tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-60312127949743981632024-02-18T18:21:52.670-08:00Fat Cat Hats and Sacksnews about me and my designs as well as related stories, thoughts and trivia about hats, handbags and other fashion accessoriessuzannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12298315699129189141noreply@blogger.comBlogger8125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6031212794974398163.post-20569489750013521332014-01-06T00:18:00.001-08:002014-01-06T17:33:28.378-08:00Are You a Well-Dressed Head?It's been awhile since I posted something on my blog...life can get so busy sometimes. But I'm back to let you know about a few things I've done. First...I opened up a second shop on Etsy called "Redo Bijoux" where I'm selling vintage, recycled and handmade (by me) supplies for hat-making and other crafting projects. The majority of my own work is created by using vintage and recycled materials with the intent to preserve and protect precious resources...especially materials that come from animals such as the feathers and fur felts that are used quite a bit for making hats. I opened Redo Bijoux to share my love for vintage oddities and to encourage others to use these items in their own creative process. I've already sold quite a few wood bowls that I've recycled and turned into hat-blocks and I have a variety of vintage trims and found objects for sale as well. This beautiful vintage Coro powder blue crystal snowflake brooch is one of the items available now in my shop:<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSYzMTx2kfTPv71cDs5KKZO-l1arOJxEXBjiiFgmhvTwEzyvQ5u9qpJ17q3QRduVu-0yMZSXm-p854s5g5GQyxFQTnOC-92Xiyll5k5hc9t9C-Lo4RHJFQV2gyEbG7aZ07MZOExK4d37c/s1600/600w-Coro-Brooch-front-snowflake-powder-blue-crystal.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSYzMTx2kfTPv71cDs5KKZO-l1arOJxEXBjiiFgmhvTwEzyvQ5u9qpJ17q3QRduVu-0yMZSXm-p854s5g5GQyxFQTnOC-92Xiyll5k5hc9t9C-Lo4RHJFQV2gyEbG7aZ07MZOExK4d37c/s1600/600w-Coro-Brooch-front-snowflake-powder-blue-crystal.jpg" height="286" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
I hope you'll take a moment to visit Redo Bijoux and maybe find an item or two that inspire you to create something wonderful. Here is the link: </div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.etsy.com/shop/redobijoux">www.etsy.com/shop/redobijoux</a> </div>
<br />
I have also recently started a group on Meetup.com called "The Well-Dressed Heads" which is a hat wearing social club in Portland, Oregon...if you live in Portland or visit here from time to time you are welcome to join us. So far we've been to the horseraces at Portland Meadows, the annual apple tasting event at Portland Nursery and most recently we had cocktails and tasty treats at The Multnomah Whiskey Library...of course we were all wearing our hats! If you would like to join or learn more about the group please check out our meetup webpage at:<br />
<br />
<div align="center">
<a href="http://www.meetup.com/Well-Dressed-Heads-Portlands-Hat-Wearing-Social-Club">www.meetup.com/Well-Dressed-Heads-Portlands-Hat-Wearing-Social-Club</a><br />
<br /></div>
<div align="center">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
And before I end this post I thought I'd include a photo of one of my latest hat designs...a cherry red beret made from a recycled vintage fur felt that was hand-blocked on a vintage glass light fixture and trimmed with a matching loop and vintage rhinestone bauble...now available in my Etsy shop Fat Cat Hats and Sacks:</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br />
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif88mWcSWtdknwX-KOypvCpAhc_0RpC40Nhic-zls8ifpyKUKOq2XSlXP59Fe1v-6JrydjcO6tR0zsAhuU28ns6aFhx0YpddhhS6-FwbJ0TWv7sW_NhwZUwNFyTaKI_MQXEgJZICkfGD4/s1600/600w-cherry-red-beret-asymmetrical-crease-rhinestone-baubble-front.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEif88mWcSWtdknwX-KOypvCpAhc_0RpC40Nhic-zls8ifpyKUKOq2XSlXP59Fe1v-6JrydjcO6tR0zsAhuU28ns6aFhx0YpddhhS6-FwbJ0TWv7sW_NhwZUwNFyTaKI_MQXEgJZICkfGD4/s1600/600w-cherry-red-beret-asymmetrical-crease-rhinestone-baubble-front.jpg" height="270" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
Until next time...</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<div align="center">
<div align="center">
always remember that life is a journey...</div>
