Well, we are now on the final countdown, having passed the magic date of December 1st, and I am looking forward to the drive north to Edinburgh to attend the magical Merchiston Castle Christmas Fair.
On Saturday, I will be at Merchiston Castle School in Colinton, Edinburgh, for their wonderful event – A Very Merchiston Christmas. As soon as you arrive and approach the Memorial Hall, you become aware that Merchiston too, is in festive Christmas mode – you’ll find that the tree is decked and you’ll be greeted by the Pringle boys, wearing their Christmas jumpers!
Naturally too, whilst here at Merchiston I’ll have a selection of millinery accessories, with an emphasis on tartan!
With the Christmas party season in mind, I thought I would post again with some images of the latest additions to my seasonal luxurious winter headwear and headband collection, especially suitable for those party nights.
Once I’d sourced some gorgeous velvet materials that I couldn’t resist, I made them up in a variety of styles – all of which are completely hand-finished. I will be taking this collection along to the remaining fairs. I’m including some examples in this post – do use the Contact Us form to get in touch if you would like more details of any of the headpieces featured in this news post or the previous one, and remember all the pieces are available for immediate postal despatch.
The first one I’m featuring in this post is a gorgeous wrapped damson velvet headband finished with handmade bows, a variation on the emerald green one featured in my last post.
The bow collection also includes the same bow design in black velvet as well as the green velvet headband pictured here, both of which are simply sumptuous. Like the other styles pictured, unless noted, they are based on 5cm wide soft easy to wear headbands. I had great fun making these wrapped designs, which are finished with a little bundle of velvet bows, set on a comfortable to wear headband.
Generally, there is only one available of each one of these designs, though where indicated some designs are available in more than one colour.
When I found a 7o mm wide tartan ribbon, I had great fun making this dark navy velvet headband and attaching its stunning ribbon trim. Made on a similar principle to the other velvet headbands it features a wrapped velvet headband finished with a twisted tartan ribbon trim, this seasonal tartan design is loosely based on the Buchanan tartan.
At Merchiston along with a collection of winter millinery and accessories I will also be showing a selection of effortless head wraps made from Liberty Print Tana Lawn and similar fabrics (£25 each). The headwraps are always very popular at events, and will be paired with winter felt halos, as well as winter hats and headpieces.
Also available at the December shows and perfect for those work Christmas drinks parties, is the imperial purple velvet turban style headband, shown above.
This headpiece is finished with a collection of velvet leaves, and is such a dark purple that it could almost pass for black, the headband is lifted by the application of contrasting tonal handmade velvet leaves.
The last piece in the collection is a heavily wrapped velvet headband in Viva Magenta velvet. Delightfully light in weight, its classic styling makes it an easy piece to wear. Based on 5cm wide easy to wear headband it can double as an everyday piece as well as a sophisticated evening moon-style headband.
The final event of the year will be very local – and it’s set in the magical winter wonderland that The Craster Arms, Beadnell create for the very last pre-Christmas weekend. I’m really looking forward to returning for this wonderful event.
At The Craster Arms Christmas Market, you will find me in my very own cosy Christmas cabin with a tempting selection of Christmas fedoras, felt hats and millinery gifts. You will also find an irresistible selection of Christmas gifts to browse in the decorated cabins and stalls, and of course, the mulled wine will be warming from 12!
These cute mice proved very popular last year when I made them especially for the event at The Craster Arms, Beadnell.
Crafted in merino wool felt, with their candy cane tails, they hang the tree or can sit on the table as place setting decorations. They are available in several colourways.
If you think they are cute too but are not able to come to one of the fairs, and would like more information about any of the events or millinery pieces featured in this post please get in touch – using the Contact Us link. You can also read more about the Mouse family on my Christmas Mouse listing
To close with here’s a note of the remaining events of the year.
I’m looking forward to meeting some of you again over the festive season, as it is especially lovely when my customers and clients come to visit me at craft markets and fairs; so I do hope to see you at one of these local events between now and Christmas.