Sabine Stasch

Milliner

Timeless hats

Sabine makes unique hats
She is inspired by design from the 1920s
Her work is both classic and modern

Sabine Stasch never questioned becoming a milliner, it was her desire since childhood when she became fascinated with textiles and craft. After studying textile design at the University of Applied Sciences and Arts of Hanover, she went on to train as a milliner in the Knispel-König hat studio in Rotenburg. Elegant, sporty, urban and timeless, her hats are inspired by 1920’s design and the classically reduced modernism of the 20th century, embodying both the classical and modern hat shapes. Sabine makes each piece using the traditional method: after softening the felt with heat and steam, she pulls, stretches and shapes it with her hands over a wooden mould. Each piece is unique, created from start to finish by the passionate craftswoman.

Interview

When did you first gain interest for your craft?: There was a dressmaker who came to my grandmother's house every year when I was a child, and I wanted to sew clothes for my dolls too. Becoming a milliner was due to my interest and joy in experimenting with other materials than dress fabrics.
Is your work more traditional or contemporary?: I work with both classic and modern hat shapes, a mix of traditional and contemporary design and know-how. I still use traditional, tried and tested techniques from a hundred years ago for the current, contemporary design.
What do you love most about your profession?: I love playing with the hat making materials, especially the high-quality, supple rabbit hair felt that forms the basis of my unique hats. I love the natural, casual elegance of these finishes, the comfort of wearing them, their longevity and easy care.
Do you think your craft is endangered?: Yes, many crafts are in danger today because mass production tempts most people to buy cheap products without noticing that the quality is no longer right. As a result, crafts with their good quality are economically marginalised.

Sabine Stasch is a master artisan: she began her career in 1988 and she started teaching in 2008