HATS, HATS AND MORE HATS

I got several emails asking me about the hat I wore at the Victorian Tea Society this past weekend.

So, I thought I would give you a better picture to show you what it looked like up close.

I loved this hat. The only problem was it's not mine. I borrowed it from one of the other ladies in the group.

I'm now on the look out for a hat that I can afford. Or at least one I can make. I figure I can hot glue with the best of them. So all I really need is to find a hat that I can work with.

There are some beautiful hats out there but they cost a lot of money. I don't have a lot of money so I can't just buy one.

We will be learning how to make hats in our group but that won't be until March of 2009. I can't wait that long.

So I thought if I could find a hat with a wide brim I could just hot glue material, flowers and feathers to it make my own.

The hats were so pretty back 200 years ago. I wish we still wore hats today.

I love the big feathers and flowers and lace hats are made of.

I don't think a lot of the flowers today look like they did back in the Victorian era. So I would love to be able to find some vintage flowers. I don't think I will because I think they cost a lot of money too. Again, that lets me out.

So, I may stick more to the feathers and lace. Even though using flowers from today would still be a pretty hat. It just wouldn't be authentic looking.

I really want to one day have several costumes and a hat to go with each one.

Speaking of costumes, several of you wanted to know where I got my costume. The answer is the the thrift store.

Not all at once. I first got the skirt. It's just a normal long, brown velvet skirt. I got a black blouse. I got one that was way to big as they wore loose blouses with big sleeves back then. Of course the cuffs were way to big. So, I moved the buttons over to tighten up the cuffs. This made the sleeves look puffy and the cuffs still tight.

Then, I tacked down the collar as they didn't have the type we have now. I added a brooch that my sister gave me. It was a cute Cameo. Perfect for the time.


Last I found some shoes that looked to be from the era. These were a great thrift store find as you don't find them very often.

To this I added a shawl, a wig and the hat, all borrowed from the same lady. Oh yes, I also used one of her little purses too.

I think it all came together pretty good.

I love the color of this hat. Don't you? So feminine looking.

Have you ever made a hat? If so, do you have any tips to share with me.