Laura Cutler Millinery

'Distressing' is actually quite de-stressing...

2011-05-11T14:18:00.000-07:00

I'm fairly sure that the first milliner to 'distress' sinamay was just having a really, really bad day...
However...by cutting the sinamay into, well, whatever shape you want really and then ripping apart the weave around the edges, this beautifully woven, neat, stiff and crisp fabric that milliners use to block hats can be transformed into a jagged, random, uneven and yet equally beautiful fabric which can be used to create fabulously striking hats and fascinators.
Plus, it's really handy for making hat mounts out of all those little bits of left over sinamay that are too small to use for blocking!

Today i've made this...it's called 'Danna'.

It's made with distressed sinamay layered in light Blue and Royal Blue, trimmed with silky, Silver feather flowers. There's 4 visible flowers on the picture and another 2 tucked to the other side of the fascinator. Around the flowers to the centre are curled pieces of distressed sinamay. It's mounted on a circular, handmade, Blue sinamay base which is attached to a ribbon bound alice band for comfort.
Perfect for the mother of the bride or even a jaunt to the races. As always...this style can be made in a number of different colours, so do drop me a line with your requests!

For the bride who loves 'vintage'...

2011-04-11T15:41:00.000-07:00

...I have designed the new 'Pladda' style. Mounted on a circular straw base with an alice band attached, it features feathers cut from full coque and a cluster of Swarovski pearls. Simple and elegant, we hope you like it! The Pladda can also be mounted on a hair comb should an alice band fixing not be suitable for your hair type.

Today, I have been mostly...

2011-02-16T15:39:00.000-08:00

...making fascinators of course!

Recently, I've been focusing on expanding my bridal range. It's really no surprise then that after working with Ivory and White feathers for so long I've caved in today and made this fascinator! With very bright Jade and Sweet Fuchsia Pink feathers surrounding a cluster of little Swarovski crystals to the centre, it's probably going to go in the 'day at the races' gallery of my new website rather than the bridal section! Although it could be popular with the more colourful bridesmaids and if done in bridal colours, maybe even the brides!

As yet it has not been named. Fascinators are traditionally given girls names, however I have never warmed to the concept of wearing 'The Mildred'. Hence, I prefer to name my fascinators after something a little more obscure...namely Scottish Islands! Looking out my window at home I can see the isles of Jura, Islay and Gigha, so it seemed quite fitting. Plus, if you include the very small uninhabited islands, there's plenty of them so we shouldn't run out of names any time soon...

Welcome welcome welcome!

2011-01-26T15:25:00.000-08:00

A big HUGE welcome to everyone who has decide to have a little peek at my new blog.

I'm a busy busy bee at the minute, working on my new website and designing/creating the new seasons fascinators. So, I thought I might take a little time out to indulge in sharing some pictures, stories and links on all things hatty and weddingy! I am a lover of both. I adore creating bridal headpieces and will soon have my new ready to wear bridal fascinators available to purchase online. Of course, you can always have something made to your exact requirements and I will be happy to assist you with chosing colours and feathers.

I also make fascinators suitable for the mother of the bride or even a day at the races.

Whatever the occasion we can surely help. So just ask. It's that simple!

Coming soon...New website and more pictures on the blog!