Supporting British seamstresses

I am only on page 43 of Lucy Siegle's new book - To Die For - Is Fashion Wearing out the World? but I am hooked.

On a daily basis I am inundated with offers, mainly from China, for 'cheap' hats, hair for wigs and scarves. In 2006, when I started designing, I thought it must be possible to make goods in the UK. I didn't realise how few seamstresses are left earning a living in the UK and how expensive fabric has become relative to being able to buy goods in the value or fast fashion sector.

However, I set out to do this. I had the benefit of a friend who is a fully qualified seamstress, designer and lecturer. Working with her, we were able to create the headwear, using her skilled hands with compensation that reflected her ability.

I have since expanded the number of seamstresses and have a great time discussing fashion, technical garment making skill - the cut and the make - and working together to make the nicest hats, headwear and scarves we can.

So it is possible and still does not make the products too expensive. It is worth trying to bring back this skill without sweatshop rates.

History of Baker Boy hats

I'm looking for research on the history of baker boy hats.

The UK has a strong tradition of hat making, particularly those made of straw or felt, but much less is written about fabric hats.

Headcoverings reflect fashion and social status, they offer protection and warmth. Hats can be ornate or practical. The most widely worn sunhat is typically a baseball cap. These caps are worn not only as a fashion item but also to protect from sun damage.

Flat caps for fashionable young women are noted from the 1960s and earlier for sporting or working.

These references cover hats similar to the baker boy but so far there seems to be little written specifically on the Baker Boy hat. So any ideas or reference sources gratefully received.

Information sources I've used so far include: A fashionable history of hats & hairstyles.

See our collection of fabulous baker boy hats at:

Rattling not battling

A great article in the Sunday Times by Clive James. Humourous and witty as you would expect from him.

Strong praise for Addenbrooke's Hospital in Cambridge for quality of care and information received by the medical staff.

Cancer Research UK struggles to find race participants

http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/uk-13403532

We are pleased to be participating in a number of Race for Life events this summer. On Sunday we were at the beautiful Burghley House in Stamford for the 5k event. Lots of happy ladies from all walks of life who participated. Congratulations to all.

There are many more events to come, our next event is Milton Keynes on Saturday 11th June. Please sign up and come and visit jashcroft for fabulous baker boy hats, silk scarves and of course our own designer Capry headscarves.

Sun sensitivity and chemotherapy

I have had some clients say that they have been advised to be careful as they are more sensitive to sun after and during chemotherapy treatment. Chemotherapy kills cancer cells and normal cells.

We have designed our Kelly bakerboy hats to help with this by including a brim to provide some protection to the face. The bakerboy hats are in soft cottons but they do not contain spf protection. You can buy some specialist clothing which contains high spf protection if you search for this, using terms such as lupus will help.

Cancer Research UK's cancerhelp site has information on taking care in the sun and includes suggestion that you wear a hat that shades neck and face.

Another alternative from the jashcroft range of scarves and hats is to wear the Tyara beanie cap under a wide brimmed sun hat. You can buy a variety of cheap sun hats on the high street, without a cap they would be harsh on the skin but combining the two can create the protection you need.

Tesco and Cancer Research UK's Race for Life 2011 Stamford

JAshcroft and team will be on hand for our first of 11 Race for Life 2011 events.
We will be at Stamford, Burghley House on Sunday 15th May.

A large selection of our limited edition hats and scarves will be available. We will have our nice soft cotton beanies to wear under a hat or just to keep the head covered. For the events, we have selected some wonderful cottons and made a number of different baker boy caps to suit women and teens. The baker boy is particularly popular as it is a hat most anyone can wear and is designed for comfort and style. It looks great on our models.

Finally, on our new website jashcroft.co.uk we have introduced our first 4myhead.com silk scarves. We have a selection of blue floral silk and linen scarf, hot pink silk scarf and a shimmering lilac silk scarf. A really easy way to add style to your outfit.

We look forward to seeing the women and girls who sign up for the largest series of women only fundraising events in the UK.