Thinking Ahead ...

...to warmer, sunnier occasions when one might need a hat or some kind of heargear!

I'm currently working on the new bridal collection from Sara Gadd Millinery, which features hand made silk flowers, pearls, lace and feathers. 

Dreaming up new ideas I usually look to both contemporary and historical headwear, flicking through magazines and online images for inspiration, this helps to get ideas flowing. I rummage through boxes of feathers, fabrics beads; generally make a mess, and the ideas start to come!



This Summer I have several dates for new workshop 'Hat Tricks' - If you have old hats gathering dust at home this could be just the thing for you!
Come and join us on this exciting new workshop. Bring along one or more used, special occasion hat with you & learn how to transform it into a Fabulous new Fascinator or headdress!

Date: Saturday, 22 May 2010, Place: Tullie House Museum, Carlisle, Cumbria, Time: 10:00 - 16:00
Please contact Tullie House Museum http://romans.tulliehouse.co.uk/index.aspx for further information and booking details.


Date: Sunday, 11 July 2010, Place: The Brewery Arts Centre, Kenday, Cumbria, Time: 10:00 - 16:00
Please contact The Brewery Arts Centre http://www.breweryarts.co.uk/index.cfm for further information and booking details.

This workshop along with our 'Hattie Hen Parties' and Fascinator Fun workshops, also runs on various dates throughout spring/summer at the Sara Gadd Millinery stucio in Corby Hill.  Maximum of 6 people.
Please email for details saragadd@tiscali.co.uk and check out the link below.

Thank you to Rob Summers Photography for these wonderful images.  Please click on the link below and visit his blog to see more images from our photoshoot back in December 2009. http://robsummersphotography.blogspot.com/2009/12/i-met-up-with-sara-gadd-recently-as.html

Vintage Hats & Fashion 1979 into 1980

The year is 1979, December 1979, the location Chicago USA.

Putting myself in Mum's shoes this time 30 years ago, she was living high up in Lake Point Tower, Chicago, a new Mum; I had just been born on 25th December 1979.

Why am I doing this?

Back in 2010, (slightly less glamorously), I have been attempting to clear out the chaos that is the junk cupboard!

I've stumbled across some vintage magazines, L'Officiel USA The Magazine of International Fashion, issues October 1979, Holiday Issue 1979 and February 1980.

Ok some may think???!  But for others, myself included, it offers a fascinating glimpse into the world of fashion 30 years ago!

Here are some of the vintage fashion images from the magazines.

The 'Fresh and sporty Looks from the New York Collections' look positively ancient!

...While other images could almost be from today.

Just look at the shoulders on this jacket !

Hats were still quite a feature in various different styles, mainly small cocktail styles, very elegant and chic.

The influences in todays fashion are clear to see.

Hope you've enjoyed the escapism!

(The cupboard clear out will have to wait for another day!)

Wonder what we'll be wearing in another 30 years time?

New Year, New Hats, New Hen Parties - New you!

At Sara Gadd Millinery I am currently sewing away making new hats, headdresses and fascinators for Spring/Summer 2010. With beautiful hand made silk flowers, frivolous feathers and luxurious silks there's something for everyone!

January...a fresh start, a new out look...time to focus on all the things you've been putting off...time to try new things.

I find being a milliner a rewarding job, getting to meet all kind of new people each week, helping them the find the perfect headwear for their special day.

I often hear people have been searching all over for something special to finish off their outfit. People are looking for an individual unique creation, something a little more chic than the traditional Mother-of-the bride look or high street design.

If that's you then you've found the right place! I can create an original design to compliment your overall look. We welcome you into the studio in Corby Hill where there are hats and fascinators to try during a relaxed, private consultation. Here we discuss your ideas and find a style you are happy with. Alternatively if you are further away, designs can be ordered through the website and arranged over the phone and via email. Visit www.saragadd.co.uk

We also offer ‘Hattie Hen Parties’ for a hen party with a difference from our studio in Corby Hill, Carlisle, Cumbria.  They are suitable for groups of six in the room pictured below.  You can choose colours and styles before hand so you can match your outfits for the big day or the party before.  Why not try something new and alternative?!

We hope to see you soon!

Hattie Happenings & Millinery Madness!: Festive Happenings at Sara Gadd Millinery...Love Christmas is here!

Hattie Happenings & Millinery Madness!: Festive Happenings at Sara Gadd Millinery...Love Christmas is here!

Festive Happenings at Sara Gadd Millinery...Love Christmas is here!

We're getting all festive at Sara Gadd Millinery and....It is here....the week of Love Christmas!

This Wednesday 25th November at The Cecil Street Project in Carlisle, "Love Christmas" a street market with a difference is taking place.

It's the perfect places to get some Christmas goodies and presents, there'll be stores selling many different items from millinery to baby goods, ladies fashions, interior goods, dancing and more.  There'll be refreshments available and you may get lucky and win a prize from the raffle!

Everyone is welcome so please come along and support local businesses.

There are also new items on sale now from my Misi store including Christmas cards and Luxury holly Gift Bows!

There are also lots of hats for winter weddings and festive fascinators, why not take a look at http://www.misi.co.uk/handmade/saragadd.html

Sara Gadd's Hat Shop Is A Milliner's Grotto!

The Sara Gadd Millinery hat shop in Carlisle, is a milliner’s grotto filled with fancy fripperies for your head!

There is so much to choose from and I've been busy creating for the festive season!  Here's an idea of what's available:
- Stylish felt hats in a variety of colours, perfect for keeping out the cold. 
- Sparkly headdresses and hair accessories that will add a touch of glamour to your Christmas party outfit.
- Elegant winter wedding creations to suit the whole party from guests to brides alike.

If you would like to arrange an appointment at the studio in Corby Hill, Carlisle, Cumbria visit http://www.saragadd.co.uk/ a selection of creations are available from my Misi store at http://saragadd.misi.me.uk/

I will also be at the following events: 

• Thursday 10th November 6.30pm – 9pm (£2.50 Entry)

Austin Friars St Monica’s School Christmas Shopping Evening

New Hall, Etterby Scaur, Carlisle, CA3 9PB

• Wednesday 25th November 7pm – 9pm (Free Entry)CWE Networking Group Showcase)

“Love Christmas” A street market with a difference (

The Cecil Street Project, Cecil Hall, 46A Cecil Street, Carlisle, CA1 1NL

When choosing your outfit this season, let it all go to your head with the perfect hat or fascinator from the Sara Gadd Millinery hat shop in Carlisle!

Winter Warmers

New winter felt hats on the horizon from Sara Gadd Millinery!

As we enter into October, in Carlisle, Cumbria the sun is shining and the sky is a clear blue, just a few fluffy white clouds...this can only mean one thing...winter is on the way!

I love these fresh, clear days and my thought have turned from this summer's frivolous fascinators to warming winter felts that are just perfect for keeping out the cold!

Here are some of the latest winter hat designs now available from Sara Gadd Millinery. The designs can be bought through our Misi on line store at: http://saragadd.misi.me.uk/ or directly from the Corby Hill millinery studio near Carlisle, Cumbria.