tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-15343932507105210702024-02-14T05:51:18.939-08:00Hatstruck Couture MillineryA Blog Dedicated to the Promotion of Couture MillineryLee Duncan is HatStruckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03901392706213421170noreply@blogger.comBlogger115125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1534393250710521070.post-83381246935276340472014-10-01T01:06:00.001-07:002014-10-01T01:33:04.598-07:00Playing Catchup: My Fourth Place Contest Win; My Latest Millinery Sewing Machine Rescue<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0p0ghjoUckcVYCkN1UP2GPWdBNBNEhnU2zI2vY_jNQ_-zvtAw4gtsVAhQw0NTXTKEvv6aecMiYWEUvemcsizlvRb0Lq2IKq7bbNpDK43IaHNAmmaniF-AxQvZA3WXiRkPv3MfpBgAFfM/s1600/109_hatstruck_four_in_one_hat_all.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj0p0ghjoUckcVYCkN1UP2GPWdBNBNEhnU2zI2vY_jNQ_-zvtAw4gtsVAhQw0NTXTKEvv6aecMiYWEUvemcsizlvRb0Lq2IKq7bbNpDK43IaHNAmmaniF-AxQvZA3WXiRkPv3MfpBgAFfM/s1600/109_hatstruck_four_in_one_hat_all.jpg" height="206" width="320" /></a></div>
For those that don't follow me on FaceBook and/or are not a member of my Hatstruck Couture Millinery Group there, I thought I'd share a few things with you. One, I placed fourth in the Mad Hatters Society's millinery contest on FaceBook; and two, I rescued another millinery sewing machine.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhquXuzGYFszb4BH-I1mCWzd30epgfQySVxgX0sHPKCWpBKcQTIej2UFTe_dwIrRLVerFAm-twhYyi-_KPucRC4UYDirqY5NVOxdB90PQO6Kf4a1dbrZcQmPbrgd63VQvref-u9kjjfUCE/s1600/109_hatstruck_Trader_Joes_hat2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhquXuzGYFszb4BH-I1mCWzd30epgfQySVxgX0sHPKCWpBKcQTIej2UFTe_dwIrRLVerFAm-twhYyi-_KPucRC4UYDirqY5NVOxdB90PQO6Kf4a1dbrZcQmPbrgd63VQvref-u9kjjfUCE/s1600/109_hatstruck_Trader_Joes_hat2.jpg" height="200" width="198" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijdEA7YbwcL8hSd3xvQuFf9ppJGs9jUOdM07xLshuNvg8vNIok0HmrMTxngVnLahIwJydmTwCuVqP09xorhBJkTrhOEUL5VJLYJM_O6VgdyWVsCYMi2p-FvTX_4rLc_vExkb2RxTrGCq8/s1600/109_hatstruck_Trader_Joes_hat1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEijdEA7YbwcL8hSd3xvQuFf9ppJGs9jUOdM07xLshuNvg8vNIok0HmrMTxngVnLahIwJydmTwCuVqP09xorhBJkTrhOEUL5VJLYJM_O6VgdyWVsCYMi2p-FvTX_4rLc_vExkb2RxTrGCq8/s1600/109_hatstruck_Trader_Joes_hat1.jpg" height="200" width="155" /></a>Regarding the contest, I submitted two hats, the <i>Many Faces of a Mad Hatter</i>, for which I won fourth place; and a second hat, <i>Mad and Hungry</i>, which didn't place, but it was my favorite submission. My winning hat was actually a four-in-one-hat that could be worn four different ways. It could be worn brim only, crown only, brim and crown together, or brim with an origami fan attached. The fan fits under the crown when not in use.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9rjnzkVZuTYBtzMAkkyIZ4WUdbWyR2ZI1XgZUInlrFVOjZqTD7PgnJ3D5yVrWtWw8RjB58mA981gaVlWRE9Nt2mCIzUxlwsERDYfQYAvw-RZ5LEP6gr31SH3vSMYdXgYJgUbSipOTkBA/s1600/109_hatstruck_brim_binding_machine_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi9rjnzkVZuTYBtzMAkkyIZ4WUdbWyR2ZI1XgZUInlrFVOjZqTD7PgnJ3D5yVrWtWw8RjB58mA981gaVlWRE9Nt2mCIzUxlwsERDYfQYAvw-RZ5LEP6gr31SH3vSMYdXgYJgUbSipOTkBA/s1600/109_hatstruck_brim_binding_machine_1.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a>Finally, I rescued another millinery sewing machine. It's funny how some pass up diamonds in the rough. Or pass up something or someone because of a description or outside appearance. Well once again I picked up another millinery sewing machine for cheap, !cheap!. One of my straw braid sewing machines cost under $70, and this, my latest machine, a brim edge binding machine, cost lest than $80, both not including postage. When the painted machines come up for auction, some don't even have a braid foot, but sell for hundreds. <br />
