If you're like Craftzilla, you knew that you liked those little hat things that seemingly "perched" upon the heads of English women at tea and formal events and wondered if there was ever occasion other than the Kentucky Derby to wear one in the states. You also probably thought they were pretty, fancy and you must have one. Or at the very least, substitute one in if you're thinking the tiara at a wedding is passe.
Some "googling" and image search revealed the name of the little "hat thingy" and in honor of the Big Day aka The Royal Wedding that is taking place on April 29th, here's a fun look at facinators!
What is a facinator by definition?
A facinator is a headpiece (i.e. something you wear on your head) that is a style of hatmaking aka millinery.It is also often referred to as a cocktail hat. A "substantial facinator" refers to the size and bulk of the hat - as in, it's quite giant. A facinator is typically worn by women and affixed to the hair using a comb, hairpin or band to secure it in place. Material wise it can use feathers, beads, lace, tulle -pretty much anything for decoration.How is it different from a hat or "tiny hat?"
A tiny hat is exactly that, a regular looking hat, shrunk. Most common is a tiny top hat, seen on occasions like St. Patrick's Day or for cosplay during Anime conventions. Yes, it could technically be defined as a facinator as well.
Where could I wear a facinator?
Technically, anywhere you want. Where without looking like a loon? Well weddings for one, especially if you're in England or a previously occupied colony, horse races like the Kentucky Derby or the Royal Ascot (or if you're in a bar watching same), church, tea parties, burlesque shows...the list goes on. You really can't go wrong if you make a friend wear one too.Where can I get a facinator?
Online, costume stores, bridal shops, depending on the occasion. As usual, Etsy can provide- here are some of our favorites:
How can I make one?
THE question indeed for the crafty types. Craftzilla has been researching facinators as a possibility for bridesmaids to don and doesn't want to pay $70 per piece. Being a crafty type, surely I could make my own?Depends on the style- if you're going with the headband/clip/comb only kind, start with that as your base. You'll need gluing and sewing skills on top of a decent idea of what you want before you begin. Check out this video from Threadbanger on how to make your own:
If you're going for the small hat/cap style, you'll need some things like a wire coat hanger (or equally strong/stiff wire) a material called buckram- a still cloth (cotton or linen) which you see most often as a bookcover. Check out Craftzine and All About Hatmaking's tutorials:
Or buy a ready made base from a "haberdashery" and go straight to fun part of decorating, like this Folksy piece:
And of course Etsy for everything- check out SquirrelGirl Millinery for supplies:
Happy crafting and don't forget to stay up till 2am and wear your facinator to watch the Royal Wedding!
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