When my friend, Yvonne, and I were travelling in Dijon, France, we visited a hat shop named Chapellerie Bruyas. The shop has the look of an old-fashioned boutique with its wood-framed windows and doors. The window displays entice the passerby with a collection of stylish and well-crafted hats for women and men. We were welcomed at …
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Jewel Tones
It is time to swap out warm whites and pastels for rich hues like emerald, sapphire, ruby and amethyst. Saturated colours can add drama to our homes and wardrobes. Be bold with upholstery or a dress in a jewel tone. Or accent your outfit with a pop of colour in a hat, scarf, gloves, shoes …
From One Hat to Another
One summer I came upon a multitude of damselflies with metallic blue bodies and elaborately veined transparent wings. They were mating in flight, the slender bodies of the male and female damselflies connecting together in a heart or wheel shape. It was fascinating to witness this ritual. So, it was no surprise that a gift …
Coordinate Fabrics using Coloured Dots
A friend came back from Japan with a much appreciated gift of cotton cloth. There were three cut pieces of cloth, each 110cmX50cm, that could be mixed and matched with one another or with fabrics already in my stash. Coordinating fabrics can be easier if you find coloured dots on the edge or selvedge of …
Crochet Bags
Two girls, my first cousins twice removed, will be visiting soon. They live far away and five years ago when I last saw them, one sister was three years old and the other an infant. I discovered their favourite colours are green/black and pink/purple, respectively. Now, both are school-aged and I wanted to make them …
Fabrics for Reversible Bucket Hats
One of my favourite things in hat making is choosing materials. With reversible buckets, it is double the fun and challenge to mix and match fabrics. I am drawn to prints and patterns for spring and summer hats and usually select a neutral coloured fabric on the reverse as a contrast. I like cottons and …
Alpaca
Not only the origin of Nanaimo bars and birthplace of Diana Krall, Nanaimo is also a jumping-off point for the Cedar & Yellow Point Artisans Trail. A self-guided driving tour will take you to visit local British Columbian artists, crafters and farmers. Yellow Point Alpacas in Ladysmith is one such farm where you can see …
Transition to Spring
Spring is the time to transition your wardrobe to lighter pieces and brighter colours. Changing temperatures throughout the day warrant layering clothes and picking versatile breathable fabrics like cotton and linen. You can pack away your winter hats. Instead, accessorize with lightweight hats that will keep your head warm in the cool mornings and evenings. …
Hat of Many Colours
I visited the Museum of Salvatore Ferragamo (1898-1960) while in Florence. There I saw a magnificent display of shoes crafted with architectural and engineering perfection and artistic ingenuity. During his lifetime (1898-1960), Ferragamo used all sorts of materials, such as hemp, straw, animal skin and cellophane, to substitute for leather. He invented the “invisible” sandal …
V is for V-stitches, Visor and In Vogue
My sister wanted something a little different from the hats she already owns. She liked the V-stitch as seen in the Vee Beanie pattern by Simply Made by Erin. Rather than a conventional band, she requested a visor and strap with button adornments for flair. We selected a felted tweed aran with merino wool and …
Hats by Tracy J 