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Anyway, along with this machine came a metal lift that lifts the machine up and off a table to accommodate the depth and size of a hat. Now I use a <a href="http://hatstruck.blogspot.com/2013/03/classic-millinery-techniques-my-love.html" target="_blank">bowl on my treadle</a> sewing machine table to lift my straw machine up. So this lift will come in handy for my other machines.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZj6aR1FsNmPy-Hr_kZKXClR8_V9SptBwNAgDTdKiAtl5GRpGNDhlXe1sNXW_kRdOkkgeMXa4b_QVepncwGPqLC8ZqTyupr8nGRrFyw1qjjpMCVsotZ0QZXhnpUv9m3ZJspXBw8WgKLMM/s1600/109_hatstruck_brim_binding_machine_3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiZj6aR1FsNmPy-Hr_kZKXClR8_V9SptBwNAgDTdKiAtl5GRpGNDhlXe1sNXW_kRdOkkgeMXa4b_QVepncwGPqLC8ZqTyupr8nGRrFyw1qjjpMCVsotZ0QZXhnpUv9m3ZJspXBw8WgKLMM/s1600/109_hatstruck_brim_binding_machine_3.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a><br />
Well, I cleaned my newly rescued gem up, and I made some minor adjustments to her, after which she sewed like a trooper. I've added these photos to show before and after the preliminary cleanup. After she was cleaned and a few adjustments made, she produced beautiful stitches. I'll make other adjustments and even may replace the foot and even interchange the binders since I have a number of binders that came from the auction I won.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw3sCw-6Ea85Pfp3O0M9i2KmMM7dJJ4skwV7k4PXKiu1XK6vlwkhfVU2TsxqXWytAB1iPhwME91EGCThr2pIubL8gNjfa_1BaIo65ls4ytdaEXyFqkUicGcTaEma6iDR3DZvyIcx0hdwI/s1600/109_hatstruck_brim_binding_machine.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjw3sCw-6Ea85Pfp3O0M9i2KmMM7dJJ4skwV7k4PXKiu1XK6vlwkhfVU2TsxqXWytAB1iPhwME91EGCThr2pIubL8gNjfa_1BaIo65ls4ytdaEXyFqkUicGcTaEma6iDR3DZvyIcx0hdwI/s1600/109_hatstruck_brim_binding_machine.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a>Please note that I'm not a sewing machine expert, but I can read and these are mechanical machines. Therefore, you will be able to do most fixes if you really want to, and if you take a little time to learn a little general (mechanical) sewing machine information. <br />
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Here is a little advice for those interested in purchasing one of these machines and refurbishing it. When considering a purchase, study the machine or machine images and try to determine what is missing from it. If something is missing, try to determine if the missing part is something that does not impact the usability of the machine. For example, a little less than half of the base of this machine was missing, but the seller pointed out that it could be mounted onto it's lift by showing an image of the machine screwed into it. Additionally, this was a straw braid machine originally, and I noticed that the spring wire was missing from <a href="http://hatstruck.blogspot.com/2010/12/how-to-sew-millinery-straw-braid-by.html" target="_blank">the tipper</a>. Since it was not being used as a braid machine, this was not important to me. In the images of the straw braid machine that I first mentioned above, there was a broken part on the front of the machine. Again this would not impact the machine's usability. However, since I had bid on and won an auction containing hundreds of attachments and parts for these machines, I had that particular part and I replaced it. Lastly, these machines, if used often are, or at least should be, oiled daily. This means that if not in use for a long time, the wheel will lock up (I guess this is the cause) from dirt and oil. Usually, I'd ask if the wheel was locked on the machine, but because I've been successful at unlocking them, this is of no big concern to me any longer.<br />
