I’d like to give a warm welcome to an honorary southern belle that resides far, far above the Mason-Dixon line. Joanne James creates magnificent antebellum worthy hats that are truly wearable works of art. Read on to find out how she crafts her chapeaus.
Black wool bucket hat1. Tell us a little about yourself and how you got started in millinery.
I am a person who has always loved people, learning and sharing what I’ve learned with others. As a young girl, I used to stand at my grandmother’s side and watch her sew on her treadle machine. She would explain what she was doing and I hung on her every word. She taught me patience and perseverance as well as needlecraft skills. She once gave me a little brown paper bag with some embroidery floss and a hoop when I was about 12 years old. I had no idea what to do with it, but I treasured it. I learned how to embroider when I was 17 and it took off. I embroidered everything. Gradually I learned how to do silk embroidery which then led to ribbon work. I now use ribbon work on hats, purses, and wedding memory albums. I’ve got some plans in the works right now to branch out into needlework craft kits. They should be ready for sale in the spring of 2010.
Golden winter hat
2. Your hats are painstakingly detailed. Take us on a little journey from concept to creation.
I make up ribbon roses, mums, hatpin roses, leaves and other flowers in advance. I store them in containers until ready for use. When I want to design a hat arrangement, I first pick out the hat that I want to embellish and then look through my stash of flowers and leaves. I then set the hat on a stand to make it easier to work on and set the main flower and two leaves on either side of it. At that point, I usually put the hat on and check in the mirror to see whether the arrangement should be in the front, back, or off to either side of the hat. Then I fasten down the main components. I add pieces of jewelry such as a brooch or a brass ornament that I put an antiqued finish on and add a sparkly glass stone, and perhaps some smaller flowers or feathers. I am finished when the hat looks like a wearable piece of art.
3. You are located in Canada. What influences do you take from your surroundings?
I live in Brockville, Ontario, a small community of 24,000 people. The beautiful St. Lawrence river is only a few blocks from our home. Because of the location, Brockville is considered a tourist town and a variety of artists live here. We have studio arts tours several times a year. I have been influenced by many of the artists who have appreciated my work and encouraged me to move forward in it.
4. Do you have a particular customer that is drawn to your products?
A variety of women have purchased my hats. There are those who are confident, strong and sure of what they want and know how to put on a hat and wear it. There are also those who are timid and unsure of what hat would suit them and then are surprised at how attractive they look when they get the right style for their face. Always though, they leave standing a little taller, feeling a little more beautiful and special inside.
Brown and pewter ruched purse5. Define southern style.
To me, southern style encompasses a way of life. God first, family second, then work, and play, but all intertwined. Southern ladies seem to embrace life with a passion. They appreciate the importance of special gatherings and enjoy dressing for the occasion. Often a matching hat is the crowning accessory to their outfit. That is where I can help them shine. I love trying on different styles on them until we find just the right one. Then when her eyes light up, we both know…this is the one…it is her.
You can purchase a Le Chapeau creation on her website or on Etsy.
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