it really doesn't matter where you're going<br />
just make sure you're wearing a hat when you get there!<br />
<br />
<div align="center">
<div align="center">
<div align="center">
website: <a href="http://www.fatcathatsandsacks.com/">www.fatcathatsandsacks.com</a></div>
<div align="center">
etsy shop: <a href="http://www.fatcathatsandsacks.etsy.com/">www.fatcathatsandsacks.etsy.com</a><br />
facebook: <a data-hovercardx="/ajax/hovercard/page.php?id=130010723830" href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Fat-Cat-Hats-and-Sacks/130010723830" target=""><strong>Fat Cat Hats and Sacks</strong></a> </div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
</div>
suzannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12298315699129189141noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6031212794974398163.post-69195801092551109522012-06-22T15:07:00.000-07:002012-06-22T15:11:53.761-07:00Summer is Here...Cover Your Noggin!Just dropped off some new hats at Bonnet Boutique...just in time for all that summer sunshine...or so we hope?! You can never be too sure what summer will be like in Portland...in fact they are calling for rain this weekend...but we do often get some very hot weather and one of my snazzy fedoras or caps would be a lovely way to provide some shade for your noggin!<br />
<br />
I'm using some colorful and textured prints for my fabric fedoras and caps letting that be the dominant decorative aspect of the hat with some simple trim for accent. I tend to be a minimalist in my designs compared to the BIG hats that some milliners are making these days. I think subtle design is classy and elegant...and quite honestly I believe it takes more thought and talent to place a simple trim "just so" than it does to pile on stuff everywhere. I also want people to be able to wear my hats...those big hats are great for special occasions but most people won't want to wear a gigantic flower on top of their head for everyday walking down the street or on their way to work. Here are some photos of two hats now available at Bonnet Boutique...a fedora and a cap:<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFUT7l__tkyoCi0Xn2ZS76-pZnpgEl8GiJsB1P_okH-jbstyyol6LYh3PKThaeusxYCxJlCA7A765xhrgKA-oBZIX5oGMMs71sWzZg0wbqqYi-OgWBlLz3oSwySij6l2HhdM7b6P6mn5Y/s1600/400w-front-sage-ecru-flower.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="221" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhFUT7l__tkyoCi0Xn2ZS76-pZnpgEl8GiJsB1P_okH-jbstyyol6LYh3PKThaeusxYCxJlCA7A765xhrgKA-oBZIX5oGMMs71sWzZg0wbqqYi-OgWBlLz3oSwySij6l2HhdM7b6P6mn5Y/s320/400w-front-sage-ecru-flower.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifConMoZWXorTdq-wkaYZfqzUYvGiX2qdar5sGs0Jw5owLLT5-uQO2Wu0Pk13C6eruhdLoxftXoltXeCY5B1Uuue6dOGXDhse9iaoTfLB4vMbWNB_0gbOQmULfO8cEU2bYFObNq2ixIy0/s1600/400w-right-sage-ecru-flower.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="221" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEifConMoZWXorTdq-wkaYZfqzUYvGiX2qdar5sGs0Jw5owLLT5-uQO2Wu0Pk13C6eruhdLoxftXoltXeCY5B1Uuue6dOGXDhse9iaoTfLB4vMbWNB_0gbOQmULfO8cEU2bYFObNq2ixIy0/s320/400w-right-sage-ecru-flower.jpg" width="320" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Sage and Ecru Flower Print Fabric Fedora</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPemO8Qd5oloomo7fGOza-zORrF1jxGNWoq_zdHqFgdElhz60JHROnjwuNmpmTCyB_EC3IPhBi9s0Sl9E50qOEWtwCzZt8QJ6B2rsqm0Ty6qzqJXucgNLHhJycEywe-_hZO5H9EBKS36c/s1600/300w-front-turquoise-floppy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiPemO8Qd5oloomo7fGOza-zORrF1jxGNWoq_zdHqFgdElhz60JHROnjwuNmpmTCyB_EC3IPhBi9s0Sl9E50qOEWtwCzZt8QJ6B2rsqm0Ty6qzqJXucgNLHhJycEywe-_hZO5H9EBKS36c/s1600/300w-front-turquoise-floppy.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyLo3Bj5AUF-kmg6kDF-sEo-hy0svWtCvE4STXu1rQSluM7QQCmJGOVKX30Yw7VRmfIf4LGyDxDKlix-oEXEf6l1EoTr1lmTwSaEKjwjMS-YLp7jKMVaiHEefrIVD6x1r5nTQp_lCLpKU/s1600/300w-left-turquoise-floppy-.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyLo3Bj5AUF-kmg6kDF-sEo-hy0svWtCvE4STXu1rQSluM7QQCmJGOVKX30Yw7VRmfIf4LGyDxDKlix-oEXEf6l1EoTr1lmTwSaEKjwjMS-YLp7jKMVaiHEefrIVD6x1r5nTQp_lCLpKU/s1600/300w-left-turquoise-floppy-.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_-KFV0Qco5-7ieJxlXaaiuGUnlJ0WDsGAet6Pvi5ibX3Q3tI_RkAjnaot23MEM_f5UVsYVNtiDFfHGKAClMgmgji8GtlQO0m1h0OAXm0vDu7wGy4GcN5Gr3npKUb9786LR8cimRZQl2A/s1600/300w-back-turquoise-floppy-.