hat blocks and mannequins… just a few of my favourite things

Over the years I collected many hat blocks but after much moving around only these few have travelled with me. I guess I have retained these few as they are different from each other, with their various woods and shapes.

Whilst the tall hat block is a ‘made-up’ version, I especially like the way the old paper sticks to the block, but my favorite would have to be the honey colored kauri hat block.

I love and use a dress mannequin and would never part with mine, I now have one with a wooden base, two with metal bases and a pink wire one that opens out and clips together. I have had the cloth one for years and have literally grown into it! I especially like the old ones, which I find are hard to come by now, and expensive!

I also amassed a few hem measures which have now found a home with one of my sisters. She has decided to torment mum by learning to sew and likes to surround herself with the necessary accessories! I have kept a few as they are ideal for getting an even hem when you have more lumps and bumps than you used too!