Alison Tutcher

When you put on a hat and look in the mirror, you never know who you might find looking back at you! It’s been my favourite way to connect with people, ever since I started out 30 odd years ago, gradually moving from the south coast up to Scotland. 

I’ve had a shop selling occasion hats, but these days I prefer to make useful as well as lovely hats, to wear everyday. I upcycle fabrics and trims, make flowers from off cuts, and rescue vintage wedding hats from charity shops to re-fashion. 

I studied English at London University, then took an evening class to learn traditional millinery skills. I had a stall at Greenwich Market in the early 1990s, moved to Lyme Regis then up to Morpeth where I’ve been a market trader once again. Now I live near Auchencairn and am learning how to wear a tam o shanter!