22nd September 2010

BRIDPORT: Susan's hat trick

A FAREHAM lady who started designing hats as a hobby whilst her children were growing up has scooped top prize in the Bridport Hat Festival Competition.

Susan Hughes wooed the judges - Carole Denford (Fashion Editor of The Hat magazine) and Jodie Ilnicki (of Whiteley Fischer Ltd) - with her creation depicting a blackbird sat in a tree on an orange background.

In selecting it they said not only was it original in its style with a good shape, but also reflected the British countryside.

They commented on how beautifully it was made both outside and inside and commended it for its colours.

Sarah was delighted with winning the £500 first prize sponsored by View from Newspapers.

She went to college for three years to study art and design, and took up millinery after trying glass cutting as a hobby.

“I went to college where I did art and design. Then as a mum looking for something to do I tried glass cutting for a year or two. I then saw an advert in the paper for millinery classes and I thought ‘I’ll try that’ - it’s just taken off since then and I love it.

“It started as a my little hobby, but I’m going to take it a little bit further now, because from the end of this month I’ve got a stall for three days in my local shopping centre.”

Asked how she came to enter the competition she said: “My ex tutor sent me a letter updating me on news, and had attached the details saying ‘why don’t I try this’.

“I went online and it just went from there - it’s lovely!”

Second prize of £250 went to local Bridport lady Julie Price. Her entry comprised of a hat depicting an English breakfast complete with eggs, bacon, sausages, tomatoes, black pudding and fried bread.

The judges were taken by the wit as well as it being very well made.

PICTURE: TOP HAT - Susan Hughes shows off her hat alongside Stuart Broom, General Manager of the View From Newspapers, who sponsored the first prize

BRIDPORT: Susan's hat trick

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