Felt

Home/Felt

Handmade felt hats made by fusing merino wool and silk to create the pattern visible on the outside of the hat. A variety of styles, all warm and comfortable. These are all one-of-a-kind, as the silk is upcycled from thrift shop clothing. Good for you, and nature!

  • This kitchen sink deep cloche is named for Alma Reville, a pioneer for women in the film industry.  She also was known as Alfred Hitchcock's wife.  Writer, assistant director, actress, screenwriter, Alma wore many hats and forged a path for women in film.  She was also Hitchcock's sounding board and collaborator.  On accepting a Lifetime Achievement Award, Alfred is quoted as thanking "I beg permission to mention by name only four people who have given me the most affection, appreciation and encouragement, and constant collaboration. The first of the four is a film editor, the second is a scriptwriter, the third is the mother of my daughter, Pat, and the fourth is as fine a cook as ever performed miracles in a domestic kitchen. And their names are Alma Reville".
  • Annette

    $300.00
    Early morning with your coffee in hand, you slide on your sandals and wander into your garden.  The day is calm and the smell of roses starts to perfuse the air, warming in the sun.  This hat is that feeling that you don't have to leave behind when autumn and winter arrive.  You can drop your shoulders and relax every time you reach for this hat.  I wish I could infuse a smell of roses into this hat (hahah - I can't) to keep you company over the winter, reminding you that spring and summer are not that far away...  
  • This cloche embodies Art Deco in the 1920/30's.  Art Deco design is characterized by layered shapes, intricate line art, aerodynamic shapes and metallic colors like gold and chrome.  This zigzag modern take on the 20's cloche is a one of a kind show-stopper.  The hat band is an upcycled beaded strap from a dress and some petals on the 3D flower are done made using un-felted silk, emphasizing the size of the original silk pattern.  A real statement piece, it can be worn to an even or a special night out, or simply as daywear teamed with a warm sweater or wool coat.  Glamour and Luxury, Art-Deco inspired wearable art.
  • I'm going to let you in on a Behind-the-scenes moment for Trish Raine.  Sometimes I struggle with creating pieces and this hat was a  battle royale.  I made the felt, then hemmed and hawed at the resulting hood.  I discussed the merino wool fibre with a friend and finally decided to make a soft fedora.  Once made, I longingly searched my many containers full of bands, bows, ribbon, flowers and feathers to come up with a finish that I would be pleased with.  I ended up upcycling a be-jeweled t-shirt I'd been wearing for years, plucking the hundreds of odd-shaped jewels into a bowl, then randomly sewing them onto this hat. The result is a stunningly beautiful fedora I would call a showpiece.  It has sweet flowers, leopard print and green delicate foliage that peers from around the jeweled crown.  So soft and comfortable to wear, it oozes casual elegance.  It was well-worth the battle and patience to persevere. "I try to make it look easy, but the behind the scenes stuff is the challenge".  - Stephen Curry
  • Bessie cloche captures the 1920's feel with a modern aesthetic.  Eye catching from every angle, it is a mixture of fabrics, textures and design, an ultra-feminine version of an unadorned cloche. Bessie love was an actress who transitioned successfully from silent to sound movies, working on an off until 1983.  Expected to entertain at parties, she quickly learned how to sing and dance, and play the ukulele, and is credited with being the first woman to dance the Charleston on film.
  • Bibi

