- The first parts of the process
I am working on two grosgrain wireframe headpieces. One is white undyed materials, and one will be dyed.
I am making these pieces to explore the tradition of wireframe headpieces mid 20th century. The undyed one to explore the techniques, combination of materials and shape. I will then create the same piece with materials I will dye.
The starting point and inspiration for this work is a head piece in the Hopkins collection. My main reference are the book:
Headwear: Hats, Bonnets and Caps from the Hopkins Collection C.1700-1955
By Vanessa Hopkins
ISBN | 0993174434, 9780993174438 |
The visible part of the wireframe headpiece I am making consists of 5 ribbon works resembling a conch shell. One ribbon conch is made from one meter grosgrain that are 4 cm wide. Here are some pictures of the first steps in my process of making this piece.
![](https://stipendiat.handverksinstituttet.no/modisten/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2024/04/IMG_5654-1024x768.jpeg)
![](https://stipendiat.handverksinstituttet.no/modisten/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2024/04/IMG_5655-768x1024.jpeg)
I am counting 10 scallops on the edge for each pleat.
![](https://stipendiat.handverksinstituttet.no/modisten/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2024/04/IMG_5659-768x1024.jpeg)
Each pleat is stitched down on the opposite edge of the ribbon with a slight shift. This lifts the draping, makes for a more interesting edge and helps the shape when it is twisted for the conch look.
![](https://stipendiat.handverksinstituttet.no/modisten/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2024/04/IMG_5660-768x1024.jpeg)
Reference book: Headwear: Hats, Bonnets and Caps from the Hopkins Collection C.1700-1955
![](https://stipendiat.handverksinstituttet.no/modisten/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2024/04/IMG_5675-768x1024.jpeg)
Pinning and draping to find the desired shape of each ribbon ornament.
![](https://stipendiat.handverksinstituttet.no/modisten/wp-content/uploads/sites/9/2024/04/IMG_5714-768x1024.jpeg)
Thank you for reading. Please reach out or comment if you have any interesting information regarding this subject, or a tip on articles or literature that may inform my work going forward.