At our meeting in March we were entertained by designer and milliner Pat Brown. Pat is the owner of The Extraordinary Hat Company based in Fakenham.
Pat told us about her career and how she came to be a milliner. As a service wife posted to Germany she assisted in a middle school. On return to the UK she became a teaching assistant where she thoroughly enjoyed the craft activities. She discovered a talent for maths, gaining a place at a teacher training college, and this resulted in a 33 year career as a primary school teacher and head teacher.
Pat moved to Norfolk to be near elderly parents and took up a head teacher post in Thetford. She retired and then returned to teaching part-time for 6 years. During her pre-retirement phase she was able to spend one day a week learning about silversmithing and pottery. She then set up a business with her sister selling country clothing and during this time they both attended a millinery course. Pat has continued to develop her skills and has now been designing and making hats for several years. She also runs workshops and events.
As well as bringing a selection of hats to show us, Pat also passed on some valuable tips on choosing a hat that will suit the shape of your face and trying it on at all angles – when worn properly a hat should open up your face. If you are buying a hat for a special event, wear the shoes you will be wearing when you choose the hat and wear it at home for a while to make sure it is secure.