    $160.00
    A great "starter" Trish Raine hat, Bibi cloche has style, sensibility and practicality.  She will protect you in cold, damp winter weather (basically anything winter will throw at you), although colder than -15C you might place her under a hood.  She will fold up in your purse, willingly fit a ponytail of hair in her folds, and her design (many silks) will match pretty much anything you wear.  She can go "running" or exercising with you; snowshoeing, x-country skiing, dog walking.  She can also be the comfortable friend who accompanies you to the Saturday market and completes chores with you.  She is reliable and maintains her shape for many years.  Like a trusted old friend, she's got your back, providing comfort and warmth.
  • In the late winter most of us crave color, a warm breeze and to feel the heat of the sun.  New growth shows itself slowly as the snow recedes.  There is a sense of joy, of hope and new beginnings.  Plans start to form for getting (and staying) outside, perhaps even seeing family or friends we've not been able to see...  While Covid-19 has made the last year very difficult and perhaps has made the winter feel especially long, I think there is renewed hope and relaxation with the thought of the arrival of spring. This hat is so very cheerful and spring-like.  The silk is upcycled from a skirt that has embroidered flowers at the top and bottom, the middle being a pile of delicate leaves.  I'm thrilled with how they've clustered on the hat, as it looks as if your head is a garden bed blooming beautiful flowers!  A vintage turban design with a modern twist using upcycled fashion.  What a bouquet!
  • Brownie Wise was the ultimate party planner, inventing the idea of home parties to promote Tupperware in the 1950's.  During convention weekend Jubilees lavish gifts and rewards were presented and elaborate treasure hunts were done with prizes buried underground.  This hat, "Brownie Mae", would be what she would choose to wear.  Stylish, commanding and luxurious.  Her  desire for happiness helped recruit thousands of women into a career at a time when a woman's role was conventionally tied to the home. In 1954 she became the first woman to appear on the cover of Business Week magazine.   This hat is handmade felt.  The upcycled sequined silk fabric is fused with raw merino wool in a process of wet felting called nuno felting.  Once the fabric/felt hood is created, it is blocked over a vintage heated block and shaped by hand. The silk velour hat band is dyed to match the peach/red tone of the felt.  This hat is halfway between a regular felt and gossamer in its weight, with the density of the sequins helping to create structure.  Beautiful from every angle, comfortable, and yes...sensible. This hat fits a small-sized head, 21.25-21.5″ in circumference.  If you have any questions about size, please contact me. "No Matter who you are, you alone can give the world something that it can get from no other source" - Brownie Wise.  
  • Carmen

    $210.00
    The resume of the woman who wears this hat reads as follows: Uniform is the classic black trench. Carries a briefcase to work, while wearing stilettos. Can disarm you verbally in mediation or court. This hat pairs perfectly with a classic black coat, red lips, and a fierce personality. Women who love espresso need apply.
  • The thing about felt making is that although you have a vision and you set up what you're making very carefully and skillfully, you never really know how it is going to turn out.  There is a "letting go" of control when feltmaking, and when you reveal what you've  made, I call it a "no whammies" reveal.  A little hope and a prayer each time.  ;) This hat turned out EXACTLY as I'd planned.  I couldn't have placed the print better, as the hood (felt shape) was destined for this vintage turban block.  The felt is light, thin and even, as you would expect with such a topper.  It exudes luxury and is for the woman who is a confident hat-wearer.  This hat WILL turn heads and say to the onlooker that you are a woman who is sure of yourself.  Casual and dressy, this hat can take you from the market to an evening out.
  • When you wear a hat or any fashion that "fits" physically and stylistically you stand taller, feeling more secure and confident.  You know today is going to be a good day...equal to a great hair day or simply driving when all the traffic lights turn green as you commute to work. Deborah is one of those "sure thing" additions to your wardrobe.    She's luxurious to feel and looks like a foreign fabric, perhaps fur.  People won't believe she's handmade felt with her muted colors and subtle patterns.  The hint of animal print on the edge, she will support any look you want, be it casual or on a night out.  You won't have to say a word with her on, people will take note of it promoting the beautiful you...  She's a woman of action and few words.
  • The Dee family created the American candy company that produces Smarties.  Founder Edward Dee, who used to occasionally go in to work until age 95 (he has since passed), left the company to his three granddaughters who currently run the candy empire.  With family-friendly working hours, each smarties workers are gifted 30lb of candy each Halloween to share the sweet goodness.  This "Dee's" gossamer is a nod to women-run empires, with heart, sharp minds and a sweet disposition.
  • Eleanor

