The Cap Faction

[dh66]

Looks good from here Keith

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[mikespens]

Looks good from here Keith

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Agree, nice darts and the satisfaction that comes with what you've created Keith.

 

[Stuffsmith]

Thanks, Mike & Dale


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[Zombie_61]

View attachment 5917

Just at sundown - only enough time to snap the finish of my first cap ever. 8-dart with 1930's tweed, 1920's embroidered silk buttons and moire grosgrain. Patterned from my most beautiful 1920's deadstock flat cap. More pix in the daylight tomorrow. Many mistakes, but I'm happy. Onward and upward.

The light and shadows really show off the contours of that cap well! Nice work Keith, looks like a keeper to me. :eusa_clap

 

[The Wiser Hatter]

View attachment 5917

Just at sundown - only enough time to snap the finish of my first cap ever. 8-dart with 1930's tweed, 1920's embroidered silk buttons and moire grosgrain. Patterned from my most beautiful 1920's deadstock flat cap. More pix in the daylight tomorrow. Many mistakes, but I'm happy. Onward and upward.

Keith ideally you want to make the cap so that the darts dont even show. But this requires lots of work to get to that "point"

 

[Stuffsmith]

Thanks, Zombie!

Keith ideally you want to make the cap so that the darts don't even show. But this requires lots of work to get to that "point"

Hi Ed - ordinarily I'd agree with that, but this cap was made to replicate an 8-dart French cap from the late teens or early '20's that has sharp and pronounced darts (see pics).


This is why it is such a treasured vintage cap for me, because it is so different from the usual soft darts. I love this design and have plans to make several in different vintage fabrics I have. Unfortunately I did make the wool a bit too stiff with fusing, so the next one will have more drape...

Your comment about taking a lot of work to get it right, that's a big 10-4!

 

[Baron Kurtz]

Fusing?

 

[The Wiser Hatter]

If that is what you want. I find the pronounced dart. To be a sign of rough manufacture.
I have caps like this an tend not to wear them as I like a smoother look. A the darts being pronounced causes issues with the drape of the cap.

 

[Baron Kurtz]

I think you're almost there, Keith. Start pressing the shit out of the darts (all your weight on the iron) from the wrong side with lots of steam, if you're not doing so already. The darts'll still be prominent, but a bit more refined. Do you have a beating board?

 

[Two Types]

Keith,

What i really like about that cap is the way that it stands up from the head, rather than draping. That is the shape I like on a cap. It's something that used to be very prominent in central and eastern Europe - keep up the good work.

 

[Stuffsmith]

Thanks for all the input and perspectives, I really appreciate it guys!

Pete, what's a beating board? I'll definitely try that pressing tip!

Fusing: maybe that's just an Aussie term, but it's an iron-on fabric backing, like interfacing but cloth...

 

[Baron Kurtz]

No, I thought that's what you meant. Yukk! Over time this type of shortcut will make your hats look bad (puckering, wrinkling warping as the "glue" loses its hold unevenly. Best to do it properly from the get-go, I'd say.

Fusing: maybe that's just an Aussie term, but it's an iron-on fabric backing, like interfacing but cloth...

 

[Stuffsmith]

I Googled 'beating board' and came up with a lot of unsavory things that I don't think will make my caps better. Enlighten me!

 

[Baron Kurtz]

Just a smooth board that you whack the wrong side of the dart with when it's infused with steam, then press on it for about 1/2 minute to allow the steam to work for longer. It's good for when you want an especially flat press.

Pete, what's a beating board?

Re pressing with the iron - remember the pressing cloth!

 

[The Wiser Hatter]

A cap hat block is needed to get the proper shape. I know Johnny just picked one up.

 

[Stuffsmith]

1930's workwear cap #2. Vintage denims.

 

[Orangegrad]

You have the most amazing caps!

 

[The Wiser Hatter]

Stuffy is this one that you made or found? The smiling shark cap.

 

[dh66]

That is some impressive fabric Keith.

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[Orangegrad]

Just yesterday I ordered a custom cap from one of the gents here on the Lounge. Not sure what name he goes by here. This I know - his work is amazing. Now the wait...