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No such word as Can’t

I said to myself, ‘’If you don’t do it now, when will you do it?” It was as simple as that, and I changed the direction of my life. I enrolled on a Fashion and Textiles course and handed in my notice. No more windowless grey cubicles and no more income! But I had faith and there’s noContinue reading “No such word as Can’t”

Knit Pics

Oh dear, I’ve been very neglectful of writing this blog, but now I’m back with vim and vigour. My vintage hat collection has gone to a new home and I’m now concentrating on my textile art pieces and knitwear designs. So look out for lots of new hat designs which I’ll be listing in myContinue reading “Knit Pics”

Lyrical Creations

Just before Christmas I did a wee stint working at The Lyric Theatre making costumes. Imagine my delight when I was also given the job of creating some of the many hats and headdresses that were to be made. The Lyric is a beautiful building in an even more beautiful setting, and the costume departmentContinue reading “Lyrical Creations”

Father Ted’s Lovely Heads

Let’s start a hat club, says Sally

Trilby or Fedora

I decided to write a blog to try and explain the difference between a Trilby and a Fedora. Well. When I went in search of an expert definition I found a complete minefield of opinion. And a lot of it quite aggressive. It reminded me of the time I joined the ‘save the apostrophe’ facebookContinue reading “Trilby or Fedora”

The Construction of a Hat

This type of hat really is all about the construction, since it is made from fabric pieces sewn together. It is not mouldable the way a felt hat would be made using a hat block, and to get a good shape is sometimes a feat of engineering. Thankfully I enjoy a challenge and recorded theContinue reading “The Construction of a Hat”

What’s in a name . . .

So where did the name Cut Out Doll come from? No mystery really; I love dolls and always have done ever since I can remember. I can even remember all their names. But my favourite of all time was ‘Sindy the doll you love to dress’. I begged for years and years to get herContinue reading “What’s in a name . . .”

Hats and Chats

Welcome to my new website! I love that everything is now in the one place, and it’s all so clear and organised. It’s been weeks of taking pics and photoshoots. The one on the beach was great fun. Are you able to tell where it is? My Etsy shop is now well stocked and I’llContinue reading “Hats and Chats”

The Belfast Opera

Apologies for the long absence, though you probably didn’t even miss me! Well, the opera I was talking about in the last blog is actually happening and I’m more than a bit excited to be involved in the very first stages of it. Normally in workshops I’m teaching people how to do or make thingsContinue reading “The Belfast Opera”

The Singing Stitcher

Happy New Year! Well, looking back on last year and all I was involved in, this was definitely one of my best bits. In August I got to help create and be in an opera, singing and performing and everything. I was meant to just be making costumes, but me and Laura the designer somehowContinue reading “The Singing Stitcher”