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_-KFV0Qco5-7ieJxlXaaiuGUnlJ0WDsGAet6Pvi5ibX3Q3tI_RkAjnaot23MEM_f5UVsYVNtiDFfHGKAClMgmgji8GtlQO0m1h0OAXm0vDu7wGy4GcN5Gr3npKUb9786LR8cimRZQl2A/s1600/300w-back-turquoise-floppy-.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNQZGUSEx5MpkREm6fOJWzpcnfc3ch2wul8PbzNZWbuO4b_2nSjg_WE5A5EIqMbOakjtsPdLsyH8USkWeAhI7hupZA11gmFc564NoUfWVtpiwF2ceoPdDR9n9FL0uDQEFlNl4CGFtC9Y4/s1600/300w-inside-turquoise-flopp.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjNQZGUSEx5MpkREm6fOJWzpcnfc3ch2wul8PbzNZWbuO4b_2nSjg_WE5A5EIqMbOakjtsPdLsyH8USkWeAhI7hupZA11gmFc564NoUfWVtpiwF2ceoPdDR9n9FL0uDQEFlNl4CGFtC9Y4/s1600/300w-inside-turquoise-flopp.jpg" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Turquoise Linen-Textured Floppy Beret Cap</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
Next up...I'm working on some color-themed hats and I've got some beautiful orange ones in progress. I also have a plan to try a series of hats designed with a "distressed look" to them...it's going to take some considerable effort on my part as I'm such a crazy perfectionist but I think it will be good therapy for me to let go of that. In August I may be selling my work at "The Hip Happening" taking place in Sellwood which should be a lot of fun...more details coming up soon.<br />
<br />
Meanwhile:<br />
<div align="center">
<div align="center">
always remember that life is a journey...</div>
it really doesn't matter where you're going<br />
just make sure you're wearing a hat when you get there!<br />
<br />
<div align="center">
<div align="center">
website: <a href="http://www.fatcathatsandsacks.com/"><span style="color: #999999;">www.fatcathatsandsacks.com</span></a></div>
etsy shop: <a href="http://www.fatcathatsandsacks.etsy.com/"><span style="color: #999999;">www.fatcathatsandsacks.etsy.com</span></a><br />
facebook: <a data-hovercardx="/ajax/hovercard/page.php?id=130010723830" href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Fat-Cat-Hats-and-Sacks/130010723830" target=""><strong><span style="color: #999999;">Fat Cat Hats and Sacks</span></strong></a> </div>
</div>
<br />suzannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12298315699129189141noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6031212794974398163.post-72487829266344165482012-05-19T20:48:00.000-07:002012-05-23T23:18:56.354-07:00Fat Cat Hats and Sacks is Now Available at BonnetI'm very excited to announce that my hat designs are now available at Bonnet in the Pearl District here in Portland. I just dropped of my first round of spring and summertime hats for women and in a week or two I will add some designs for men...and today we talked about including some of my purse designs as well! Yipee!<br />
<br />
The women's hats that I brought them today are all fabric sewn hats with the detailed top stitching and color accents that I love to do. I made them light and airy for a sunny day and in some cases blocked them with tulle rather than the usual heavier foundations that I use to construct my hats. Here's a peek at one of my favorites:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCcD53hCCjJT9RmZSsnM4OITle6HuLDQYHhMlyRtRV6eb-Q-pu4ZFhhP6_1YdSSx2JrinHi8OmO4MrIGOXx7VRcDgRwwKSaE_H_1umvjOPmQ3ksgtb7bogHT2YDLWbT_hMgJ5cHgGbYb8/s1600/front-rosey-shantung-beach-.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCcD53hCCjJT9RmZSsnM4OITle6HuLDQYHhMlyRtRV6eb-Q-pu4ZFhhP6_1YdSSx2JrinHi8OmO4MrIGOXx7VRcDgRwwKSaE_H_1umvjOPmQ3ksgtb7bogHT2YDLWbT_hMgJ5cHgGbYb8/s320/front-rosey-shantung-beach-.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
I used a rosey shantung to create a cloche with a six-sectioned beach hat crown and an asymmetrical brim...and then trimmed it with a brooch that used to be a vintage earring. I top-stitched the crown sections and along the edge of the brim...the tip of the crown has an "art deco" feel to it due to the way I attached the sections and the stitching that follows the seams.<br />
<br />
