Lilly B. Haven llc's Page

Profile Information

I Love Hats Because?: From childhood, I was raised by strong, dominant women who held their appearances in high regard....not to impress others, but to respect and cherish oneself. The hat was literally the crowning glory of one's ensemble and set the tone of your air as you stepped out into the vastness of the day. As my great grandma and gramma always said, "A true lady pins a hat to her head sugar!"

About Me: Actress/costumer who returned to her studio artist beginnings. Sewing, the lake and trees were my first true love and resonates loudly throughout my works. I am not a one trick pony, as a 44 year old woman with the attention span of a toddler and a wonderfully bent and silly outlook upon our journey on this rock, I work in a vast array of media and genres. I began handforming old straw hats over 6 years ago as I could never find the size and shape I craved. I was able to go back to lessons learned as a child through my momma and grandmother's on how to block and form straw or fabric. You could say I am a "self taught" Milliner as I have never taken formal classes on hat construction. I recycle any and every hat or placemat I can rescue to give to it rebirth and a new perspective in this journey. I enjoy the experience of how I work as it allows each and every piece to organically shape and build itself. The only block I use is the crown and only the height varies there. I do not use brim blocks so each and every single one is completely unique and never replicated exactly. I never know what they will do and thats where I find giddiness and sheer delight!! My clientele say that my hats choose their soulmates and she will haunt them until they make her a part of their collection...that is the greatest reward for me! :)

Elaine Mergard said…: Welcome to Hat Academy Lilly. We hope you find the community inspiring, millinery is a wonderful creative art and in huge demand currently. We are committed to helping you add to your skills and any questions please message me.

To make the most of Hat Academy remember to read through the Welcome Page.

Enjoy, Elaine.