So, I have a very good friend Jane, who I was lucky enough to meet through a plus size clothing swap a couple of years ago.
We have been to events together, shared meals and had endless cups of tea together, and shared our woes.
A few months ago Jane was sadly diagnosed with Cancer. To pass the time of day she decided to teach herself Millinery. That’s hats to the uninitiated.
Now, If you have read any of my previous posts you will know I LOVE my hats! Literally I would wear one every day if I could. I even asked my bosses if I could have a hat for my job. Sadly the answer was no.
Anyway, Jane started learning how to make fascinators, hair flowers and hats. After several weeks she told me she had made a few and would love my opinion.
Now I had utter faith in Jane, however I was a little bit worried that if I didn’t like what she had made, it would show on my face.
I had arranged to go and visit her on a Sunday and we had a cuppa and a chat before she asked if I would like to see her creations. We wandered upstairs into her workroom……
Purple Peacock
And I was BLOWN away!
Her room was full of gorgeous fascinators and hats. I literally could not believe she had created them all from scratch, with only books and YouTube to learn from.
I literally was like a kid in a sweet shop. Flitting from one creation to another, oohing and aahing at what she had come up with. Flowers, feathers, jewels and trimmings.
She explained to me that she had hand blocked the bases on wooden forms before stiffening them. She had lots of ideas she still wanted to try and also some new techniques that she wanted to master.
Well of course I couldn’t resist trying many of them on. She had even created a couple for me specifically. I was totally honoured.
Jane put so much love and attention to detail in each of her creations. The finish was outstanding, with the edges trimmed, the inside lined for comfort and every embellishment placed in the perfect location. I really couldn’t believe how beautiful they all were.
I told Jane that she really needed to put them on Etsy or another selling site as they were that good. Unfortunately up to yet I haven’t managed to convince her to do it.
However she did agree I could write this post showing off her work to you. Maybe if she gets a few likes on the post it will convince her to try and put them up for sale. Even just to recoup the cost of the supplies she is using up.
Anyway, since then I have managed to get her to sell me a hat and a couple of hair flowers. I have worn them all and have had so many compliments on them so she clearly is doing something right!
What do you think to her creations? Are they hats you would wear?
I would love to hear your feedback so I can pass it on to my treasured friend.
Oh and if you want to see more of her creations, check her out on InstagramÂ
Till next time
Txx
**** Update****
Since this post went live Jane has started posting her millinery on Ebay –