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! 

HATstock....Next stop...Stockport!

My studio is in the heart of Stockport's old town and overlooks the market place, a stones throw from the Hat Museum.

Over the 12 months I've been there, I've had fun discovering quirky, individual, independent places that are off the beaten track and conveniently in spitting distance from my studio!

So whilst you're in Stockport visiting or taking part in HATstock, and you've absorbed all there is to offer at Hatworks, you may like to take a peek at some hidden gems...click on the images for more info.

Pedallin' great coffee, cakes and home made soup; this is place is friendly, cosy and down the steep steps from my studio on Lower Hillgate.

Just round the corner from Tandem on Wellington St, Agapanthus Interiors is always worth a look for it's gorgeous vintage lighting and eclectic array of furniture and accessories,  

I'm lucky enough to look down on the Victorian glass covered market from my studio and it is open on Tuesday, Thursday, Friday and Saturday. It is also home to Vintage Village on the 2nd Sunday of every month.

I often go to the Haberdashery stall where they pick the right thread to match my felt everytime!

Opposite the Market Hall is Stockport Museum whose current exhibition, Strawberry Studios “I Am in Love”  celebrates 50 years of Strawberry Studios and Stockport's musical heritage.  

Set up in 1967, Strawberry Studios became one of the first professional recording studios outside of London. It soon became the ‘go to studio’ for a diverse range of national and international artists. 10cc, Paul McCartney, The Buzzcocks, Neil Sedaka, Sad Cafe and the Bay City Rollers all stepped through Strawberry’s doors. 

Still in Market Place, 20th Century Stores is an Aladdin's cave of vintage- clothes, jewellery, home decor, toys, books and collectables; if I'm low on motivation I'll treat myself to a mooch and find it hard to leave empty handed! Photo by Darren Ord Photography.

And no need to go much further for a pitstop than the Baker's Vaults....great atmosphere and friendly staff serving hotdogs and burgers accompanied by live music if you're lucky!

Looking a-head! HATstock TV interview

I was privileged to be asked to take part in an interview with That's Manchester TV as part of the promotional campaign for HATstock, the millinery event I mentioned previously, which is taking place at the Hat museum here in Stockport.

Whilst my studio is currently awash with sinamay, veneer and prototypes for work that I'll be showing at HATstock, I set my mind to the PR side of things to maximise the exposure that this event is bringing not only to me but the heritage of hatting in Stockport and the wider circle of contemporary milliners across the North.

Talking in public is surprisingly not my strongest skill so it was a challenge and I've learnt a lot in the process but here's the outcome and remember only 9 days til HATstock!