Happy Mad Hatter Day

October 6th is a day set aside each year to bring out our silly side while celebrating National Mad Hatter Day.

Hattingdon loves wearing silly hats. In honor of Mad Hatter Day, here she is modeling the hat made especially for this day.

Midge Mad Hatter Hat 2016. Featured Image.
Midge Hattingdon.

The fictional character, The Hatter (also known as The Mad Hatter) from Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland, is typically acting silly, and that is how the creators of this day decided on their theme of silliness for National Mad Hatter Day. Sir John Tenniel illustrated The Mad Hatter and all of Lewis Carroll’s colorful characters beginning in 1864. Alice’s Adventures in Wonderland was first published in 1865.

The phrase “mad as a hatter” comes from the late 18th and early 19th centuries when haberdasheries used mercury nitrate. The exposure to this metal over time caused the tradesmen to develop symptoms making people believe they were mad.


Hattingdon H Logo in her signature brown.

©Vivian J Grant. All Rights Reserved.

Updated 10.08.22

Kentucky Oaks time

It’s Kentucky Oaks time, Friday, May 3rd, at Churchill Downs in Louisville, Kentucky. You can see what Hattingdon wore last year above. Remember?


This year Hattingdon — instead of wearing something “sporting” like her Lily top hat — is wearing a gorgeous vintage picture hat. Lovely.

Hattingdon's Lily Picture hat created by ©Vivian Grant Farrell.
Lily Picture Hat for the 2019 Kentucky Oaks

Oh, let’s take a look at what Hattingdon wore last year too. Remember?

Lily Top Hat made for the 2018 Kentucky Oaks.

Tune in tomorrow to see her Derby Hat. Hugs and kisses and millinery blisses, Hattingdon.


Hattingdon H Logo in her signature brown.

© Vivian J. Grant.

Cara in black

Hey there. January 2019 is almost done. How has it been for you so far?

Come to find out Hattingdon is on a cruise. A very long cruise. She packed up her hats and went sailing.

We’ve been busy in her absence though.

A dear friend of Hattingdon’s who loves the Cara lampshade hat wanted it in black. So Vivian made it up for her. Of course, the hat being solid black was fetching, but not particularly festive. So she embellished it with some golden stars. Darling! Take a look.

Cara in black.

So, what do you think? We hope it has brightened your day and given you a Hatful of Smiles™!

More lampshade hats »

See you again soon. Hugs, Hattingdon.


Hattingdon H Logo in her signature brown.

© Vivian J. Grant. All Rights Reserved.