What do Che Guevara, Rembrandt, and Lauren Bacall have in common? The flat wool disc of a hat that is a beret! Over the centuries, the beret has found its way onto the heads of peasants, artists, actresses, revolutionaries, and military personnel. Today, wearing a beret can be chic and fashionable and worn by both …
Author Archives: tracyj
Hats in Vancouver
Hat Morphing
I enjoy taking a good basic hat pattern and morphing it into other interesting looks. Usually the first time around, I’ll construct the hat following the instructions of the pattern. Then, based on the outcome, I modify by adding and subtracting elements. This Savannah Slouch Hat (designed by Rebecca Langford) with herringbone stitch is an …
“O” Slouch Beanie
This slouch beanie, designed by Norwegians Lilly Secilie Brand and Bente Myhrer, was inspired by the Olympic Hat. To the left, it is shown in an Irish tweed yarn which blends cashmere and silk with merino wool. “Arranmore is spun in a mill that traces its roots to the homespun tweed industry of 19th century …
Hat Colour
If you are new to wearing hats, you might want your first hat in a neutral colour such as beige, brown, grey, navy, or black. A hat sits close to and frames the face, so choose a shade that is flattering to your complexion and your hair. The hat colour should make your skin tone glow, not …
The Beehive Hat
Temperatures are dropping. Time to start thinking about winter hats. My crocheted beehive hats are warm and cozy. A simple repeating pattern done in the round and rich solid colours enhance stitch definition and texture. These “beehives”, made with bulky wool from the Peruvian highlands, Spain, and Iceland, are wind-buffering, water-resistant, and very good insulators. …
Update for Fall 2020
In-person craft markets have been cancelled this year due to the pandemic. To see my latest collection of crocheted hats and headbands, please visit: Tenth & Proper Boutique, 4483 West 10th Avenue in Vancouver If you are interested in a custom-made hat, sewn or crocheted, I would be delighted to discuss designs and fabrics with …
A Rain Hat for Autumn
It’s time to walk the dog. But, oh, it has started to rain…not unexpected in the fall in Vancouver! Grab your hat. I made this hat with a black “Dintex” rainwear fabric that is water and wind resistant and breathable. I sealed the seams so water would not penetrate through the small holes created by …
Summer in the City
We may long to travel to some sun-drenched vacation destination. But this year of the COVID-19 pandemic, we choose wisely and responsibly a summer stay-cation. Here in British Columbia, there are a multitude of scenic places to visit with coastal water, inland lakes, forests, and mountains. There are a variety of outdoor activities to pursue, …
Reversible Bucket Hats
I’ve been having fun sewing reversible bucket hats. Each starts with the selection of two complementary or contrasting fabrics. This can be a most time-consuming step as my hat aficionado friend discovered on our fabric shopping expedition. We both liked the natural slubs of woven linen and geometrical Japanese patterns of “Sevenberry” cotton. A reversible …
Hats by Tracy J 