I just attended a hat making class...

[Mr.Habanos]

I had a great experience at Pure Beaver's workshop. The first day was a lot of discussion, information, and overview of hat making techniques. Day two we started the hat making process and blocked my first hat. I then learned about the brim and using a flange, followed by cutting and sewing in the sweat band. Then we were on to fitting the binding and hand sewing it on. This took me a some time and effort, and I have the sore fingers from all of the needle work and pricking my fingers to prove it! Next we applied the ribbon and bow and finished it up. I must say that I surprised myself with the quality of the finished hat.

I'm new to making hats, but I've been into bespoke hats for years. I own about 10 hats from Optimo, 2 from Leon Drexler, 1 from Black Sheep Hat Works, and 1 from Northwest hats, as well as a bunch of Stetsons and other off-the-rack hats. I'm pretty picky about details, as any of these great hatters can attest to, and I was very pleased to see that under Tim's instruction I was able to make a hat that I found acceptable and am proud to wear. It might not be at the same level as these long-time professionals, but its close, and I'll pick up the rest thru practice and a lot of sore fingers. By the time class was complete, I had the one completed hat, and a second curled brim brown number that is blocked with the sweatband and lining completed. I just need to hand sew the binding and ribbon and it will be complete. I can't thank Tim enough for all that he was able to teach me. If your interested in making quality hats for yourself or for others, I highly recommend Tim's class. I received more information in one week than I've been able to gather in the last 10 years of internet research and reading about hat making. You really should check out Tim's class!

 

[Mustang Mike's Hats]

Time does truly fine work and it appears that you have a good understanding of his principles. I wish you all possible success if you continue in this endeavor!!

 

[Mr.Habanos]

Time does truly fine work and it appears that you have a good understanding of his principles. I wish you all possible success if you continue in this endeavor!!

Thank you Mike!

 

[belfastboy]

Time does truly fine work and it appears that you have a good understanding of his principles. I wish you all possible success if you continue in this endeavor!!

Good looking hat, congrats.

 

[Frunobulax]

Great looking hat. I envy you the experience.

 

[Short Balding Guy]

I had a great experience at Pure Beaver's workshop. The first day was a lot of discussion, information, and overview of hat making techniques. Day two we started the hat making process and blocked my first hat. I then learned about the brim and using a flange, followed by cutting and sewing in the sweat band. Then we were on to fitting the binding and hand sewing it on. This took me a some time and effort, and I have the sore fingers from all of the needle work and pricking my fingers to prove it! Next we applied the ribbon and bow and finished it up. I must say that I surprised myself with the quality of the finished hat. View attachment 333699 View attachment 333700 View attachment 333701 I'm new to making hats, but I've been into bespoke hats for years. I own about 10 hats from Optimo, 2 from Leon Drexler, 1 from Black Sheep Hat Works, and 1 from Northwest hats, as well as a bunch of Stetsons and other off-the-rack hats. I'm pretty picky about details, as any of these great hatters can attest to, and I was very pleased to see that under Tim's instruction I was able to make a hat that I found acceptable and am proud to wear. It might not be at the same level as these long-time professionals, but its close, and I'll pick up the rest thru practice and a lot of sore fingers. By the time class was complete, I had the one completed hat, and a second curled brim brown number that is blocked with the sweatband and lining completed. I just need to hand sew the binding and ribbon and it will be complete. I can't thank Tim enough for all that he was able to teach me. If your interested in making quality hats for yourself or for others, I highly recommend Tim's class. I received more information in one week than I've been able to gather in the last 10 years of internet research and reading about hat making. You really should check out Tim's class!

Thanks for posting about your class. I have been intrigued by the class and seeing your outcome really piques my interest. Congrats on your first hat - it appears fine and to be a solid wearable fedora. It is easily imagined how sore your fingers would be from the hand work on the binding edge. Professionals or experienced hatters make it look a lot easier than it really is. So cool!

Cheers for your learning, outcome and for Tim's new en-devour. Best, Eric -