Making my own hat: Questions

airforceindy · Post by **airforceindy** » Tue Mar 11, 2008 1:19 am

Like Mark Brody already did, I'm considering attempting my own hat-building project.
Can anybody here (including Mark Brody) speak to the quality of the felt used in the hoods and capelines available through www.hatsupply.com and www.judithm.com? I see www.hatsupply.com offers "6X beaver" and www.judithm.com offers "100% beaver" bodies, but I'm a little leery. Also, what is the most conducive form to start building a fedora from: the hood or capeline?

Thanks, Andy

Mark Brody · Post by **Mark Brody** » Tue Mar 11, 2008 2:33 am

When I called the lady at hatsupply.com, I told her exactly what my end goal was - a men's fedora. She was able to help my out with everything I needed for the project. I was originally asking for the beaver bodies that were advertised on the website, but she didn't have any available when I called. Instead, I went with what the invoice calls "Fur Felt Dress Hat Body -Chocolate 140-150 grams". Even though the invoice doesn't say it, the body was a capeline.

As far of the quality is concerned, I only have a few felt hats to compare it to. Overall, I'd say it's pretty good. It's very thick and pretty dense, so it should hold up well if you'll be abusing it. I can't really tell you a whole lot more just yet, 'cause I haven't even really had a chance to wear it. I'll know better in a few months time.

airforceindy · Post by **airforceindy** » Tue Mar 11, 2008 7:16 pm

Is the felt dense enough to sand down to Federation-thickness? I'm somewhat spoiled, with my Fed Dlx and AB, I just really like the feel of thinner felt. Were you able to find any other suppliers, perhaps with higher quality wares?

theinterchange · Post by **theinterchange** » Sat Mar 22, 2008 11:36 pm

Ok, I've been searching on eBay for some time now.. where should I be looking for a flange? I've searched all categories and then in crafts.

airforceindy · Post by **airforceindy** » Sun Mar 23, 2008 1:37 am

I've all but given up on ebay for flanges. First of all, they're hard to find. Second, they're even harder to find in 7 5/8 or 7 3/4. I've nailed down some block makers other than Lamode (Steve's block maker), and they're all in $100-160 range. Pretty spendy for starting up.

In regards to my previous post here, I've got THE felt supplier. Winchester Hat Corp, http://www.macraesbluebook.com/search/c ... any=513200 Ignore the website that's posted, just call the number that's listed. When you call, ask for Greg. The receptionist will ask who is calling; simply state your name and tell them that you were referred by some of his other clients. He is the felt supplier to some VERY highly regarded hatters in this forum and at the Fedora Lounge. I won't drop names. Best felt you can get in the States, and very reasonable pricing. He is very knowledgeable, and will guide you to find exactly what you want from him. On a side note, I'm sure he will appreciate all the business he can get, even small orders from the likes of us 'wannabe's. According to Art Fawcett, this has been a rather slow year in the hatting world, and a lot of businesses have been going overseas to China for felt. This has left quite a bit of overstock at Winchester; let's support our American small businessmen here, fellas.

Anybody looking for sweatbands and ribbon, I would suggest Jim of JW Hats in Salt Lake City, http://www.jwhats.com Talked with him on the phone a couple of times and he is extremely helpful and willing to assist aspiring hat makers.

Regards, Andy

theinterchange · Post by **theinterchange** » Sun Mar 23, 2008 9:56 am

I figured that much about eBay, I've been looking for several weeks now with no success.

Thanks for the info, has been most helpful. That's what I like about COW, good people who can give good advice or constructive critisisim.

Mark Brody · Post by **Mark Brody** » Sun Mar 23, 2008 10:19 am

It's easier to find flanges on eBay by searching "hat block". As far as comparing the thickness of felt is concerned, I can't really help you. I don't have a Fed, DP, AB, HJ, or anything else at the moment. Hats with thin dense felt are definitely nice, but I seem to remember noticing once (while watching ToD) that the felt actually looked pretty thick on his hat (I think it was the spike room sequence). When I saw one of THE hats in person, it was definitely pretty thick.

airforceindy · Post by **airforceindy** » Sun Mar 23, 2008 11:50 am

Very true, Mark, very true. My personal opinion is go for something that's gonna last longer rather than something that is SA but a weaker material. Perfect example: Adventurebilt. I hope you'll pardon me if I misread your post.

I've searched for 'hat block's and come up with squat. Lots of great looking stuff, but nothing in my size; it's all 6 7/8-7 1/4 stuff. Nowhere near big enough for my Sputnik head. I'll keep looking, but I'm leaning more and more towards just buckling down and ordering one to match the profile of my block.

Nicolas Jones · Post by **Nicolas Jones** » Sun Mar 23, 2008 3:04 pm

I am on my way to make my own hat,

I 've made a hat block, by casting some plaster in an ovoid cylynder, then I sculpted it with a cheese grater

.... and varnished it...

For the felt supplier??? I found a hat maker, who work 5 mm from my place, who agreed to sell me some fur felt hoods and capelines

.
(for what I know, you can make an Indy fedora with a hood or with capeline)

I'll sent some picture of the process when the hat will be done.

Nicolas Jones