This was my first assigment from my Millinery class. The hat frame is wire buckram. It is covered with green silk. The side crown is pleated, with rabbit fur inside the pleats. It's decorated with split ostrich plumes, glass beads, and more fur. I dyed the bunny bits and ostrich plumes in the same dye bath. They came out different colors. I'm sure a chemist could make up a convincing explanation for that. This is actually the first time I've ever managed to dye a feather and end up with a feather in the intended color, rather than something that looks vaguely like a petrified rat tail in a totally unsatisfactory color. I was quite proud. Oh, in case anyone didn't know, splitting ostich plumes up the spine is delicate work, and should be done with the proper tools. It should *not* be done significantly after you bed time (and after three stiff drinks), crouched up on the floor with a carpet knife. If nothing else, use a slightly more delicate knife. This hat won the Millinery Design aware at College of Dupage's 2005 Spring Fashion Show. I was very happy that I got talked into entering it. :)
