the Mad Duchess
British Millinery in Austin, Texas
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The Mad Diary

A milliner, hat designer and maker's blog based in Austin, Texas. Stories about all things hat making, blocking, materials, and the day-to-day life of a local artisan.

Swiss Braid Love

The weather has been completely bonkers here in Austin. I hear from locals that it’s not normal to get so much rain as we enter Summer. The rain does bring a little reprieve to the heat and humidity here. Just a week ago, I was caught in a torrential storm with pea-sized hail plummeting down on my car and pretty quickly after it was over, the temperatures soared back to 90.

I didn’t expect to work on another wide-brimmed hat so quickly after my Blue Garden piece. But I had this urge one morning—which is when I love to block while looking out at all the green outside my window. I had ordered some gorgeous Swiss braid a few months back hoping to sew up my first boater piece. But I found the material wonderful to work with as a trim. I think I still have enough for a boater, but I might be a little more adventurous with the Swiss braid, so stay tuned!

I named my new girl Breakfast at Bergdorf’s, as a nod to Audrey Hepburn—who would definitely look gorgeous in this chapeau.

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