Diane Harty

I stitch each and every hat myself, starting just with braids (5 to 12mm wide) of various fibers. I use an antique chainstitch sewing machine fitted with attachments made for this type of hatmaking. I do not use any premade forms or hat blocks. I shape each hat as I stitch it together using tension with my hands. This “free form” shaping gives each hat a unique shape and, I feel, maintains a freshness and vitality in my work. I approach each hat as an individual sculpture.