I taught millinery at Houston Community College for ten years and had many wonderful students, some of whom took my classes repeatedly. One of these was Sylvia who once or twice showed us hats she’d purchased while visiting family in Virginia. These were my introduction to the milliner known as Ignatius.
Saturday I took the Metro into town with a friend to the Smithsonian Crafts Show. In years past I’ve seen as many as five hat booths at this show. This year there was only one - that of Ignatius Creegan and his partner, Rod Givens. This time I was lucky enough to meet Ignatius and visit with him for awhile.
As always, the booth was buzzing with wannabe hat wearers trying on his fanciful hats. Most, however, couldn’t muster the courage to indulge.
This woman did buy - but not this style.
Ignatius and his partner specialize in beautiful stitched straw braid hats. It’s the one form of millinery that I do not practice. Braid stitching machines are hard to come by and tricky to keep in working order. When I was in millinery school at FIT I don’t recall the machines ever working and I took courses over several years. Ignatius appears to have mastered the finicky machines. He told me he owns about a dozen, only three of which are working at any given time. (He must be a gifted mechanic as well as brilliant hat designer.)
I fell in love with this straw topper which fits me perfectly (always a surprise with my large head) How could I resist? It’s now mine and I will be straying from my usual rule of wearing only my own creations as it’s a classic. Best of all I was invited to visit Ignatius’ Studio next time I’m traveling south in Virginia. I will for I would love to see how he puts these beauties together.
K Q:-)
That's an interesting little hat the lady is trying on. I love the black straw top hat you got. Looks great on you! I have never seen a straw top hat before.
Posted by: Marie | May 08, 2010 at 02:53 PM
hey Kate - If you want a travel companion, give me a holler!
soozie
[email protected]
301-502-4571
Posted by: soozie brendler | May 14, 2010 at 12:33 AM