I'm now brainstorming on the men's hats I will take to Bonnet...it may be a little while as I've been told that the men in Portland are rather conservative in their hat wearing and the colorful fedoras I've been making probably won't work. Simple blacks, browns, greys and olives are the colors preferred by Portland men...and they often seek an opinion from friends, partners and others before making a purchase...at least those men who shop at Bonnet...which surprises me living in the land of VooDoo Donuts and the Portland Zoo Bombers but it only goes to show that there is a lot to learn and consider when you try to make a living as a hat maker!<br />
<br />
Bonnet is located at 412 NW 11th Avenue in the Pearl District. Everyone there is super nice and they have a wonderful selection of hats and accessories for men and women. I hope you visit them...and perhaps buy a hat! Meanwhile...<br />
<br />
<div align="center">
<div align="center">
always remember that life is a journey...</div>
it really doesn't matter where you're going<br />
just make sure you're wearing a hat when you get there!<br />
<br />
<div align="center">
<div align="center">
website: <a href="http://www.fatcathatsandsacks.com/"><span style="color: #999999;">www.fatcathatsandsacks.com</span></a></div>
etsy shop: <a href="http://www.fatcathatsandsacks.etsy.com/"><span style="color: #999999;">www.fatcathatsandsacks.etsy.com</span></a><br />
facebook: <a data-hovercardx="/ajax/hovercard/page.php?id=130010723830" href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Fat-Cat-Hats-and-Sacks/130010723830" target=""><strong><span style="color: #999999;">Fat Cat Hats and Sacks</span></strong></a> </div>
</div>suzannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12298315699129189141noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6031212794974398163.post-53394256479021390962012-05-03T13:00:00.003-07:002012-05-03T13:00:59.777-07:00A Hat Fit for the QueenI've just entered one of my hat designs in a Talenthouse competition hosted by Dillion Wallwork and HATalk e-magazine. Milliners from around the world were invited to create hats inspired by the Queen of England and her Diamond Jubilee. The hats can be seen from May 4th - 11th and viewers can vote for their favorite to help the design receive special consideration by the judges.<br />
<br />
My entry was inpired by the Crown Jewels...and the Imperial State Crown in particular. I used elements from the Royal Collection to create a modern day tiara-styled cocktail hat that could be worn while celebrating the Queen's Diamond Jubilee. I made everything by hand...from the wire frame supporting the hat to the crystal brooch and hat pin I used as trim...and it required a lot of hand-sewing to assemble it.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGBvQqEy4wCgsgo5F6cbc9AgmAQzzBEJAkEoj5lJx0HSlnPz-Z41J7f5Pp35svQ664T-m_uLgix8XYO-_UTrSzhxfwsqQFM3SWzgENZdKweGbAPvtWL3gIMFxYd0cE0SddAa5hdAh-R_g/s1600/blog-front-Crown-Royale.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="317" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiGBvQqEy4wCgsgo5F6cbc9AgmAQzzBEJAkEoj5lJx0HSlnPz-Z41J7f5Pp35svQ664T-m_uLgix8XYO-_UTrSzhxfwsqQFM3SWzgENZdKweGbAPvtWL3gIMFxYd0cE0SddAa5hdAh-R_g/s320/blog-front-Crown-Royale.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
I chose a beautiful royal blue/purple silk velvet to create the coils of the headpiece as well as the velvet feather...I played with the edges to create a feathery appearance as I often do in my designs. I hand-dyed the veil slightly lighter than the velvet so the tiny details in the fabric and trim could still be seen and I swirled the veil to create a crown-like effect. Then, I made the cross pattee brooch and royal septre hat pin by wrapping and weaving swarovski and vintage crystals with sterling wire.<br />
<br />
The design is secured on the head with small hair combs and can be worn in many ways...tilted back on the head like a traditional tiara or tilted more to the front or one side of the head. Here are some other views:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV3Bzxi8jYwVszJHqh8SjwQVLC0bc5TXfGltQwPAK8-TjQE2SK5c0OuJS9isAkAPwcFN9JnIB7FfeQ3cq1gVI3wFyW2lhNTJBAM7pPnEJVM2vBIY_TMNRNhHw8rBkBzM40O3dvA2nK8hI/s1600/blog-front-left-crown-royale.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgV3Bzxi8jYwVszJHqh8SjwQVLC0bc5TXfGltQwPAK8-TjQE2SK5c0OuJS9isAkAPwcFN9JnIB7FfeQ3cq1gVI3wFyW2lhNTJBAM7pPnEJVM2vBIY_TMNRNhHw8rBkBzM40O3dvA2nK8hI/s1600/blog-front-left-crown-royale.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhcvl_V0Jatx-PGEnnFSyaynK1PE2ObS2f_K31QiFMqoIs3lj0ZyXygoBbQBweQWP0mLjkPx0rSSFFLx1AWs5sri_635nq6TyBqiPSbN4o-ytGCeAIixRAYxxcMh4flpefEy3yi2OH_oI/s1600/blog-front-right-crown-royale.