    $250.00
    This is a cloche/turban with a vintage feel and modern sensibilities.  I named her Eleanor, to honor Eleanor Roosevelt who made such a significant impact on civil and women's rights.  A woman who carved out a new role for first wives and pioneered women's rights.  I would like to think she would like this understated yet eye-catching hat.  One of a kind, sensible and fashion forward.  "The Future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams." Eleanor Roosevelt
  • Elena

    $275.00
    Elena is a stunner.  Textured silk with gorgeous fabric detailing is fused with merino wool to make this elegant statement piece.  She can be dressed up or down, worn more casually for a stroll outside or paired with a winter coat to accompany you on an evening out.  You WILL turn heads in this hat, you will be noticed.
  • Flight

    $275.00
    This demi-chapeau sits almost as a beret would, with the long side sweeping down your right hairline.  The print is fresh, with purple patterns on turquoise.  Highlighted by a mount of lavender feathers it is reminiscent of a bird of paradise, oozing notes of spring, summer or the tropics.  With this hat you are ready to take flight! Sophisticated and head-turning, this hat is comfortable to wear and the handmade felt make it a one-of-a-kind piece.  To the races, a wedding, or a special occasion, this hat will set you and your outfit alight.
  • Francoise

    $230.00
    Fun, flirty, flowers!  This hat style is from the 1960's but styled in vintage 1940's fashion.  This bright turquoise hat is shaped on an asymmetrical block and worn on the side of the head, held in place with an elastic.  It is a piece which can be dressed up or down, depending on your occasion.  From a wedding, to the races, to a night out with friends.  A great piece to add to your wardrobe!
  • Genevieve

    $225.00
    This hat is made for a woman that appreciates classic style, clean lines, and muted colors.  Its fedora styling brings to mind some of the famous female spies and intelligence workers of the first and second world wars such as Edith Cavell and Genevieve Feinstein.  This hat pairs stylishly with a timeless trench, but can be modernized with a basic sweater, jeans, and a simple handbag.  Whether you are undercover or out for coffee, this hat provides you warmth, substance, and style.
  • Buy something extraordinary and love it.  Wear it all the time. I posted SO many pictures of this hat as it shows how rich it looks from every angle.  A modern fabric handmade by fusing silk velour with wool, this hat catches the light emphasizing its beauty with a nod to vintage design.  Wear it with a wool coat, feather boa, high-necked sweater, or cashmere shawl, this hat wants to accompany you on every outing you take this winter and fall.  Versatile, a simple design, and oh, so luxurious...
  • Out of stock
    If I could pick ANY celebrity to wear this hat, I would pick Helen Mirren.  Her nod to casual fashion, her attitude on ageing, her fight for better roles and jobs for women in Hollywood, and being a norm-defying badass.  I bet she would love this hat even more if she knew it was from a thrift shop / up-cycled dress! I picture a cool autumn or winter day in London where she has to go out.  Her casual chic outfit in subdued denim and a textured jacket, her favorite leather boots.  Toss on this gossamer and with grace and elegance, she is out the door.  Warm and glamourous.
  • Hester

    $190.00
    A modern take on a vintage turban.  This "kitchen sink" turban has a blend of many fabulous prints all fused into one hat.  One of a kind design, it is a casual head-turning topper for the hat-venturous!  While sensible (it will not crush your hair, will keep you warm in the winter/fall/spring, and will defend you against unfavorable weather), it has a wonderful flair and joie de vivre! A unique hat to match your unique personality!
  • Iris Dot can be dressed up or down for an elegant evening or casual outing.  The up-cycled silk that was felted into the wool was also used to create a headband, showing just how much the wool changes not only the size of the print, but the look of the fabric.  I acquired the fur pompom on a trip to Beijing four years ago!  It trims this hat so well, hinting at colder days that are coming!  Paired with a wool coat or chunky turtleneck sweater, this hat will keep your head warm in all sorts of fall/winter weather.
  • Jenna

