poll | Mr X Stitch

I feel a bit directionless at the moment — both in terms of my millinery work, and in terms of this column. So, it's the theme of this month's post! I made my first hat a little more than 6 years ago. (And I still wear it!) Since then, my hats have ranged from simple to elaborate. I've made newsboy hats from fabric, cloches from straw, top hats from felt, etc. All of my hats are one of a kind. And part of the reason for that is that I'm always trying new techniques and new ideas. I don't really have a signature style. Some of my hats are styles that I've done before. Others are experiments in form, shape or techniques. So, while I try to think of how I grow my business as a milliner, I'm contemplating who I am as a milliner. Am I the one who does elaborate hand-embroidery and hand-beading? Or am I the one who does simple fedoras with plain ribbon trim? (I have been both.) And... do I have to choose? I like the idea of having a signature style, but I also like to play around and see what happens with new styles or materials. Likewise, this column has had a variety of focuses. I've written about materials ("Types of Straw" / "They Don't Make 'Em Like They Used To"), the key millinery equipment of hat blocks, and hats on Broadway and in movies. I've reviewed a millinery instruction book — and, of course, shared eye candy! I can continue to write about whatever inspires a post in a certain month. But I'd really love to share more of what people like best. What do you want from this column? Do you want to know how to make hats? Do you want to learn about supplies and materials? Do you want to know how to buy hats? Do you want eye candy? Do you want to know more about the millinery industry or what's happening on Etsy? Leave a comment and let me know what kinds of posts are most interesting to you! SaveSave