amazon. This simple hat protector fits most sizes.  You can also buy it here from the Hats in the Belfry directly.
• For those more fitted for Western Wear, Boot Barn has a Cowboy hat cover.

I hope this gives you the confidence to wear your hat without the worries of Mother Nature. 

Another holiday season has come to an end. This was the second year that I was asked to take part in the Arvada Center for the Arts Holiday Market. There are a lot of holiday fairs and markets throughout the season, I take pride in displaying at this show because of all the fantastic professional artists that are on display. Many of which I have been following for years.
Besides the wonderful curated exhibits in the gallery, the Center is renown for it's theatrical productions. This productions bring in such a creative and inspired crowd that I focused my display on the more nostalgic styles. The Casablanca & Ingrid styles are always a hit. 
New this year I displayed my acrylic hair bow keepers. In a development stage, I have not released any to my website. The sales this year at the Holiday Market have proved that I should get them up on the site.
The first year I did not make the opening because it was on the same day as my mother's funeral. This year my husband graciously put on a suit that matches a Western Homburg I made especially for him & escort me to the event. I faded into the background as everyone came up to compliment him on his style. It is always a joy to speak with other creators face-to-face to learn about each other's passions.