Show Us Your Hats!

[Rengrrl]

What did you use to keep the feathers up right?


Very fantastic on both of the hats!

Thanks for all the comments!

The feather section is actually four different pieces.  The three pieces that face forward and spill over the crown are the ostrich feather and pheasant plumes.  Two squares of black felt for each.  I glue three ostrich feathers and various pheasant feathers to a square of felt, then put a piece of felt on the back to "sandwich" the quills, leaving a flap of felt on the bottom and sides.  The section that faces backward has the lady Amherst, peacock and various other bobs.  That is a wide enough strip of felt to cover the three ostrich sections and press them against the crown of the hat when they're tied down.  I then stright pin the three ostrich sections directly to the crown, then the peacock one over it, then secure with a wide strip of gold fabric tie, leaving "tails" hanging down the back of the neck.  I add several more ties, winding them around the hat to stabilize the feathers and tie them off at the back.  I then creat a flounce by arranging the tails and straight pinning them directly to the back and side of the brim.

It is exceptionally secure.  I usually need to "repack" it twice a run just to keep it firm- and it NEVER is worn in the rain- the ostrich feathers are dyed and will run.  The stiffness of the ostrich plumes and the ties keep it upright, the peacock and pheasant feathers normally get farmed out and clipped every so often because they do break, I clip them down to the felt and glue in more.  I've yet to replace an ostrich feather, though I've clipped the worn tips off several to clean them up.

The top of the crown has already been reinforced with leather, but now the sides are starting to become weak, especially in the back where the weight of the feathers have been pushed against it.  The hat has reached maximum capacity.  Might be time for a new base!

[Rengrrl]

Ok and I am not sure it is totally finished.  I had found some white pearls as I finished and went.. hmmm. A friend suggested I get cream, light pink and black pearls and have them draping and hanging off of it.. and I am seriously thinking of it.. a winter activity perhaps?

I am also thinking of attaching a band on the inside where it rubs against my head, and to cover the threads that are there. still not sure what to put there and how to attach it securely. I will likely end up sewing something in there...

No hat is ever finished!!!!  Great job!  The little details are what makes them so neat, it took people forever to figure out there was actually a small bird in Nigel Armani's hat!

I usually put black grosgrain ribbon around the inside of the band and handstitch it in.  I used to put cream or a color, but sweatstains show up really quick.  Wool tends to be too warm and changes the size because it's thick- and it's itchy on me..  Good luck!

[Katie Bookwench]

Oi...  got sucked into this website by Pipere...  Wow!  I've been searching Google for renfair pics and costume reference and there's a ton already here!

Here are two hats I've done.

Welcome to the sewing madness, Lady!

I don't remember the two etifets - but they are gorgeous!

I know someone who may want you to help her out with making one for her. I'll send her your way, if she's not already busting down your door after seeing those pictures. 

[Lady L]

Ohhhhhh Ahhhh, I LOVE that attifet! 

(sorry if I spelled that wrong)

[WaywardWench]

Welcome to the sewing madness, Lady!
I don't remember the two etifets - but they are gorgeous!
I know someone who may want you to help her out with making one for her. I'll send her your way, if she's not already busting down your door after seeing those pictures. 

If that's not pointing towards me, it should be.
We've talked about it before. It seems our schedules never merged to get it off the ground. Maybe this year?

[Auryn]

rengrrl
I bow to your talent
that is beyond jaw dropping

[Don Giovanni de' Medici]

Alas, my hat was stolen at this past years show at BARF.  I will most likely never get it back, but it was all hand made.  Oh well, here it is none the less.  If you do see it though please PM me!

[Tixi]

wow - nice hat and insanely fantastic garb.

...also - sorry for your loss

[Lady Kathleen of Olmsted]

The pearled creation is OUTSTANDING!!! Great work!!  PRICELESS!!!

[DonaCatalina]

Alas, my hat was stolen at this past years show at BARF.  I will most likely never get it back, but it was all hand made.  Oh well, here it is none the less.  If you do see it though please PM me!

Very Very nice hat.
I hope it turns up someday.

[Lady Kathleen of Olmsted]

Losing one's hat is the pits! Hope it turns up!

I need to make the Earl a new hat this week! A Tall Arched brimmed one in Black Velveteen.

[Marietta Graziella]

I hope to get a much better picture of me wearing it.  All the ones I have, I'm making a goofy face-I think.

[Syrilla]

You guys soooo make me want the Queen to wear a hat.  Sigh..

[Margaret]

MG - I love that hat and your limey green gown!

[Athena]

MG, I love that hat!!!!! Totally droolworthy!