Alanna and Adele

These two were the result of my attempts at making more than one hat at a time in the same color family. I've found that it's so much easier to get out all of the decorating materials once for multiple hats, than to do them one at a time and have to be constantly getting things out and putting things back, and comparing fabrics and writing down ideas for next time. The idea here was to use some gorgeous blue/silver bamboo brocade, which of course necessitated silver accents, so I went from there. The "fan of fabric" idea was actually from my 16-year-old cousin, who has been very excited about the whole hat thing and still hasn't decided what she wants me to put on hers. But she did suggest that a fan would be a nice alternative to feathers, so I gave it a shot.

Alanna:

The dark blue of the sky at twilight, the Alanna is cool and serene with hidden depths. A glowing sapphire-hued acrylic jewel, clear as water and bluer than the ocean waves,  is wrapped in silver filigree and accented with pearls and sparkling rhinestones. The band of rich blue brocade is patterned with periwinkle and silver branches of bamboo, while an iridescent blue/violet dupioni silk shimmers in the background. Tiny crystals adorn the fluffy white ostrich plume that towers above the jeweled base in an elegant finishing touch.

















Adele:

Majestic in royal blue and iridescent silk, the Adele is rich, elegant, and understated in shades of blue and violet. A luxurious swathe of dupioni silk is pleated by hand to form an upstanding fan of fabric, centered on a dark blue acrylic jewel and accented with silver filigree. Tiny clear rhinestones add sparkle, while intricate silver threadwork is embroidered from the top of the crown to the upper edge of the exotic blue bamboo brocade hat band. Everything about the Adele whispers (because the truly well-bred never shout) "luxury."