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjhcvl_V0Jatx-PGEnnFSyaynK1PE2ObS2f_K31QiFMqoIs3lj0ZyXygoBbQBweQWP0mLjkPx0rSSFFLx1AWs5sri_635nq6TyBqiPSbN4o-ytGCeAIixRAYxxcMh4flpefEy3yi2OH_oI/s1600/blog-front-right-crown-royale.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHGyXxMgi-pFBKIoAuuaJNEt-SrKCS23hsDDoXap5b1fle-et2q3eqcoX7w1cD33RuqIxO14_A_jsvZQZynALTcZW_MfagrCxy6WkgP4iT-nDAqqLhzwccQ-Gx2TFksl40CmGq9a1_mFY/s1600/blog-right-crown-royale.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHGyXxMgi-pFBKIoAuuaJNEt-SrKCS23hsDDoXap5b1fle-et2q3eqcoX7w1cD33RuqIxO14_A_jsvZQZynALTcZW_MfagrCxy6WkgP4iT-nDAqqLhzwccQ-Gx2TFksl40CmGq9a1_mFY/s1600/blog-right-crown-royale.jpg" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR-w4ypFhY4wqfp2CHbdPadHoShBoGdBht1u5XHft_u6FFyOX72soESr1usrEsd8MZM14WHVt0IEgKi8wgeOOMN_rTzOfQ2SzyJodSBtTJnrP9UwriHaBzMmEDg-sVXhJGTpsxjFkLt1s/s1600/blog-back-crown-royale.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgR-w4ypFhY4wqfp2CHbdPadHoShBoGdBht1u5XHft_u6FFyOX72soESr1usrEsd8MZM14WHVt0IEgKi8wgeOOMN_rTzOfQ2SzyJodSBtTJnrP9UwriHaBzMmEDg-sVXhJGTpsxjFkLt1s/s1600/blog-back-crown-royale.jpg" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
My submission is now available for viewing on the Talenthouse website and I would be so grateful if you voted for it! Voting opens on May 4th and continues through the 11th. Here is the link:</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://tlnt.at/ImVOEM" id="yui_3_2_0_1_1336065920499437" rel="nofollow" target="_blank"><strong id="yui_3_2_0_1_1336065920499436"><span id="yui_3_2_0_1_1336065920499435" style="color: #0066cc;"><span class="yiv1179408592yshortcuts" id="yiv1179408592lw_1335821387_0">Crown Royale by Suzanne Sherman</span></span></strong></a><span id="yiv1179408592yui_3_2_0_20_1335803824884224" style="color: black;"> </span></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
And </div>
<div align="center">
<div align="center">
always remember that life is a journey...</div>
it really doesn't matter where you're going<br />
just make sure you're wearing a hat when you get there!<br />
<br />
<div align="center">
<div align="center">
website: <a href="http://www.fatcathatsandsacks.com/"><span style="color: #999999;">www.fatcathatsandsacks.com</span></a></div>
etsy shop: <a href="http://www.fatcathatsandsacks.etsy.com/"><span style="color: #999999;">www.fatcathatsandsacks.etsy.com</span></a><br />
facebook: <a data-hovercardx="/ajax/hovercard/page.php?id=130010723830" href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Fat-Cat-Hats-and-Sacks/130010723830" target=""><strong><span style="color: #999999;">Fat Cat Hats and Sacks</span></strong></a> </div>
</div>
<div align="center">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>suzannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12298315699129189141noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6031212794974398163.post-11386159700187071182012-02-07T02:24:00.000-08:002014-01-05T22:51:58.381-08:00Feathers are for the Birds!Some of my best friends are birds. Every morning after I make myself a cup of coffee and feed the kitties I put walnuts, sunflower seeds, peanuts and sliced almonds out in the big tree by the kitchen window. When the crows see me they let everyone in the neighborhood know it's time for breakfast...and within minutes a menagerie of birds...and squirrels...are feasting in the tree and on the lawn. It's a morning ritual for me and the kitties...we sit at the window and watch...and for the birds too...they gather and wait for me to appear. It's a nice friendship.<br />
<br />
As a hatmaker I think quite seriously about the materials I use...where they come from, how they were produced or obtained, and the effects they have on the environment or the quality of life...so using feathers on my hats has been a rather big issue for me. I certainly understand why they are so fashionable and why other designers use them in their creations...feathers are very beautiful...but it's impossible for me to set aside where they come from just so that I can make a hat. I love hats...and I love making hats...but feathers belong on birds. <br />
<br />
