I have thought of entering the Kentucky Derby Museum millinery contest since the inception of Breeziway, but did not feel sufficiently mature in my new venture until this year. I had mulled over some basic design ideas earlier in the year, but nothing began to mesh until late winter when one of my students entered the scene. Stephanie (pictured below) had heard about Breeziway and my love for feathers and dropped by my office one afternoon with a bag of gorgeous macaw feathers. They were recent molts of one of her parrots, Reagan, and she thought I might have a use for them.
Reagan is on the left below, next to his equally-magnificent sibling! Gorgeous, aren't they? I knew instantly that Reagan's fine feathers would form the core and theme of my Derby contest design.
Photos of the design, Polly's Pacesetter, were taken quickly just before shipping the piece on the final day of entry. I am hoping the museum will be taking some better photos as they prepare the formal announcement of award winners and the 2011 hat exhibit.
Thank you, Stephanie & Reagan, for the inspiration and materials. Thank you, judges for honoring our submission. I am thrilled!
Best regards,
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