Best place to buy felt hoods/capelines?!

[vonkliest]

Hi all,
First time poster here. Really enjoying everyone sharing their knowledge on the site.

I'm an aspiring milliner and am trying to figure out the best source to supply felt capelines for my hats. I've got all my blocks, tools, steamer, et al, but sourcing my felt has been difficult.

So far I've ordered materials from Manhatco in NYC and Hats By Leko out in Oregon. So far it appears that both places sell felt from the very same supplier and both are made in the Czech Republic. First off, I'd certainly prefer Made in USA felt; secondly, Leko, while having a great selection, is VERY expensive... on the other hand, Manhatco is fairly priced, but has a more limited selection.

Does anyone know where else to order felt from? I feel like I've gone to the ends of the internet searching for a decent supplier.

Thanks so much in advance for taking the time answer my query.

Sincerely,
Steven Wayne

 

[RJR]

From what I've read here most use Winchester out of TN.

 

[vonkliest]

From what I've read here most use Winchester out of TN.

Yeah I noticed that -- what's the best way to contact them? It appears they don't have a website, just a phone number, so no way to see their inventory before I call?

Thanks for the reply.

 

[fedoracentric]

I wonder if they sell in singles? I mean, aren't they just a wholesale place? Wouldn't you have to buy a bunch of them at once?

 

[RJR]

I would call and ask.

 

[Chris Cole]

Yeah I noticed that -- what's the best way to contact them? It appears they don't have a website, just a phone number, so no way to see their inventory before I call?

Thanks for the reply.

Hey there Vonkliest - did you ever find out how to get in touch with them? In a similar predicament and curious if you had success with Winchester, or if you found another option.

 

[Moviehats]

Hey there Vonkliest - did you ever find out how to get in touch with them? In a similar predicament and curious if you had success with Winchester, or if you found another option.

Call Greg at Winchester. He can set you up and they are the best quality I've found. Nice people.

 

[Chris Cole]

Call Greg at Winchester. He can set you up and they are the best quality I've found. Nice people.

Great advice! Just called Greg and he was phenomenally helpful. Thanks so much for the help!

 

[Fed in a Fedora]

Great advice! Just called Greg and he was phenomenally helpful. Thanks so much for the help!

Is there a minimum order required?

 

[Chris Cole]

Is there a minimum order required?

Didn't seem like it. I've read that other people on this forum have had different experiences, but they don't do wholesale price breaks so I don't assume that there are minimums.

 

[Moviehats]

Is there a minimum order required?

No. I buy 1 or 2 at a time. Of course the more you buy the less cost of shipping for each one.