A thousand ways not to make a lightbulb

It's been a bit of a frustrating fortnight - I'm really struggling to balance work and hatting successfully, and when I have made the time to get into the studio, I seem to be lacking inspiration somewhat.

Tricky.

I spent at least two hours last week eliminating, one by one, every fabric and feather dressing I could think of for the green felt tipped brim... and I'm still none the wiser as to what to try next!

I also spent an hour or so binding metre of thick wire in green thread (patience!) to make a creeping ivy branch... before returning to the original sketched design and sewing the layered leaves straight on to the tweed! Argh! Maybe I should just start trusting my instinct again, because even though I took the scenic route, I am pleased with the final hat.

Ooh i do love a bold and bright shell edged lining :)

And in truth, inspiration hasn't been entirely absent - my latest commissions (that's right - PLURAL!) are to be shipped off Down Under for a weekend wedding extravaganza! Progress photos to follow over the next couple of weeks! :) Exciting!

I also spent a happy if rather bedraggled Sunday at another Perfect Brides Wedding Fair (Nailcote Hall this time), with the ever entertaining Sue Graley (how I'd get through all these fairs without her I really don't know!)

This was the best one yet by far though, I think the weather actually worked in our favour in the end as footfall was great! I had a couple of really promising enquiries which I hope will turn into orders I can tell you all about soon!

And I met George the Wedding Artist, who drew this brilliant caricature of me (and Hoopla!)

The eyebrows are my favourite bit - those Geordie Shore gals would be proud of me!! ;)

I can always rely on Handmade Monday to keep me focused and positive though - if you're feeling gloomy in this revolting rain, do yourself a favour and check out the this week's haul.

And I'll hopefully have a bit more to show you next time! Wish me luck... ;)

ps New Wings for Old Things is out now! Follow the link in the side bar to get your copy! Woop!