Wellema Hat Co

[Bob Roberts]

A hat body is like a blank canvass and each artist will lend their own interpretation to creating the final piece while a different hat body could be likened to working with a different canvass.

 

[belfastboy]

What is the expected profit margin?
What will the market bear?

Yes, I would suspect that "what the market will bear" is the dominant factor in price. Bricks and Mortar in LA, SF, etc has to add a bunch as well, as opposed to no B&M or online solely.
It lacks the prestige of a "bespoke" hat box but then it sits in my closet and only I get to see it so the "custom" ones I make for myself for $15 work every bit as good as the bespoke. Michael's the hobby store sells great heavy duty boxes for $15 and I build an insert to store the hats the proper way. It works, and saves me money so I can purchase more hats!!!

 

[belfastboy]

A hat body is like a blank canvass and each artist will lend their own interpretation to creating the final piece while a different hat body could be likened to working with a different canvass.

And like a painting or other 'art' the value is in the eye of the buyer. The sceptical side of me has a hard time justifying paying $700 plus for a hat that I can purchase from numerous skilled hatters for much less. Perhaps if I possessed what I call stupid money I would spring for a $700 Winchester beaver felt hat just to see if there is any diff in interpretation or skill level. But alas I do not live at that financial level. At this time I go for bulk!!!

 

[Bob Roberts]

And like a painting or other 'art' the value is in the eye of the buyer. The sceptical side of me has a hard time justifying paying $700 plus for a hat that I can purchase from numerous skilled hatters for much less. Perhaps if I possessed what I call stupid money I would spring for a $700 Winchester beaver felt hat just to see if there is any diff in interpretation or skill level. But alas I do not live at that financial level. At this time I go for bulk!!!

I too, dont have oodles of disposable income. Winchester beaver felt hats from talented hatters can be gotten for less then $300. Good enuff for me.

 

[1mach1]

My first Wellema is being finished up this weekend. May have it late next week. Bone 50/50 rabbit/beaver western felt with 2" espresso grosgrain ribbon. 6" crown and 2 3/8" raw brim.
Will post more when it arrives.

Cody Wellema is a true gentleman. Enough said. Damian Monsivais always says the best things about him, and his work. I was impressed with the customer service. Always willing to talk, and very responsive to emails.

More to follow.....

 

[1mach1]

Received my Wellema last week, and am just getting around to posting it here. 50/50 beaver/rabbit FEPSA felt in bone with 2" vintage single bow chocolate brown ribbon. 2 3/8" raw brim, 6" open crown. Cody built this hat to resemble the 1930s look, and I couldn't be happier. I wanted a stronger, more durable felt, so he recommended the 50/50 blend. Its a western weight, with dress weight softness. The felt is soft and easily takes a crease, but the brim is stiffer, and will hold its shape in heavy weather and heavy use. I use the snot of my hats, and wear them hard. This one seems like it is up to the task, whether dressing up for dinner, or running a press or lathe in the shop. I had a great experience working with Cody, and hopefully his business blooms. This will not be my last Wellema.

 

[Frunobulax]

Looks good, Harv. The finish on that thing is sublime.

 

[EstherWeis]

Very nice Harvey!

 

[RJR]

Received my Wellema last week, and am just getting around to posting it here. 50/50 beaver/rabbit FEPSA felt in bone with 2" vintage single bow chocolate brown ribbon. 2 3/8" raw brim, 6" open crown. Cody built this hat to resemble the 1930s look, and I couldn't be happier. I wanted a stronger, more durable felt, so he recommended the 50/50 blend. Its a western weight, with dress weight softness. The felt is soft and easily takes a crease, but the brim is stiffer, and will hold its shape in heavy weather and heavy use. I use the snot of my hats, and wear them hard. This one seems like it is up to the task, whether dressing up for dinner, or running a press or lathe in the shop. I had a great experience working with Cody, and hopefully his business blooms. This will not be my last Wellema.

Very nice looking,congrats.

 

[moontheloon]

beauty Harv
been a fan of his work for some time

 

[FedOregon]

Sweet, Harv! Super nice lid. I love the colors you picked for felt and ribbon. I've been thinking about bone for my next hat, too, but having trouble deciding between brown or copper for the ribbon...

I'll bet you do enjoy the snot out of that beauty!

 

[belfastboy]

Great looking lid. Love the contrast of the felt and the ribbon.

 

[Daniele Tanto]

Received my Wellema last week, and am just getting around to posting it here. 50/50 beaver/rabbit FEPSA felt in bone with 2" vintage single bow chocolate brown ribbon. 2 3/8" raw brim, 6" open crown. Cody built this hat to resemble the 1930s look, and I couldn't be happier. I wanted a stronger, more durable felt, so he recommended the 50/50 blend. Its a western weight, with dress weight softness. The felt is soft and easily takes a crease, but the brim is stiffer, and will hold its shape in heavy weather and heavy use. I use the snot of my hats, and wear them hard. This one seems like it is up to the task, whether dressing up for dinner, or running a press or lathe in the shop. I had a great experience working with Cody, and hopefully his business blooms. This will not be my last Wellema.

Harv your choice of color and shape is really astounding!
Your Wellema is one of my favorite in your collection
Super!

 

[1mach1]

Thanks for all the comments and likes, y'all. Cody does nice work.

 

[moontheloon]

Thanks for all the comments and likes, y'all. Cody does nice work.

upon seeing your hat I have been in touch with Cody
super nice guy

 

[1mach1]

upon seeing your hat I have been in touch with Cody
super nice guy

That's great!
He's a pleasure to deal with.

 

[Bob Roberts]

Enjoy that beauty Harv! Looks super on you.

 

[1mach1]

Enjoy that beauty Harv! Looks super on you.

Thanks Bob!

 

[Rogera]

Long-hair brush finish. Tall crown, snap brim with 2" 1930's trim. Inspired by the late 20's - early 30's.

Is that a custom? That lid is spot on!

I love your lid Harv!!

 

[1mach1]

Is that a custom? That lid is spot on!

I love your lid Harv!!

Roger, thank you!

The hat you mentioned above is one of his customs. I believe its a long hair FEPSA.