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.