Kentucky Derby

You know when you were a kid and you always wanted a pony?

Well, I was never that kid.

I had friends who wanted them and some who had them.

The fact that I broke my arm falling off one at the age of 5, might have put a damper into my equestrian career.

But I was a child of the 60's, and I do remember lying in the back of the station wagon at the Drive In movies when Mary Poppins carousel horse rode off of the gazebo and gracefully into the sunset.

She was wearing a beautiful white organza dress festooned with red ribbons, a cumber bun and a hat covered in flowers and tulle!

Cowgirls never got to dress like this.

So while horses were out, in my mind, the hats were in.

Now step into the Kentucky Derby.

I'm a California girl....How did hats become the derby fashion?

I am now a hat lover.

I love to make them. I don't love to wear them.

When Bristol, at Cottage by the River announced a Kentucky Derby hat swap I was at the gate!

It had been a long time since I had the opportunity to challenge my millinery skills.

Well her she is.......

My Kentucky Derby Hat made for

Karin at Meandering Travels of Mindless Thoughts

The base I formed out of buckram and wire, covered with batting.

But there has got to be a better way to get a structure that will be light weight, yet hold its shape.

It's covered in silk and lined in polished cotton.

The flowers are a combination of vintage millinery and fabric remnants stiffened, quilted and shaped.

So while others are watching the horses you can find me surveying the hats!