I was absolutely thrilled to find out my design ‘Berries’ had placed second in The Mad Hatters Society 7th Annual Competition. The design I chose to enter I had made to wear during the preview party of London Hat Week 2018 in March.

Berries worn at London Hat Week Pre View PArty

Canadian Milliner David Dunkley was the judge and I cannot thank him enough for his lovely words to say about my design.

David Dunkley’s Comments on ‘Berries’

Berries was constructed using my handmade Fabric called Saraden Fabric. Once a sheet of fabric has been made it cannot be replicated making each of my designs unique.

Berries worn at London Hat Week Pre View PArty

Once the fabric was made I cut out leaf shapes in black and red and folded them in half and sewed them closed. I made a circular base again using my Saraden Fabric and hand stitched each of the leaf shapes into place, creating a crown style piece.

Beaded detail close up

I wanted the front of my piece to make a statement. I hand stitched  round beaded balls in complimentary red and black to the front of the hat. These bead balls looked very like berries when completed hence the design name. It is finished with black crystals and a comb to secure into place.

Berries worn at London Hat Week Pre View PArty

This is very much a statement piece and really draws the eye. It is worn at the front of the head like a crown. I had some really positive feed back about my design which is always fantastic to hear. A huge congratulations to all who entered, there really are some very talented milliners out there.