The home is small but suits Ailie’s needs perfectly. Her impressive shoe, hat and clothing collection, featuring pieces that range from the sentimental to the sublime, dominates a corner of her bedroom. And while the 70-something no longer makes hats for a living, she has not given up creating beautiful things. “I find making things calming and enjoyable,” she says. “I make clothes for myself and also enjoy oil painting. Being creative has and always will be an important part of my life.” Ailie’s creations have always been more timeless than trendy and to this day, nothing brings her more joy than working with fine fabrics. “Whether I’m constructing hats, clothes or whatever, I enjoy the challenge of creating something that’s unique,” she says.