    $190.00
    There are all kinds of quotes about Leopard print.  Seemingly you're either a fan, or not.  Where Jenna may surprise you is the variety of her undertones (tan, burnt orange, brown) thus the amount of colors and outfits she will match!  Leopard print is something that acts as a staple in a wardrobe, a kind of neutral... This hat will roll up into a purse, fend off bad weather (snow, sleet, fog, some rain) keeping you warm and cozy as you go about your life this autumn, winter and fall.  Adding a little zing to a wardrobe, she's ready for you...are you ready for her?
  • Kintsugi

    $315.00
    Kintsugi is the Japanese art of repairing broken ceramics with gold — with the concept that an even stronger, more beautiful piece of art will emerge by incorporating its defects and imperfections. Every break is seen as unique and instead of repairing an item like new, or throwing an item away, the 400-year-old craft now highlights the "scars" as a part of the design.This Kintsugi hat is a modern take of this timeless technique. A traditional shape, this bowler features a side-swept crown at the front. The silk’s pinstripe velour flecked in gold is a staple of evening fashion, highlighting the shape of the hat with the geometry of the print. Gold beading fills in the space between the silk fabric ends, an organic pattern that emerged from the hand-felting, as if it was a broken piece of porcelain. The beads imply the flow of gold, as it is laid between the broken segments of the original hat. Sometimes in the process of repairing such a piece, we can create something more distinctive, beautiful and resilient. Timeless, yet scarred with a story from each unique piece. Kintsugi is a tender embrace of time, mishap and serendipity.
  • Lacey

    $250.00
    This hat glistens with texture!  A velour silk scarf was fused with merino wool to make this hat. A casual yet feminine version of the traditionally-male bowler hat.
  • Meredith

    $220.00
    Rich jewel-tones swirl horizontally across this hat, from the crimped crown to the wide and asymmetrical brim.   This hat is a head-turner in style and color and will match nearly everything in your wardrobe!  Casual or dressy, it can accompany you on a walk in the park, a shop at the farmer's market, or a night out on the town.
  • A midnight blue denim inspired cocktail hat, or demi-chapeau, this number can be worn with a sweater, jean jacket, coat or gown.  It is worn cocked to the side, sweeping across your forehead.  Subtle buttery yellow, blushing pink and subtle orange flowers are speckled on a denim silk, to give this hat a casual, relaxed look.  Comfortable to wear, the elastic tucks into your hair, whether it is worn down or in an upsweep.  This sweet topper will make you the talk of the town. Fashion has two purposes: comfort and love.  Beauty comes when fashion succeeds."  - Coco Chanel.
  • This hat has an 80's gold "trophy wife" dress fused with black wool.  All the beads and sequins draped over the crown of the hat reminds me of molten gold.  A showstopper piece, this can be worn casually to a market, a function or a night out.  The crown features an indented swoosh that highlights the movement of the beads across the hat.  One-of-a-kind, this hat is a head-turner from every angle.
  • Mrs. Gray

    $275.00
    According to Kate Smith (sensationalcolor.com) "Gray is the color of intellect and of compromise. It’s a diplomatic color, negotiating all the distance between black and white. We typically consider gray to be conservative, elegant, and cool, though it can be a bit mysterious".  It is the color which supports and enhances all others, and in the palette of this hat enhances the natural golds, and browns and dusty blues of the silk on merino wool.  Sophisticated and stately with a casual flair, this hat will not only keep you warm during cooler weather, it can be dressed up or down when  paired with a sweater, jacket, or scarf for many an outing.
  • While thrift shopping for silks, I OFTEN find amazing fashion.  This prized t-shirt is a fabulous find - featuring hats, French, and a triple butt-ruffle!!!  When I made this hat, I knew it was destined for the woman who would love a playful top like this. Whether you are sweet, classy, flirty, or simply graceful, this French-inspired beret worn at an angle can be anything you want it to be.  You just need to bring your personality.
  • This pillbox hat is a texture-lover's dream.  Soft felt featuring printed silk velour textures that ripple when felted into the wool.  Polka dot and paisley silk accentuate the swarovski crystals hand-sewn onto the veil.  This hat is soft and very comfortable to wear.  A definite show-stopper worn at a jaunty angle on the head. Elegant yet casual with a relaxed structure.  This hat will surely turn heads and provide that finishing touch on many outfits you have.  
  • Red beret