Not to get too preachy but...at the Turn of the Century when the millinery and plume industries were at their heyday entire species of birds were wiped out...gone forever! The devastation was so bad that strict laws had to be put in place and groups like The Audubon Society were formed to prevent anymore damage. And now in present day...animals are kept on farms so that they can be used for their fur, skins and feathers. They are raised and killed in ways so horrible that I can't even get myself to write about it...it breaks my heart.<br />
<br />
Sometime ago I gave myself the goal to discover as many cruelty-free ways to create a feathery-look for my hats as I could and I was thrilled when I stumbled upon some wild clematis on one of my walks through Portland. When these flowers turn to seed they become puffs of feather-like flues! Since then I have been collecting not only feather impersonators but all sorts of organic creatures like seed pods and withered leaves and flowers to use in my designs. I just finished two hats that include pampas grass as feathers and flowers made from garlic skins for the trim. Take a peek:<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN6pmbFTtciQPwtD7aEJA4RDhv8aWXs8jFv2iCYXb0WLv4ytqwFw33q6c2yRJscXbpdMaZmrryT6xAHxPcTnV-zSm0-4zLmjKe4VxWuv61P4FQ6L53jMFIABXMdo8Z2bgkh0rofd_lIDs/s1600/500w-front-french-blue-felt.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhN6pmbFTtciQPwtD7aEJA4RDhv8aWXs8jFv2iCYXb0WLv4ytqwFw33q6c2yRJscXbpdMaZmrryT6xAHxPcTnV-zSm0-4zLmjKe4VxWuv61P4FQ6L53jMFIABXMdo8Z2bgkh0rofd_lIDs/s1600/500w-front-french-blue-felt.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<div align="center">
</div>
<div align="center" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5FJnstGs8WPbrQ3JiUe0velF_9-e_mFJ4olotkAKRh0qerWX2Hju00F2gnO7bDUJ29r5aMK8rP3QbH3sYv3CA4LoyZduypzCgF84Fb5CkNNDLRDBb-uWB5ERsS0nYH5JPUHby4j9bP2E/s1600/600w-150dpi_vintage-ribbon-straw-garlic-skin-flower-topper.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5FJnstGs8WPbrQ3JiUe0velF_9-e_mFJ4olotkAKRh0qerWX2Hju00F2gnO7bDUJ29r5aMK8rP3QbH3sYv3CA4LoyZduypzCgF84Fb5CkNNDLRDBb-uWB5ERsS0nYH5JPUHby4j9bP2E/s1600/600w-150dpi_vintage-ribbon-straw-garlic-skin-flower-topper.jpg" height="254" width="320" /></a></div>
<div align="center" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
These hats are now available in my etsy shop if you want to see more photos or get more details on specifics of the hats. In the meantime...</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
</div>
<div align="center" class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
always remember that life is a journey...</div>
<div align="center">
it really doesn't matter where you're going</div>
<div align="center">
just make sure you're wearing a hat when you get there!</div>
<div align="center">
<br /></div>
<div align="center">
<div align="center">
website: <a href="http://www.fatcathatsandsacks.com/"><span style="color: #999999;">www.fatcathatsandsacks.com</span></a></div>
etsy shop: <a href="http://www.fatcathatsandsacks.etsy.com/"><span style="color: #999999;">www.fatcathatsandsacks.etsy.com</span></a><br />
facebook: <a data-hovercardx="/ajax/hovercard/page.php?id=130010723830" href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Fat-Cat-Hats-and-Sacks/130010723830" target=""><strong><span style="color: #999999;">Fat Cat Hats and Sacks</span></strong></a> </div>
<div align="center">
<br /></div>
<div align="center">
<br /></div>
<div align="left">
</div>
<div align="left" style="text-align: left;">
</div>
<!-- Blogger automated replacement: "https://images-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com/gadgets/proxy?url=http%3A%2F%2F2.bp.blogspot.com%2F-MclMk2NegPM%2FUspNIkxHk1I%2FAAAAAAAAAGY%2F9MwlT9cKKJE%2Fs1600%2F600w-150dpi_vintage-ribbon-straw-garlic-skin-flower-topper.jpg&container=blogger&gadget=a&rewriteMime=image%2F*" with "https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj5FJnstGs8WPbrQ3JiUe0velF_9-e_mFJ4olotkAKRh0qerWX2Hju00F2gnO7bDUJ29r5aMK8rP3QbH3sYv3CA4LoyZduypzCgF84Fb5CkNNDLRDBb-uWB5ERsS0nYH5JPUHby4j9bP2E/s1600/600w-150dpi_vintage-ribbon-straw-garlic-skin-flower-topper.jpg" -->suzannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12298315699129189141noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6031212794974398163.post-12919418753768782322012-01-04T00:14:00.000-08:002012-01-08T15:33:39.695-08:00A Study in GreyI'm growing quite fond of the color grey...something that comes in handy when you live in the Pacific Northwest or when you look in the mirror and realize you really are getting...uh...older. But my love for grey is more than just self-preservation...it really is a beautiful color. It's misty and moody...and subtle and quiet. It can be classy and traditional when all on it's own or lively and flamboyant when in the company of others...I particularly like it with orange, fuschia or yellow. <br />
