the Mad Duchess
British Millinery in Austin, Texas
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Blog

A milliner, hat designer and maker's blog based in Austin, Texas. Stories about all things hat making, blocking, materials, my slow-living whether it be in the studio, garden, kitchen or just answering random questions.

A Little R&R By Way of Victoria, BC

My workroom has been singing the lovely cricket songs. Nothing to report except a few weeks of escape from the Texas heat. On my way to Alaska where I met my new granddaughter, I had a mini birthday celebration in Victoria, BC. The locals and food were lovely. As much as I looked forward to another afternoon tea in a grand palace, I decided to skip it this year because I just can’t eat that many carbs these days. I opted for fish and chips followed by a long walk on the wharf. Below are some pictures I snapped from the famous and utterly delightful botanical gardens. I also got a photo of a pretty straw hat from the local art museum. The hat gave me some 2026 Spring inspiration. What if we took those garden hats next level and vintage eh?

Victoria’s Capitol Building

A new hat inspiration at the Royal BC Museum and Archives

My favorite part of the museum was the replica of old Chinatown, including Chinese herbs.

We decided that the rose names would also make great hat names at the Butchart Gardens.

TendMJR