Thursday, March 3, 2011

Fascinated with Fascinators....

Last Autumn I went to a yard sale where I found several women's hats for sale. Now, I am normally not a hat person. Oh, I'll wear the occasional stocking hat in the winter. But that was about it. 
The hats that I found at the sale beckoned to me. I tried on a couple and Hubby said that the style really suited me. So the hats came home with me. And so began my adventure into the world of hats. I've spent some time researching the art of hat making - called millinery - looking and learning about the various styles of hats. 


My personal favorites are the cloche styles. But I was really intrigued by the hats popular in the 50s. And I knew just who to turn to for info on those. My DIL Tracy. 
She is fond of the 50s style of decorating - called Atomic Ranch. And so with her encouragement, I delved deeper into the making of Fascinators. 

Fascinator is a term used to describe a delicate, slightly-to-very frivolous head decoration worn almost exclusively by women. A Fascinator may be worn instead of a hat to occasions where hats were traditionally worn — such as weddings — or as an evening accessory, when it may be called a cocktail hat. It is generally worn with fairly formal attire.
Here is the first Fascinator I made...


It is now on its way to its new home. I had a lot of fun making it and do believe there may be more "Fascinat-ion" in my future.

12 comments:

Unknown said...

Your DIL is beautiful. I absolutely love your fascinator. If you make anymore let me know when you list it. And those would look really good in little girls hair too, guess they would have to be smaller. Anyway they are very pretty!

Jeanne said...

Thank you Sherry! I'll be making more in the coming weeks and listing them in my Etsy Shoppe. I'll let you know when they arrive at the store....

Debra She Who Seeks said...

Beautiful and whimsical!

Robin Larkspur said...

Really creative and clever! You are a talented fascinator yourself. I love hats, wish it was a real fashion must.

Jeanne said...

Robin, Even though hats aren't real popular, I have decided that I shall wear them. You are most welcome to join me. :0) Maybe we'll start a fashion trend....

Anonymous said...

That looks great and you've got a beautiful DIL.
I love the fifties too and love the way she dresses.
Have a wonderful day.

Wendy said...

How fun! I've never heard the proper term for these and they remind me of both Jane Austen and "Alice in Wonderland." I want my own fascinator now for dress up. I would love to see your own fascinators you make, Jeanne.

Kat said...

They are beautiful :)

Heathen said...

Love, love, love this! Vintage/retro 40's and 50's styles are my favorite. Please let us know when you list more in your shop.

Róisín said...

Wonderful work! I love fascinators and these are especially wonderful, so much nicer than the ones I seen the other day in a really fancy shop. Aren't you the talented little madam!

JJ said...

Fascinators are worn ALMOST exclusively by women? Er...

Suzie said...

Your Fascinator is beautiful Jeanne, and I'm excited to see where you go with these. .ever since I saw a photo of the future Princess of England, Kate Middleton wearing one, I thought that they were going to become very popular.

You are ahead of the design rush on this side of the ocean..a very good place to be!