The 'chimneypot' hat - part 2

Finally it was sunny enough to take some pictures!

I posted about making the block and the hat here, this post is all about the trimmings.

This was the reason for wanting to use a rust-coloured hood for the hat.

Half-made cockade of folded ribbons

I'd made this on the Ribbon Cockades course at Hat Works ages ago, but had never done anything more with it. But as soon as I saw the hoods, I knew that this would be the perfect trim. I had a little of both shades of petersham ribbon left, so made up a few more sections. I also found some tan-coloured petersham in the museum shop, which I used for both the hat band and covering the centre of the cockade.

Unfortunately I wasn't able to curve the hat band tightly enough to fit round the crown, so had to add some (entirely decorative, obviously) pleats at the front. Looking at the photographs now, I can see that it also needs a little light dampening to shrink the top edge.

The completed cockade, attached to the hat

The finishing touch was the veiling. I knew that I had some some spotted veiling of exactly the right shade in my stash. I think that it came from the old Barnett Lawson (the days when you could hunt around in the back of the shop) - sadly they no longer sell this colour. It's beautifully soft as well, and drapes perfectly.

Several of the hats in my inspiration image had full veils, but I decided just to add a small one at the front.

1940s hats with veils and without

Even this provides several options for how to wear it. It can be pulled down over the face . . .

Showing the full veil

It's easier to see through than this photograph suggests!

Bunched up on the brim . . .

Bunched up with a slight overhang . . .

. . . or bunched up completely

Or it can be folded round the brim, and the excess tucked under the crown.

Wrapped round the brim

Possibly my favourite

Whichever way, I'm thrilled with the end result. Now I just need a dress to go with it!