TheSocialHat
New in Town
- Messages
- 19
- Location
- Raleigh, NC
THE MIDNIGHT BLUES COLLECTION — FIRST HAT OFF THE BLOCK!
Hello fellow Lounge members!
Following up on my recent posts about working with the vintage TONAK fur felt bodies I acquired from the historic Batsakes Hat Shop in Cincinnati, I wanted to share my latest finished hat and, as always, welcome your honest and constructive criticism.
After completing six hats from my Caribou Collection, I’ve moved on to something a little different: THE MIDNIGHT BLUES COLLECTION.
This is the first hat from that collection, made entirely by hand in my little workshop in Raleigh, North Carolina.
The inspiration comes from the classic American and European hat styles of the 1940s and 1950s. I wanted something understated, with a lower crown profile, a generous but balanced brim, and just enough ribbon detail to give it some individuality without overpowering the felt.
THE HAT SPECIFICATIONS:
The striped ribbon hook was my attempt to introduce a subtle vintage-inspired detail without making the bow too busy.
As some of you know from my previous posts, I’ve spent more than 25 years working in the headwear industry, including opportunities to visit and work alongside some remarkable hat manufacturers and craftspeople throughout Europe and the United States.
However, I certainly don’t consider myself a master hatmaker. I’m still learning, experimenting, making mistakes, correcting them, and enjoying every minute of the process.
I’m particularly grateful for what I’ve learned over the years from Grant Sergott of Optimo Hatworks in Bisbee, Arizona, and the late Gus Miller of Batsakes Hat Shop in Cincinnati.
Now, I’d genuinely appreciate the Lounge’s opinions!
What do you think of the crown-to-brim proportions? Does the 4-inch teardrop work with the 2¾-inch brim?
How about the charcoal grey ribbon against the midnight blue felt? And does the striped ribbon hook complement the bow, or would you have approached it differently?
I’m especially interested in hearing from the experienced hatmakers and collectors here. Please don’t hold back on constructive criticism. That’s one of the reasons I enjoy sharing my work with this community.
For me, there’s something very satisfying about taking a vintage fur felt body that has been sitting unfinished for decades and finally giving it a new life.
The felt may be vintage, but the hat’s story is just beginning.
Handcrafted in Raleigh, North Carolina, USA.
Thank you all for following along with my hatmaking adventures!
Hat People Always Shine!
Hello fellow Lounge members!
Following up on my recent posts about working with the vintage TONAK fur felt bodies I acquired from the historic Batsakes Hat Shop in Cincinnati, I wanted to share my latest finished hat and, as always, welcome your honest and constructive criticism.
After completing six hats from my Caribou Collection, I’ve moved on to something a little different: THE MIDNIGHT BLUES COLLECTION.
This is the first hat from that collection, made entirely by hand in my little workshop in Raleigh, North Carolina.
The inspiration comes from the classic American and European hat styles of the 1940s and 1950s. I wanted something understated, with a lower crown profile, a generous but balanced brim, and just enough ribbon detail to give it some individuality without overpowering the felt.
THE HAT SPECIFICATIONS:
- Felt: Vintage TONAK rabbit fur felt, midnight blue, dating back several decades.
- Size: 6 7/8 (US).
- Crown: 4-inch low-profile teardrop, hand-shaped.
- Brim: 2¾ inches.
- Ribbon: Vintage charcoal grey grosgrain.
- Bow: Handcrafted grosgrain bow with a contrasting olive, white, and blue striped ribbon hook.
- Construction: Traditionally hand-blocked, shaped, ironed, and finished using vintage hatmaking tools and equipment.
The striped ribbon hook was my attempt to introduce a subtle vintage-inspired detail without making the bow too busy.
As some of you know from my previous posts, I’ve spent more than 25 years working in the headwear industry, including opportunities to visit and work alongside some remarkable hat manufacturers and craftspeople throughout Europe and the United States.
However, I certainly don’t consider myself a master hatmaker. I’m still learning, experimenting, making mistakes, correcting them, and enjoying every minute of the process.
I’m particularly grateful for what I’ve learned over the years from Grant Sergott of Optimo Hatworks in Bisbee, Arizona, and the late Gus Miller of Batsakes Hat Shop in Cincinnati.
Now, I’d genuinely appreciate the Lounge’s opinions!
What do you think of the crown-to-brim proportions? Does the 4-inch teardrop work with the 2¾-inch brim?
How about the charcoal grey ribbon against the midnight blue felt? And does the striped ribbon hook complement the bow, or would you have approached it differently?
I’m especially interested in hearing from the experienced hatmakers and collectors here. Please don’t hold back on constructive criticism. That’s one of the reasons I enjoy sharing my work with this community.
For me, there’s something very satisfying about taking a vintage fur felt body that has been sitting unfinished for decades and finally giving it a new life.
The felt may be vintage, but the hat’s story is just beginning.
Handcrafted in Raleigh, North Carolina, USA.
Thank you all for following along with my hatmaking adventures!
Hat People Always Shine!
