The winter month in Australia are very beautiful. Unlike Europe in most part of the country it is not very cold. Yes we have snow in some parts for a short time and yes this gives reason to wear very warm hats.
Winter in Queensland is for me as an Austrian born person a wonderful place. It is always warm around mid C20 and more. So very warm winter hats are not warm. Yes we work with felt and warmer cloth, but a mixture of straw and felt has always looked more attractive to fit with the cloth and the seasons.
Far back in 1990 when I first arrived in Australia and opened my shop, I was not used at all to the warmth of the winters. I did not feel that felt and velvets suited the climate. SO I often used straw and trimmed them with velvet or added a felt crown to a straw brim. I used Sinamay and trimmed it with felt off cuts, or moulded a felt to add Sinamay flowers.
with silk.
Back than I remember some of my peers were laughing at me, for what they called ”breaking the rules”. I was hurt than by it and could not understand why they did not see what was so obvious to me…………..
Now , many years later, I understand that we all see at the time what seams right to us…….now I understand that we need always follow what seams right to us ……….I understand that winter in Queensland for people who live there is COLD, and for me who comes from the cold south of Australia, it seams warm and I understand if they want to wear FELT, than this s what they need to be supported with……..and I am lucky to be te one who can bring those skills to Queensland as I once again prepare to travel to Rockhampton and spend time with those amazing women ,who have fallen in love with hats and the making of them, just as I have all those years ago.
Queensland here I come!
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Resting under the mega-sized hat !
Torb & Reiner on display – 
Jean Carroll OAM & Jude Skeers – on parade !
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