home made hats?

[Lorne]

Hello all,

After taking a few hats apart, I've realized that they aren't that complex. That lead me to look up felt making, which isn't that complex either. That has lead me to this website:


http://www.hatshapers.com/Felting_Instructions.htm

Does this look too easy, or what? Am I just suckering myself?


Lorne

 

[Pilgrim]

This reminds me of one of the earliest recipes recorded in the US. It's for Squirrel stew, and it begins "first, take your rifle and shoot a squirrel".

I suspect your felt project would begin with "first, wade into a stream and set traps. Once you've caught and skinned a beaver...."

 

[Maj.Nick Danger]

Easy?

I suppose if one had the time and the determination to actually go through all this, and a sufficient quantity of loose beaver hair. [huh]
But like I always say, "If a person really wants to do something, then just learn it and do it." We learn by doing. So if someone figured out how to make felt, and then hats out of that felt hundreds of years ago, then surely we can do better today.
I saw how you transformed a crummy old hat into a work of art. If anyone can do it, you can.
I admire your good old can-do attitude Lorne,...go for it!

 

[feltfan]

Where's Fedora when you need him?

Just don't expect to end up with a Cavanagh felt body...

 

[GentlemanFarmer]

Those guys at hatshapers are doing wool hats (sheep, alpaca, etc). I watched the videos and I know I'm better at PayPal.

 

[Bud-n-Texas]

Lorne, rarely are things as simple as they seem. Aside from that, if you feel inclined, I say go for it, one only knows, if one only trys. You may be a natural, a diamond in the ruff so to speak. Who knows, you may very well produce one better than a Cavanaugh. Art, who is a master, may one day seek your council.

 

[Dinerman]

ooh. this sounds like it could be fun to see if anyone actually is up to doing one. you could make that oh so perfect beater; something to wear to your favorite local folk festival.

 

[Art Fawcett]

Lorne, Bud is right, it's never as easy as it seems, but doable. that's exactly how I started a bit ago. Started tearing beaters apart to see how they were put together & said, heck, I can do THAT!!! Actually, that was about 16 yrs ago and I still haven't perfected it...but I'm working on it.

 

[Tudor]

Art,
The fedora you built for me is pretty close to perfect if you ask me.

 

[Art Fawcett]

Thanks Tudor.
It's a funny thing though. Seems that every hat I do I find something that could have/should have been done a little better or doesn't come out exactly the way I want. For me the key is to build every hat to the best of my skills at that time. Hopefully over time that skill level will improve. Someday I'd like to be considered "one of the best".

 

[Joel Tunnah]

...Someday I'd like to be considered "one of the best".

"Someday" has already come and gone Art!

Joel

 

[WEEGEE]

Enough people already think that day has come...

Originally Posted by Art Fawcett

...Someday I'd like to be considered "one of the best".

Art...your not a contender...your the World Champion.

 

[Art Fawcett]

Thanks Gents

but Lorne, how goes the progress? If I can help, please feel free to "pic my brain" through email or by all means, call.

 

[deanglen]

I admire Lorne's enthusiasm. Take the high road and make a hat!

 

[feltfan]

I admire Lorne's enthusiasm. Take the high road and make a hat!

I agree. I was just teasing with my earlier comment-
making a reference to recent posts regarding vintage vs.
modern felt quality. I am as curious as anyone to see
what you come up with.