Lady Catherine

I made this hat the same time as the Lady Anne, and it was actually the original concept to use gold thread and blue fabric, rather than the silver and lilac, but I had both and so I made two. Since it's basically the same hat only in different colors, I didn't really write a description for it, but the overall effect was different enough that I didn't want to just call it "a blue Lady Anne." So here are pictures, at least:

Courtney and Caitlin

While I was at Anime Boston, I made a few custom hats at the request of customers who saw hats that were ALMOST perfect, but not quite. I generally sketched the hat with them, then went home at night and made the hatband (which requires ironing, not something I can do at my table), and packed up all the necessary feathers and components for attachment the next day. Perhaps not surprisingly, all of my custom hats were steampunk-themed. I promised I'd name each custom hat after the person buying it, so without further ado, here are:

Courtney:

Steampunk refined, the Courtney juxtaposes elegant brocade with traditional steampunk elements, proving that you can have the richness and luxury of satin while keeping the touch of grittiness that makes steampunk interesting. Deep burgundy satin is patterned with metallic florals, which are brought out by the ivory satin ribbon running around the base of the hatband. A clock face in antique brass is surrounded by gears in various finishes, and accented by a single brass flower set with a tiny glass pearl. An airy white ostrich plume is the background for two whimsical brass wire swirls, where a tiny brass key dangles for a finishing touch. For steampunk elegance, look no further than the Courtney.

Caitlin:

Featuring the darker side of steampunk, the Caitlin is something you'd expect to see at your favorite after-hours event-- striking, elegant, and... well, steamy. The black satin hatband is accented with a narrow burgundy ribbon, against which an array of antiqued silver gears is centered on a dramatic silver keyhole. Mixing metals in true eclectic style, two brass flowers set with tiny glass pearls, and brass wire swirls provide a lighthearted contrast to all that drama. A fluffy burgundy ostrich plume sweeps to one side and is balanced by gleaming black and white feathers. A delicate brass key sways gently on a wire swirl, ready to unlock the mystery of this gorgeous hat.

Rosalie

The third in my vampire (err... Twilight... though I hate to admit it) series, this one was actually the first hat to sell at Anime Boston last weekend. I wanted to use lace and the same crystals and chains as the other hats had, but get a little more feminine. I called it the Rosalie because when I actually read the book (yes, I read it, though it was under protest because I was well aware of the horrible stuff the author calls "writing"), they describe her as being the peak of female perfection, and I thought it would fit with the lace and corsetry. I can totally see myself making more of these with different colored ribbons lacing up the side.

Rosalie:

Dark and seductive, the Rosalie draws every eye... and wearing her, so will you. The crown is covered in sheer black sparkling fabric, and a black velvet ribbon forms a luscious hat band. An inky black jewel is wrapped in silver filigree and accented with two tiny red rhinestones, bracketed by spiraling black feathers. Black gimp trim is sewn in a V-shape to reveal corset-laced red satin ribbon, while a silver chain is draped between twin antiqued silver buttons before supporting a pair of blood-red teardrop-shaped crystals wrapped in silver wire. If you give her the chance the Rosalie will draw you in... and there's no guarantee she'll let you back out again!

Annabelle

I needed an excuse to use this gorgeous pinky-gold dupioni silk I'd picked up, and I started fiddling with it, trying to figure out what to do with it that wouldn't look too girly and frilly, when I finally gave up and succumbed to the girliness and just made a huge bow. A double-layered bow. With a lace frill. And tiny pearls. Embrace the girliness, I always say...

Annabelle:

Covered in ruffles, lace, and pink silk, the only word to describe the Annabelle is "girly." ... but in a good way. A luscious dupioni silk hat band in an iridescent combination of pink and gold envelops the crown, forming a double-layered bow, and is anchored by a rose-pink acrylic jewel wrapped in delicate brass filigree and accented with tiny glass pearls. A frothy ruffle of ivory lace fans out above the jewel, sewn with a trio of more pearls, and a fluffy ostrich plume towers above it all. Full of feminine frippery, the Annabelle is practically a cupcake in hat form-- sweet, tempting, and something every girl needs at least one of.

Anime Boston 2010!

So I just got back from Anime Boston 2010, where I sold over 30 hats! Overall I got a very positive response, especially for the steampunk hats, so I'll definitely be making more of those in the future. I got some great pictures of convention-goers wearing my creations, which I'll post at some point-- it was great to see people enjoying them! Plus, my own hat got tons of compliments and several requests to replicate it, so at least I know that people share my taste in headwear!