Mary Jane's Blog
I was lucky enough to be invited to Sissinghurst Castle by The Wealden Times last week to talk about Chic on a Shoestring. I had a lovely time meeting everyone. What's so special is that Vita Sackville West who lived at Sissinghurst, inspired my first ever hat. Here I'm wearing one that's a direct descendent from the first one I ever made. Spot the Chic Brogue Makeover too?!
Here are a few photos - more on my Chic on a Shoestring Book page on Facebook.
Don't you think the green plant is the inspiration for Fortuny pleats?!
Didn't they do well!
Many are now off to study theatrical millinery with the amazing Jane Smith.
Aren't hats fantastic?!
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Thrilled to be featured in the Spring Hobbycraft magazine. Check out my jewellery making feature with simple-to-make ideas for ribbon and chain baubles - and my 5 minutes of fame on the back page!
OK - here's the idea. A new Mobile Millinery on water. Traverse the watery byways of Britain making hats and looking at Britain's textile heritage.
Write a book about it.
What do we think?
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Try making a pair of these fresh fun gloves using the sleeves of an old jumper. Cut the sleeves down to a suitable length, then hem the cut-off edge to stop fraying. Create a thumbhole with a few stitches, then you're free to embellish!
I cut out lots of felt circles, folded them in half and sewed them all around the edge of the gloves. I then added a simple shaped felt flower and leaf.
There's enough warmth in these gloves to combat the still-chilly air - but plenty of colour to make you feel Spring is almost here!
Enjoy!
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I had a fab time at Millie Moon in Frome in Somerset on Saturday responding to a HAT EMERGENCY! The shop is full of tempting goodies, and the hatters who came along to create were so welcoming. I think Frome has so much going for it - some great vintage boutiques and galleries. I could really imagine living here. An arty community and easy access to London, Bristol and Bath.
I also ate the biggest almond croissant I have EVER had!!! The only downside was the driving rain on the journey back home.
Thank you Millie Moon for a lovely day.
HAT EMERGENCY? SORTED!
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For an instant patchwork fix - colour photocopy or print some patchwork onto A4 paper and use to cover a notebook.
Looks very authentic!
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Blancmange in frosted shot glasses
If you've never been on a Hope & Elvis workshop before may I please take the liberty of persuading you to go to one! Louise Presley runs a huge range of creative workshops from her wonderful studio at The Harley Gallery in Nottinghamshire and the friendly, inspiring atmosphere is unique. I was her guest tutor yesterday for our joint workshop making a host of lovely things with an Alice in Wonderland feel. I was providing the inspiration for hats fit for The Queen of Hearts while Louise led the way with a host of other magical makes. She and her assistant Debs put on the most fabulous tea party. Here's just a flavour of the day.
Make your own unique cake stand!
Just love the styling
Pretty pastels
Louise's take on the white rabbit!
Get out and a-boot!
I'm relatively new to car-booting - but look at the beauties I bagged last Saturday.
At £4 and £3 a pop - these bargains didn't break the bank and brought a smile to my face.
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