Bests & Worsts Reviews from Amazon

As a hat designer, I've gone through about every hatmaking book out there. In this new millenium and the resurgence of hatmaking, I'm delighted that Denise's book is becoming available again with the 20th Anniversary reprint. She manages to guide the reader through every step of making a hat. Her book is divided up into separate "Lessons" and each lesson leads the student to a complete understanding of hatmaking. She gives basics in design; materials; stitches, etc. Then she leads you through pattern-making, soft hats, buckram shapes, blocking, felt and straw, and much more. She doesn't skip out on trimming ideas or the interior of the hat either. Filled with romantic illustrations of hats and black and white photos of techniques, her book continues to be my favorite and the one I return to time and again.