Molly told us the night before that the next day's outing would be rummaging through an old hat factory. Huh? I'm a fearless junker, but it took me a minute to picture that. Molly is a masterful storyteller and as she continued, we all knew it would be completely awesome. She described an abandoned hat factory where the workers stubbed out their cigarettes, laid down their tools and went home for the day, never to return. Maybe 30 years ago. And that the owner would unlock the doors and let us rummage and collect what we wanted to buy from the random materials and things left behind. We were cautioned that some purchases might be denied when he grew sentimental about certain things. Hmmm.
Guy met us and opened the door to a dark and neglected warren of workrooms on two floors. At first, I just looked around and took photos. It definitely felt like trespassing to me. Wanting us to get past the initial shock of it, he sat down and showed us one of the old sewing machines in action, stitching brittle, coiled straw braid into the top of a tiny hat.
We scattered like the mice who clearly lived there, each of us in search of our creative food. Images, hats, millinery trims, flowers, old bits of paper, hat labels, grosgrain ribbon spools. We weren't the first and wouldn't be the last.
You had to dig for it. Which, of course, makes it all the more precious.
(That little bit there isn't a lavender bud.)
There was so much beauty here.
(My birth month and day!)
Soon, everyone had a hat on. Each one so perfect and sweet. Nothing looked right or fit me. I was pretty sure I would be going home without a hat.
And then I saw Pamela in hers!
This one apparently belonged to Maurice Chevalier. It was untouchable, revered enough to hang on its own special peg.
My friend Jane's maiden name is Cherry.
Time was up and we found our way outside again. Guy went from stack to stack and priced us out, occasionally pulling something away from the pile. True to form, he couldn't part with some things.
At the last moment, I found my hat. It's unfinished and older than I am. Monsieur Guy tried to explain how I should trim and hem the edges, add a hatband from the ribbon I bought. Didn't have the heart to tell him that I like it as is, that the wonky form and raw edges are my favorite part.
(Yes, I shook it out really well before trying it on. I do love it!)
What a terrific adventure we had! Thanks to Lizzie, Kaari, Cathy, Christopher and Guy, the hat man. There was even more to come as the day wore on, but I'm running out of time today. I think I'll save the rest of that day for another post. Back soon.
Now we can all sing you Happy Birthday Charlotte, assigning that important date to the little gray cell department.
Loved the tour of the hat factory, so much fun. I am ooohing and ahhhing at my screen over each photo.
What are the wooden blocks in the wooden box/tray? So intriguing.
thanks for letting us peer over your shoulder and be armchair travelers with you ... fun fun fun!
Posted by: Sally | July 12, 2012 at 01:47 PM
Charlotte.... As much as I adore the shops that create charming vignettes in every corner, delighting the eye as it flits from one spot to the next.... I treasure places where the thrill of the hunt takes over. Requiring you to really look for yourself, you overturn things high and low. And with a bit of good fortune, you spy that special something, pick it up, and clutch it closely to your heart. The smile that comes to your face is priceless!! Love to hear your adventures!!
Posted by: kadee | July 12, 2012 at 03:42 PM
The hat you selected suits you. Too bad there wasn't an eensy teensy straw hat for Millie. I think I'd have selected the one with the cherries for me. I can think of nothing more fun than rummaging through old millinery stuff...what a fun day.
Posted by: karen on bainbridge island | July 12, 2012 at 04:15 PM
I love that hat on you; the brim is just perfection --I am a hat person--so, I am jealous :--))) Julierose
Posted by: Julie L | July 12, 2012 at 05:00 PM
Dearest Charlotte! Seeing your pictures I felt like we were there together! So much like our 3rd week there this year. Missed seeing you! I took the same "4" picture, like so many others. I have to say I love Laurent in the photo. And I put that adorable set of stamps at Guy's place in my box, but not to be had of course. I think he enjoyed me trying anyway! I do miss Charlotte's cooking and must say reality is a bit of a challenge. Thinking of you often! Merci for the sweet stitchery sentiments of Chateau Dumas! xoxox
Posted by: Cherie Wilson | July 12, 2012 at 05:03 PM
Really? Sept 18th is my birthday, too!
Posted by: Nancy | July 12, 2012 at 05:05 PM
What a great trip. I am enjoying every single post, the visuals and the narrative! Thank you so much for sharing. It is so much fun to discover hidden treasures in everyday life!
Posted by: Judy Elwood | July 12, 2012 at 06:09 PM
I am a Virgo too! 9/19! What a treasure trove of goodness! I'd love to see Mary do a book about Ann Estelle's trip to the hat maker! I know that feeling trespassing. Even though you are invited in, you know that the owner's heart is invested in each little bit. Your hat is fantastic! I would have tried to purchase the wooden stamps, too. Thanks for the tour!
Posted by: Jeannie | July 12, 2012 at 06:14 PM
Oh my...oh my.
I have read about this adventure to the hat factory in previous years on Kaari's blog....so fascinating.
I'm green with envy and know that is shameful. Never the less...I am.
Your hat is perfect as it is. :)
Posted by: Laura @ 52 FLEA | July 12, 2012 at 08:11 PM
bliss - I can see you in total BLISS!
dearest Charlotte.....
xo
Posted by: jone | July 12, 2012 at 11:13 PM
Oh what fun that must have been. All those goodies & still just waiting for someone to do something with it all. I love your hat, it looks wonderful on you. Did you find out how to make Millie one? Hugs.
Posted by: Troy Louise | July 13, 2012 at 05:45 PM
Wow!! Your no slouch in the storytelling department either!! What a GREAT story. Love that your adventure has sooo many key elements...mystery, a little intrigue, history, nostalgia, the thrill of the hunt. What a true treasure of a memory!
Posted by: Belen | July 14, 2012 at 01:25 AM
Good morning, Your photos are so lovely. How exciting it must have been to rummage through an old hat factory. I love history of any kind and I am sure you learned so many interesting tidbits. Thank you for sharing your adventures. It's always so much fun to come and visit. *!*
Posted by: Lorrie Schultz | July 14, 2012 at 10:33 AM
It never gets old...loved hearing your perspective, charlotte!
Posted by: molly meng | July 14, 2012 at 08:07 PM