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Wednesday, July 12, 2023

Summer extravaganza

This summer, I finally decided to embark on a project I had postponed for far too long: crafting bobbin lace hats using different materials. In my quest for the perfect material—one that was more stable, thicker, and available in a wide array of colors—I stumbled upon Raphia. The anticipation of its arrival was almost unbearable. Excitement coursed through me as I eagerly began crafting my first hat using this entirely new material. Working with Raphia proved to be a departure from my usual materials; it required more effort to keep it in place while weaving. Nevertheless, the resulting designs still retained that delicate lace-like quality. Upon completing my first piece, I couldn't help but feel a sense of satisfaction. I went on to create several hats with the intention of selling them, but something unexpected happened. I grew so fond of these creations that I couldn't leave home without wearing one. It was then that I began to understand why hats were immensely popular in the 1920s and 1930s; they instill a sense of elevated elegance in a woman. To my surprise, men often expressed admiration for my hats. While I expected compliments like "Oh, you look nice," what I frequently heard was, "Oh, you have a beautiful hat." Over time, I started to accept custom orders for hats, and witnessing the happiness on the faces of women when they received their unique headpieces was deeply satisfying. I've always adhered to a personal rule: I craft only one piece of each design. Why, you might ask? Firstly, who would want to wear something that someone else already possesses? A confident woman desires originality. Secondly, I relish the opportunity to explore new designs and avoid repetition, constantly pushing the boundaries of my creativity.