Explorations Into Liminality
“and there came an arm and a hand above the water and met it and caught it, and so shook it thrice and brandished it, and then vanished away the hand with the sword in the water.”

Thursday, September 9, 2010

Jade Blossom Rises

A witch hat that's been in the making for years...it's a legend. Jade Blossom has its origins in a vintage Chinese silk coat that I've been holding onto, hoping one day the spots that the dry cleaners couldn't get out would miraculously disappear. To my disappointment they remained, and its future became bound.

I took an afternoon to cut up the coat and arrange the hat pattern pieces just right; I wanted to be able to use the pocket and frog closures in the design. There just wasn't enough fabric for two brim pieces and I almost used the coat's lining for one- until I realized one of my favorite dupioni silks was the perfect compliment.

The embellishments took another afternoon- I swear, you'd think I was a florist with all the arranging I did. Finally, the white blossoming branches arch out of the pocket just so. The organza rose took so much more fabric than I anticipated, but it's ethereal and delicate atop a spray of iridescent sequin fronds.

I like to accent the back of some hats, and for this one I chose a cut out of vintage lace. It's a rose with subtle gold threading, and it's hand stitched to the brim.

There is a gentle, water garden feeling to Jade Blossom.

11 comments:

Cameron said...

What an lovely and exotic witchy wonder! I can totally picture a Siamese cat familiar :)

Cellar Door said...

My breath be taken!! Truth be told, never have I eyed (and "ayed") a more beautiful and enchanting Pointy! What shiny~magick must merrily spark from your sewing fingertips as you create! Can it actually be seen as you work? I wager it can!

Please do come for a visit? Thank~you most kindly, Cellar Door

Anonymous said...

Oh how beautiful! Now if I were a witch, this is what I would want to wear!

Kristin Aquariann said...

Gorgeous hat. That is quite a magnificent fabric! Your coat sacrifice will make some witch very happy.

Holly Loves Art said...

Oh my goodness this is stunning!!! What a clever twist. I love your blog and all that you do. Happy I've found you and thanks for visiting me too.
Cheers,
Holly

stregata said...

Definitely a lily pond kind of hat! Absolutely beautiful!

Carapace said...

Wherever it may go, whoever may buy it, that will always be MY HAT, dangnabbit.

(and also I think you should have a photo of the underside/inside region of your hats. Especially this one. 'Cause it's pretty.)

Unknown said...

So, so, SO beautiful- this one really speaks to me- (as do they all ;)) I've been on an Asian kick this week and have been happily swimming in those colors.....thank you for sharing it with us.
P.S. Can you tell I kind of like it?

Lisa Bommarito said...

My oh my! What a truly exceptional and absolutely scrumptious piece! I know you agonized over it, but it appears effortlessly created now!

Home and Heart said...

You are creative and talented for sure!!

Anonymous said...

This hat is pure magic, pure inspiration, pure beauty!! LOVE it!