Logo with stylized swirl in the center, surrounded by black rectangular shapes. Circular text around the logo reads: 'Mielaurora Handcrafted Hats & Accessories'.

Where Warmth & Light Take Shape in Handmade Form.

About Me.

Green raffia yarn in a round, light brown gourd bowl. Crochet hook with orange handle is inserted into the yarn.

Gourd bowl tipped over on a white surface, with colorful crochet flowers spilling out of it.

Mielaurora (mee-YELL-ow-ROH-rah) began with a trip to Montréal and a need for a hat. I wanted something light and breathable; something like straw, but softer. When I couldn’t find what I was looking for, I made it myself. I discovered raffia yarn, worked in a spiral (my favorite way to crochet), and shaped my first sun hat in just a few days.

The name Mielaurora began years ago, when my friends’ daughters affectionately called me Miss Honey Dawn and they suggested it as a future business name. The name stayed with me, but when I later began building this creative practice, I found it was already in use. So, I translated its essence instead: miel for honey and aurora for dawn. Mielaurora honors that early spark while giving the brand its own luminous identity.

Mielaurora is about warmth, light, and the joy of making something that will make someone happy. —- Dawn

Hats

Each hat is crocheted, stitch by stitch with raffia yarn, a lightweight, paper‑based fiber made from wood pulp. No two are exactly alike. Slight variations in shape, color, stitch tension, yarn tone, or brim curve are part of the charm—and reflect the care and individuality of the crafting process.

Bucket Bucket Bucket Bucket Bucket Bucket Bucket
Bucket
$129.00

A breathable classic with a playful twist. Each cloche hat features either a bold two-tone palette or a calming solid hue. The crown sits comfortably, while the brim offers just the right balance between structure and ease. Not too stiff, not too floppy—just enough to shade your eyes.

Wide Brimmed Wide Brimmed Wide Brimmed Wide Brimmed Wide Brimmed Wide Brimmed Wide Brimmed
Wide Brimmed
$165.00

Vintage-inspired and softly structured, this style channels the charm of the past with a modern, sensory-safe touch. The brim holds its shape with a slight curl—perfect for sunny strolls and statement moments.

Curly Bucket Curly Bucket Curly Bucket Curly Bucket Curly Bucket Curly Bucket Curly Bucket
Curly Bucket
$120.00

A relaxed take on the classic cloche, this style features a curly brim. Ideal for beach days, garden lounging, or market wandering, it offers extra shade and movement while staying light and breathable. Colors vary, always curated for comfort and joy.

Accessories

Each flower pin is crocheted by hand, giving every piece its own subtle variations in shape and texture. No two are exactly alike—each one carries the small, natural irregularities that make handmade work feel alive.

Raffia 10-Petal Flower Pin Raffia 10-Petal Flower Pin
Raffia 10-Petal Flower Pin
$0.00

This 10-Petal Raffia Flower is the perfect accessory to pin to your blouse or cloche hat. Bring a bit of quirkiness to your clothing with this pin. Flowers come in various colors.

Raffia Loopy Petal Flower Pin Raffia Loopy Petal Flower Pin
Raffia Loopy Petal Flower Pin
$0.00

This Loopy Flower Pin catches the attention of all who see it with its curly looped petals. Add to clothing or your cloche for added sass. Flowers come in various colors.

FAQs

  • All hats and flowers are made from raffia yarn, a lightweight, paper‑based fiber made from wood pulp.. Each hat is crocheted in a spiral using single crochet stitches. The brims are finished with half double crochet for a subtle shift in texture and firmness.

  • My work is inspired by Wayuu tapestry crochet. I love the bold colorwork and storytelling. I let the spiral guide the flow rather than aligning stitches traditionally. I hope to explore tapestry-style patterns in future collections.

  • Yes — on a by‑appointment basis. When a hat is made to order, the process takes a bit longer than purchasing a ready‑made hat. At this time, custom orders are local only (Chicago) and handled case by case. At the moment I don’t ship hats. Contact me at mielaurora@outlook.com if you’re interested!

  • Yes! I sell crochet flowers that you can wear pinned to clothing or your hat. I will have bags, earrings and necklaces available soon!.

  • No. Raffia pieces should be kept dry and spot‑cleaned gently with a damp cloth. Store flat or hangi to protect the brim, and avoid long sun exposure when not in use. Don’t pin directly into the raffia—use loops or seams instead. Refresh with a light mist of water and essential oil, but avoid alcohol or witch hazel. To stretch the hat, mist lightly and place a rolled towel inside the crown until dry.

  • Yes—with care. Avoid pinning directly into the raffia fiber, as it can weaken the structure. Use loops or reinforced areas instead.

A woman with dark hair wearing a pink shirt and a wide-brimmed woven straw hat, sitting outdoors in a park with green grass and hanging tree branches in the background.
Woman wearing a large orange woven hat, red and green earrings, a gold necklace, and a black and white patterned scarf, sitting indoors near a window with natural light.
A woman smiling, wearing a multicolored woven sun hat, in an outdoor park with green grass and trees in the background.
A woman wearing a large sun hat with a woven straw top and black woven brim, slightly tilting her head, wearing a black top, and smiling gently.
A person with dark curly hair smiling, wearing a large blue and white patterned cap, a beige jacket, and standing in front of a yellow wall with a framed photograph of a woman in a white dress.
A woman smiling outdoors wearing a wide-brimmed hat, glasses, and a patterned blazer, with trees and a grassy area in the background.
A woven straw hat, a glass of pinkish-orange drink, and a glass of water on a metal outdoor table, with people sitting and eating in the background at an outdoor cafe.
Person wearing a large, woven, navy blue sun hat, with only the mouth, chin, and part of a pink sweater visible.
Woven straw hat with pink fabric flower and decorative brown flower, mounted on a wooden stand, with a plain wall background.
A decorative green straw sun hat with a pink fabric flower, mounted on a wooden stand against a plain white background.
A woven straw hat with a wide brim, decorated with horizontal stripes in shades of beige and black, displayed on a wooden stand with a round base.
A pink woven sun hat on a wooden stand displayed on a white tablecloth, with a plain white wall in the background.
Close-up of woven rubber bands arranged in the shape of a Minnie Mouse head, with pink and purple bows, placed on a textured surface.
Display of colorful woven straw sun hats on wooden stands and a yellow wire hat on a wooden bust against a plain wall.
Decorative embroidery hooks resting inside a round wooden tray on a white tablecloth.
Logo with stylized swirl in the center, surrounded by black rectangular shapes. Circular text around the logo reads: 'Mielaurora Handcrafted Hats & Accessories'.

Contact me at mielaurora@outlook.com.

I sell my hats and accessories exclusively at Chicago pop‑ups and artisan markets. Custom‑sized hats are available on a limited, by‑appointment basis for local customers. Made to order hats take a bit longer than purchasing a ready‑made piece. I don’t ship hats at the moment.

I’ll be popping up at the Andersonville Galleria (5247 N. Clark St. Chicago 60640) on Sunday, June 28, 2026. I’d love to see you there.

Check back soon for more upcoming market dates and new products.—-Dawn