Hatting heaven at HATstock!

A mental focus and flurry of production culminated in HATstock last Saturday and I am still buzzing. It was a privilege to be asked to show my work alongside a huge array of millinery talent.

For me it was an opportunity to launch a new collection of work with a nod to Spring/Summer brights and pastels; watch this space as they'll be available on my website soon! 

HATstock was the vision of Bronwen Simpson to celebrate Millinery in the North and with Stockport's rich hatting heritage, the Hat museum was the perfect setting.

The A6 was dowsed in glorious sunshine and for once, it wasn't the traffic jams catching people's attention; it was wonderful to see so people turning up in their finery and hats for the occasion.  There was a great buzz about the place with people trying on hats, learning more about the hatting history of Stockport and browsing the huge array of millinery supplies from Parkins Fabrics. Not to mention discovering the new blocking room at Hatworks and supporting "Wear a hat day" for Brain tumour research.

Showing my work alongside such a high calibre of milliners was daunting to say the least; particularly with my millinery tutors Sue Carter and Marie Wood of The Millinery studio in full view. But the atmosphere was relaxed, friendly and supportive and I loved hearing about other milliners experiences and backgrounds. 

I felt very lucky to have a steady stream of friends and family who came to see me throughout the day!

Floral headwear by Amanda Moon

Another highlight was listening to talks by Bink of Pearls and Swine and Georgina Abbot and Becky Weaver, founders of London Hat Week.

Headwear by Pearls and Swine

As a milliner with a craft background, I have always felt that I don't "belong" but I think it's because there's just not the same opportunities for milliners to show their work as say for a ceramicist or jeweller. HATstock proved that there is a need for Millinery events like this so here's hoping it'll be back next year and a massive thank you to everyone who made it such a success!