Judith M - July 2007 Newsletter

VEILING is becoming more popular and I thought a few words on how to handle veiling as a trim might encourage more of you to try it on a hat. It is a great finish and can add a bit of mystique as well.

Usually one yard of veiling is required for the average hat. However some hats are very small and require only a % of a yard. Sometimes the veiling is too wide for a particular hat. In this event cut off some of the width of the veiling, using the cut side at the top of the hat, turning in the cut part and sewing or tacking in place, on hat. If a small visor veil is used, swirl veiling with a steam iron and let veil dry before sewing in hat. Then cut off all excess veiling inside headsize, after veil has been sewn in hat.

To drape a veil on a hat, pin center of veiling to center of hat. Put hat on Utility head block and drape and fold veiling until desired effect is attained. Or, if you are lucky enough to find a vintage veiling block, it works perfectly for this. A veiling block looks like an over-sized crown block, very round, and usually with a flat circular spot on top for the tip or hat shape block The tip block is not always found with the larger block but almost any small, low crowned block can be used. Carefully stitch through each rectangular meeting of the diamond weaves along the upper edge and gently gather and pin before final tacking to the hat. Tack to hat with thread, not glue.

Gather ends of veiling, (cutting off any excess) wind ends of veil with a thread and tuck ends of veiling under edge of crown or brim or into trim or any fold, here use your own individuality. Ends of veiling may have narrow velvet ribbon sewn on and veil tied at the back of hat.

Before beginning to work with veiling, steam or lightly press with steam iron on low setting. If softer veil is desired, rinse in clear warm water and allow to dry flat before using. If still too stiff, repeat.

Did you know veiling can be embellished with rhinestones, sequins and chenille spots? For the chenille spots, select a pipe cleaner in appropriate color and snip tiny pieces to attach randomly, carefully bending and crimping the pipe cleaner wire to close ends. For larger chenille spots use a cotton or silk velvet velour fabric and cut out desired shapes to glue onto the veiling. When adding embellishments, pay attention to placement because you do not want them to fall in an odd spot for the face, such as nose, eye and mouth areas.