    $185.00
    This hat has a sleek silhouette, a whimsical assortment of patterns, and a deep red color that will catch everyone's eye.  From every angle, this hat has you looking fabulous.  It is versatile for casual wear with a denim jacket, or a night out on the town with a felt coat;  it can be dressed up or down depending on the occasion. "A hat is a flag, a shield, a bit of armor, and the badge of femininity. A hat is the difference between wearing clothes and wearing a costume; it's the difference between being dressed and being dressed up; it's the difference between looking adequate and looking your best. A hat is to be stylish in, to glow under, to flirt beneath, to make all others seem jealous over, and to make all men feel masculine about. A piece of magic is a hat."   - Martha Sliter.
  • Reine

    $175.00
    This hat is a stunning deep red color mixed with a graphic design.  Its shape is achieved by blocking it with folds on a square-based crown wooden block.  The resulting hat is a show-stopper.  This is for the woman who likes to be bold.  Who likes to wear her hats a little recessed on her head.  A woman who likes subtle volume in her hat. A head-turner for sure.  Subtle and elegant and regal, for the queen in you.
  • This is a perfect gossamer hat to get if you're wanting something comforting on fall days, a hat you can dress up for an event, or keep casual for weekday wear.  Black and royal blue silk mixed with royal blue wool and a fun lining silk, this hat is the one you'll reach for when you just need a hat to be there for you, without much thought or consideration. In this "post-covid" life things seem overwhelming at times both in complexity or busy-ness, and maybe just slowing down and simplifying is the way through it.  KISS principle (keep is simple sweetie) seems juuuuust about right.
  • This gossamer hat is light and very comfortable to wear. It can be the hat you wear to the market or on a brisk hike in the hills. It is unlike most hats and will be noticed, not only for it’s beautiful print and colors, but for its sculpted, casual design. It is a hat that will set you apart from others. As Robin Williams once said:  “You’re only given a little spark of madness.  You mustn’t lose it.”
  • This hat is best described by a song by Tenille Townes - wanting to reclaim her fierce, carefree self, indulging in the beauty and pace of the smaller moments in life. "The girl who didn't care": "I wanna worry a little less, love a little more Barefoot in a dress, dancing on the floor Like I did, back when, when I was younger Making up the songs, playing in my head Didn't matter what anybody said Didn't need to be like all the others Giant dreams and wild hair Yeah, I know she's still in there somewhere The girl who didn't care"
  • Wildflower

    $300.00
    This large-brimmed hat features a deep crown and wildflowers everywhere.  A striking hat that will draw the eye of those around you, a signature piece that is both formal yet relaxed.  Confident, elegant and beautiful, this hat will be great in the shoulder seasons and winter to keep your head warm. "She sprouted love like flowers, grew a garden in her mind, and even on the darkest days, from her smile the sun still shined."  - Erin Hanson
  • This hat is a modern take on the classic fedora.  Shaped by hand, the uniqueness and elegance of this hat will turn everyone's head.  The brown classic bow and grosgrain brim contrast with the subtle yet playful polka dot silk.  The silk is from an up-cycled skirt that I thrifted and actually wore for a season!  Its re-birth as a beautiful fedora will ensure that it continues to provide joy to the wearer for years to come.  A gorgeous hat for fall, winter and spring.

Title

Go to Top