<br />
This affection for grey has inspired me to work on a series of hats...some in only shades of grey and some in combination with other colors. I've just finished two dove grey felt hats...sort of his and hers...a fedora and a beret. Both hats are hand-blocked...the fedora has a wide and full crown and the beret slopes over the side of the head. I trimmed both with hat pins that I made with hammered sterling silver wire and two beautiful pieces of black silver leaf jasper. Take a peek:<br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpZP7rGEE051yZAKGmaSxEuJvDuK3EJumDcfxjuYMkI31PZcDmoAfdrX8ptUXFihFh54_g18SAz7RN7xF4kixvaYE6fZo1lRTl2f_UWs3aZCvF3zTuIJ2EtcJpWyMfOOIPKaZhGwGnFdc/s1600/400w-grey-felt-fedora-and-b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="293" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgpZP7rGEE051yZAKGmaSxEuJvDuK3EJumDcfxjuYMkI31PZcDmoAfdrX8ptUXFihFh54_g18SAz7RN7xF4kixvaYE6fZo1lRTl2f_UWs3aZCvF3zTuIJ2EtcJpWyMfOOIPKaZhGwGnFdc/s320/400w-grey-felt-fedora-and-b.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><br />
<br />
Both hats will be available in my Etsy shop starting Jan 5th if you want to see more views or buying details...wouldn't you and your honey look smashing in them! And more designs in grey are in the making...meanwhile...<br />
<div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center"><br />
</div><div align="center">always remember that life is a journey...</div><div align="center">it really doesn't matter where you're going</div><div align="center">just make sure you're wearing a hat when you get there!<br />
<br />
<br />
<div align="center">website: <a href="http://www.fatcathatsandsacks.com/"><span style="color: #999999;">www.fatcathatsandsacks.com</span></a></div>etsy shop: <a href="http://www.fatcathatsandsacks.etsy.com/"><span style="color: #999999;">www.fatcathatsandsacks.etsy.com</span></a><br />
facebook: <a data-hovercardx="/ajax/hovercard/page.php?id=130010723830" href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Fat-Cat-Hats-and-Sacks/130010723830" target=""><strong><span style="color: #999999;">Fat Cat Hats and Sacks</span></strong></a> </div><div align="center"></div><div align="justify"></div>suzannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12298315699129189141noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6031212794974398163.post-23738084328300241052011-11-29T17:35:00.000-08:002014-01-06T17:32:48.108-08:00Hatblocks? I don't need no stinkin' hatblocks!Feeling a bit frustrated with the cost of hatblocks and how long it's taking me to acquire a wide variety of interesting hatblock shapes...and not being the type of person who likes to compete with winning addicted buyers on Ebay...I recently started combing the thrift stores for affordable alternatives like salad bowls and oddball things made of wood. It's been alot of fun for me because thrift stores are some of my favorite places to shop...and I've been able to collect some great shapes for mere pennies! While "official" hatblocks can cost $100 or more my salad bowl hat blocks are usually no more than $5.00 and most often 99 cents or less!!! The only disadvantage that I've experienced is that salad bowls tend to come in sizes that are either much smaller or bigger than a typical head size but it's forced me to be very creative in using and adapting the bowls to hat-making...and because of that I feel like I've become that much more experienced as a milliner. <br />
<br />
