Hey UK! Where do you buy your hats?

[TheDane]

I absolutely second carranty, and a connection to someone that can make blocks and flanges is a really good help to carry it further

 

[bloc]

While I completely agree with what TheDane just said, I think you're right that this is exactly the way to do it. Start small. Perhaps start with the equipment to make a hat that would fit your spouse/friend/close relative etc, to give you practice in hat making itself. To do custom hats, for everyone, is indeed quite a task, but you could perhaps initially just gather together some of the more popular size/shape blocks, and just offer hats made on those those (which is really all that the current UK hat retailers do anyway, just set styles in 4 or 5 different sizes), then move onto custom if you think it'll be economically viable. To bring in some extra coin you could offer a re-ribbon, binding service -- I know I have a couple of Akubras I'd like a different ribbon on but don't dare do myself. It just isn't worth the expense for me to send the entire hat to the US and back just for a $35 service.

Thanks for that, carranty, those were my thoughts. I know plenty of chaps who will test out my hat-making skills, I've already started bartering. I'm hoping that my block maker will make my next block or two in exchange for a hat. I have done ribbon replacements etc on men's hats in the past and will definitely continue to do so. My sewing skills are pretty good, I think my knowledge has some catching up to do. In the meantime, if anyone in the UK has any old (not precious at this stage) hats that need some kind of refurb I would be happy to have a go for nothing (if you could pay the postage and perhaps give me some feedback). PM me. Onwards and upwards...

 

[bloc]

Thank you TheDane. All advice and comments very gratefully received.

 

[Topper]

Milliners and Hatters can both be "Hat makers" - But the Hatting is much more Tool/Manufacturing orientated than Millinery. They are not the same, the investment in becoming a Hatter is not quick, cheap or simple.

Thanks for the advice. It's always good to have a reality check and that does all sound overwhelming. My ladies hats are bespoke so they are made to measure but I don't have the mountain of hat blocks you describe. On the plus side I do have a local chap who makes blocks for me which should save a lot in the wood department and I do have a lot of equipment already. I don't have tens of thousands to spend in one go by any means. I wonder if I can build up the necessary block pile piecemeal. There is a lot to think about and the hat-making will definitely have hobby status alongside the millinery business while I try it out.

 

[SevenandaQuarter]

I bought a very nice Trilby from T Snook in Bridport, Dorset - http://www.snooksthehatters.co.uk/

Other than that I've bought some Jaxon caps by mail order from Village Hats - http://www.hatsandcaps.co.uk/