Busy, busy, busy the festival of Christmas in the marketplace was wonderful this year again with thousands attending the event.

All the traders were dressed in Victorian outfits and Santa and his reindeer were a highlight of the day.

This year was the busiest the shop has ever been since the business opened and the atmosphere was great with everyone having an enjoyable day.

Our lovely new styles for Autumn/Winter 13/14 have now started to arrive.

My favorite amongst this seasons colours is a rich, deep red called pimento. I noticed a few high street dress shops have this colour in stock already and its selling fast. I especially like the small oval disk covered in Pimento velvet with quills and feathers - very elegant.

Other colours this Winter include coffee's and a rich chestnut brown which seems to be making a comeback after several years of black and navy.

Purple is around in every shade from pinky purples to a blue 'Cadburys' shade, I've alreday had customers into the shop with multiple shades of purples in an outfit.

Winter White has always been popular and can be seen in various furs, felts and stunning ladies trilbys that sweep over to one side.

I especially love the Winter stock and this year looks to be no exception with extremely wearable and fashionable hats.

In March I was lucky enough to get a place on a week long course with the milliners milliner the delightful Rose Cory (photo of her on my gallery page). Rose used to make hats for the royal family and particularly for the late queen mother. We were also joined by an experienced milliner and haute couture tailor who used to be the fashion design manager for Vivienne Westwood.

I had a wonderful week in London and learnt many new techniques including the making of silk flowers, felt hats, trims and a fascinator that wouldn't look half bad at Ascot!

In the run up to Ascot I've used many of the new techniques and ideas I learnt earlier this year and have been pleased with the results. Many of my customers have been delighted with the results and its really gratifying to have so many smiling faces leave the shop.

I've especially enjoyed working with and adding Swarovski crystals in a myriad of colours to our hats and fascinators on either silver or gold plated wires.

I'm looking forward to seeing the highlights of Royal Ascot this year and trying to spot our hats, if you see an amazing hat be sure to pop into the shop and check if it's one of ours!

Most of our new stock for this winter 2012/2013 has arrived over the last couple of weeks. I'm really pleased with our stock this year and its with delight that we have unpacked whilst oohing and ahhing.

The first to arrive were the everyday wool hats from Symphony. These are made in Scotland using pure new wools, with swirl patterns or buckles. I've ordered brighter colours this winter such as reds and deep purples or royal blues (think we all need cheering up!).

Next were the winter wedding fascinators in velvets and satins, they're slightly 'heavier' in look compared to our summer stock and come in pure silky blacks and rich chestnut colours.

The final 2 big deliveries are our most popular item when the snow begins. These are the furry cossack styles of hat in long glamourous fur or in a shorter silky 'mink' look. These all have matching tippets, scarves, muffs or boot-tops and start at £24 for the headband to £39 for the long scarf. These items make wonderful Christmas presents - I've even had a couple of customers buy these as a present to themselves, all wrapped and waiting under the tree for Christmas morning!

We've already had a couple of frosty mornings, so make sure youre prepared with your new hat, scarf & gloves!

I've just started a twitter account for the Beverley Hat Company. I make so many handmade hats for customers either from scratch or re-vamping something to their specific requirements. When I'm particularly pleased with the finished result I thought it would be nice to post a photo of my days work onto twitter.

If you would like to follow me -look up The Beverley Hat Company or my name Annabel Anderson.

The more, the merrier and I'd love to have the chance to let you know of my new lines, current trends and special offers.