10/02/2025
Getting back into the swing of things in 2025
This weekend I decided I’d have a go at blocking some new headpieces on a newly purchased hat block, as well as trying my hand at dyeing a capeline that you use to make the hat itself.
Both went well, the light blue base blocked well and after cutting off the excess I reinforced it with wire, then lined it with a matching baby blue cotton liner which I sewed in.
I also had a left over fuschia dye from last year so I dyed a natural colour capeline, as well as a piece of scrap that I had to see how they would turn out and may become an embellishment for a future hat.
The capeline came out a little rosie red but upon it drying fully it has come up a pinker tone so I am happy with that!
Then while they were drying I used another piece of scrap capeline to make a navy headpiece on the new block. I will likely line that tonight or later this week, as I have some left over navy felt that matches it well!
Once that’s done I am going to have a play around with blocking some sinamay straw fabric over the new block too.
I am in love with the shape, it’s a rounded teardrop percher and very ‘in’ for racing headpieces.
For 2025 I don’t know how many commissions I am going to take on, or should I say be able to take on as, at the start of December, both my kitchen and bathroom were flooded through no fault of my own (a neighbours house sitter left a tap on) and I’m going through the insurance process of stripping both rooms down and replacing everything so I am unlikely to be able to stay in my home while this happens so with so much building works and uncertainty I may just make headpieces for myself, my family and a few selected friends this year.. we shall see
