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. …
Author Archives: tracyj
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 …
Inspired by the Armed Forces
Canadian soldiers have gone to work in long-term care homes to fight novel coronavirus outbreaks. A boy fascinated by all things military has a glimpse of unlikely places troops are deployed to in peace time. This hat was made for that boy. It also gives a nod to the unique role played by the soldiers …
Cool in white cotton
You might think white is a colour for brides, Wimbledon, and not worn after Labour Day. Think again of a crisp white button-down shirt or relaxed T-shirt with jeans, an eyelet sundress, or sporty white sneakers. Wearing white keeps you cool on warm days, looks fresh, and pops other colours. I chose a soft Pima …
What’s old is new again
What might you do with a beautiful but outdated wool coat? I made my friend’s coat into a hat. First I surveyed the garment for worn and moth-affected areas, then worked around these to cut pattern pieces for a hat. In my sewing cupboard I found a complementary lining fabric and interfacing to construct a …
Exploration in Colour Blocking
I’ve been exploring colour blocking to welcome spring and bring a bit of brightness into this extraordinary time of social distancing, quarantine, and isolation. Colour blocking involves combining two or more solid colours in an outfit or a garment, in my case, a hat. When combined well, the result is aesthetically balanced and simple. Often the …
Spring Hats
I’ve been working on a collection of hats for spring. Inspiration has come from my childhood memories of learning to crochet lace doilies. Then, the yarn was white or ecru cotton and the starched doilies adorned mahogany dining tables. Nowadays, the fibres I am using are soft and luxurious and the finished hats are comfortable …
Hats by Tracy J 