One of my favorite places to visit is By Design in Alton. Lillian Bates, owner of this boutique, makes me most envious of the beautiful things she creates. Those that know me best recognize that they will most likely find me in a pair of ripped up old jeans, an over-sized t-shirt, and $5 sneakers; and all of this attire covered in paint, sawdust, and/or glue. I take pride in looking like the contestants on that cheesy reality show, “What Not to Wear.” Bates’ shop makes me want to embrace my inner fashionista.

One thing Bates makes is hats. Freaking adorable hats!

After Bates sent out the latest By Design School of Fashion class schedual and I announced to Mel, my better half, that I would be taking a hat making class, all he had to say was, “Random.”

But the class was awesome like I knew it would be! I learned about buckram, crinoline, millinery blocks, sinamay, and other lovely things. I was schooled on feather choices and how to modify feathers in interesting ways. I can now make a fabric flower! I am so overwhelmed by the fantasticness of it all!

And now I have a hat!