designs for day, evening, bridal and just dressing up! My style leans towards fancy and frilly as I work quite
a bit with beautiful silk fabrics that I pleat, drape, dye and even burn to create unique and unusual effects. I
make all of my embellishments and I love to use semi-precious stones and crystals to add sparkle and glitz.
I'm constantly experimenting with new ideas to create accessories you won't find anywhere else and I always
enjoy doing custom work. I hope you will contact me if you need a piece for a special occasion or just want to
add something new to your wardrobe.
clothing. I particularly was infatuated with hats...little wearable sculptures...and I set out to learn traditional
millinery techniques. There were no millinery programs where I was living so I bought some books and taught
myself. My work just naturally took on a fancy style and I started designing custom pieces for the clients at
several bridal salons. I soon added purses to my repertoire and called my business "Fat Cat Hats and Sacks".
I moved from California to Portland, Oregon about 10 years ago and was thrilled to find a very talented and
formally trained milliner, Dayna Pinkham, who I could intern with. She not only shared her knowledge of
traditional hat making but also introduced me to a network of passionate milliners and designers just like me!
I also found the opportunity to design handbags for the evening wear and bridal lines of a company called
"Jophiel Design" and hats and purses for a custom clothing design studio called "Stitch". Since then my work
has sold under my own label in stores throughout California, Portland and Seattle, been featured in several
publications such as "Haute Handbags", been part of several shows and events such as "Power of the
Purse"...and I have made numerous pieces for my custom clientele. I would love to create one just for you!