I've been using the salad bowls to create a series of women's perching felt hats that I've trimmed with some of my handcrafted hat pins...here are just a few as well as some of the wooden bowls I've collected:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_LNgpsINpjWmCwBQCCYr-zmilHXgiTfUHr13ajyt0g0ibmsWkvSkLKYeDh_72xT2DbUtms1G4-g60dIQsqqDoE7c7Z34M2Lt8eqJfqkUDTgpxdtTjus4hJtkWSHmVlNKxHLJpQ5ZLUc8/s1600/400w-hats-from-salad-bowl-h.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_LNgpsINpjWmCwBQCCYr-zmilHXgiTfUHr13ajyt0g0ibmsWkvSkLKYeDh_72xT2DbUtms1G4-g60dIQsqqDoE7c7Z34M2Lt8eqJfqkUDTgpxdtTjus4hJtkWSHmVlNKxHLJpQ5ZLUc8/s320/400w-hats-from-salad-bowl-h.jpg" height="224" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJUOdeodsoId1n8SDQndtSnaS2NmZzDWuP7DPD8xmzL0r6cJoxvHqHEnKGbzxiOSAVM3ZJUXfBb0doNN2q3xAogz2R8PmkfmEYF1asjD1QpJ8JPOZvdTobPFTAaolel266f7dLpFcGFtI/s1600/400w-salad-bowl-hat-blocks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgJUOdeodsoId1n8SDQndtSnaS2NmZzDWuP7DPD8xmzL0r6cJoxvHqHEnKGbzxiOSAVM3ZJUXfBb0doNN2q3xAogz2R8PmkfmEYF1asjD1QpJ8JPOZvdTobPFTAaolel266f7dLpFcGFtI/s320/400w-salad-bowl-hat-blocks.jpg" height="194" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
I'm really quite pleased with the results...and so happy that I've combined two of my favorite things to do...hatmaking and thrift store shopping! So if ever you find yourself in a Portland thrift store and catch glimpse of someone walking around with wooden bowls on her head...it's probably me trying out a possible new hatblock.<br />
<br />
<br />
<div align="center">
always remember that life is a journey...</div>
<div align="center">
it really doesn't matter where you're going</div>
<div align="center">
just make sure you're wearing a hat when you get there!</div>
<div align="center">
<br /></div>
<div align="center">
website: <a href="http://www.fatcathatsandsacks.com/">www.fatcathatsandsacks.com</a></div>
<div align="center">
etsy shop: <a href="http://www.fatcathatsandsacks.etsy.com/">www.fatcathatsandsacks.etsy.com</a><br />
facebook: <a data-hovercardx="/ajax/hovercard/page.php?id=130010723830" href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Fat-Cat-Hats-and-Sacks/130010723830" target=""><strong>Fat Cat Hats and Sacks</strong></a> </div>
<div align="center">
</div>
suzannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12298315699129189141noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-6031212794974398163.post-3103916444343433672011-11-16T15:34:00.000-08:002011-11-16T15:34:41.203-08:00Fat Cat Hats and Sacks is Now Blogging!Yes it's true...finally I've created a Blog for Fat Cat Hats and Sacks. I'll be posting news about me and my designs as well as related stories, thoughts and trivia about hats, handbags and other fashion accessories. I've been very busy creating some new hats for women and men and look forward to sharing them with you. In fact here is one for the men...a powder blue and beige tweed fedora:<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVDCeQjFoIr_aBUeuyL3qt-pndn6J0MB8RnSlw0dXmatgm-I3a7Dsgjz7bnk9A0RgNkh00MDSYykcygjMZboCoLMnyPI9ghA55ibpEKnbifI6XBYVxxSFZziO_yd4Vlvm26YFibz41HZY/s1600/400w_top-view_powder-blue-b.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="289" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVDCeQjFoIr_aBUeuyL3qt-pndn6J0MB8RnSlw0dXmatgm-I3a7Dsgjz7bnk9A0RgNkh00MDSYykcygjMZboCoLMnyPI9ghA55ibpEKnbifI6XBYVxxSFZziO_yd4Vlvm26YFibz41HZY/s320/400w_top-view_powder-blue-b.jpg" width="320" /></a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">Currently I'm hand-blocking some felt hats on salad bowls...yes, salad bowls...and am very pleased with the results... I'll be posting some photos shortly so check back soon! Meanwhile...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">always remember that life is a journey...</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">it really doesn't matter where you're going</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">just make sure you're wearing a hat when you get there!</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">website: <a href="http://www.fatcathatsandsacks.com/">www.fatcathatsandsacks.com</a></div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">facebook: <a data-hovercard="/ajax/hovercard/page.php?id=130010723830" href="https://www.facebook.com/pages/Fat-Cat-Hats-and-Sacks/130010723830" target=""><strong><span style="color: #3b5998;">Fat Cat Hats and Sacks</span></strong></a> </div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div><div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;"><br />
</div>suzannehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/12298315699129189141noreply@blogger.com1