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What's sad is when people purchase machines that are strictly parts machines because they have mot taken the time to research them, or the seller is unfamiliar with the machine and describes it as being complete. I have a <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/hatstruck/sewing-machines-sewing-machine-repair-and-sewing-m/" target="_blank">Pinterest</a> board that has images of these machines. So take a look and be informed. You may also want to visit the Smithsonian Museum online. They have a sewing machine section that has better images, and they also have parts manuals. For the domestic versions, the Smithsonian caries users' manuals, including manuals for other antique sewing machines--free.<br />
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#millinery #couturemillinery #hatstruck #LeeDuncan <br />
<br />Lee Duncan is HatStruckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03901392706213421170noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1534393250710521070.post-67740736835048948502014-09-22T15:51:00.000-07:002014-09-27T05:35:35.618-07:00And the Winners Are! Official Hatstruck Competition Winners and Award of Prizes<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOSXF_soc6WxdGAlXtJw4hBhoElHdM_Tj848HK76vsFTEA5ZDm6rULrsNJC5yi7x_1-dZaiqR4HApX5kvInw_cP5-4n1FjagW-ca96T_6EmzI296v7Q8qKWC6k0yiw9JQXNoN4hfOWN5I/s1600/mar.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOSXF_soc6WxdGAlXtJw4hBhoElHdM_Tj848HK76vsFTEA5ZDm6rULrsNJC5yi7x_1-dZaiqR4HApX5kvInw_cP5-4n1FjagW-ca96T_6EmzI296v7Q8qKWC6k0yiw9JQXNoN4hfOWN5I/s1600/mar.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>1st</b> & <b>Judge's Choice</b>--Mar Balmón Montiel<b></b></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyPdkWjsJ8ur_M835sjsMmW0QPTUlSVoOXg-LPIbMdEzJXexfUR2tgLnEuiWBAPjsE85TQDIEH3UDXHYL2JfWqnDVr86ip5aPIeZNdnpwhlI28WUfEzdZVo-YWFS6TqpziYnf_gJYk3xU/s1600/zorza+-+Copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyPdkWjsJ8ur_M835sjsMmW0QPTUlSVoOXg-LPIbMdEzJXexfUR2tgLnEuiWBAPjsE85TQDIEH3UDXHYL2JfWqnDVr86ip5aPIeZNdnpwhlI28WUfEzdZVo-YWFS6TqpziYnf_gJYk3xU/s1600/zorza+-+Copy.jpg" height="200" width="105" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>2nd</b>--Zorza Goodman</td></tr>
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By now most of you have probably gotten word of the winners of the <b>The Hatstruck Millinery Competition--Elegant, Fun Couture Hats, 2014</b>. The competition, at least in my eyes was more than a success, with a few surprises on the side.<br />
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The winners are: <b>First in Competition</b>--Mar Balmón Montiel, Madrid Spain. Mar also won in the categories of <b>Design</b>, <b>Color</b>, <b>Presentation</b>, <b>Theme</b>, and <b>Innovation</b>.<br />
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<b>Second in Competion</b>--Zorza Goodman, Melbourne, Victoria, Australia.<br />
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<b>Workmanship</b> <b>and Judge's Choice</b>--Jill Cavanagh, <span class="_50f5 _50f7">Perth, Western Australia</span>. <b> </b><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_pUQGRMjf_KMppGqrWFQUwUDqFiLfqCJp3niMx__J8-5jo4oWq1nfHu6m-JbKnmO_qaFMvnO6utee-y0GNeUV7l3uQiAFFkJ8XQZgaxtzJ8b8qSwPAONgj2QCNOTvPWt70g9ADc2G0Co/s1600/%D0%A2%D0%B0%D1%82%D1%8C%D1%8F%D0%BD%D0%B0.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh_pUQGRMjf_KMppGqrWFQUwUDqFiLfqCJp3niMx__J8-5jo4oWq1nfHu6m-JbKnmO_qaFMvnO6utee-y0GNeUV7l3uQiAFFkJ8XQZgaxtzJ8b8qSwPAONgj2QCNOTvPWt70g9ADc2G0Co/s1600/%D0%A2%D0%B0%D1%82%D1%8C%D1%8F%D0%BD%D0%B0.jpg" height="200" width="160" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Wearability</b>--Татьяна Иванова</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><br /></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHgRjhtHp6hB3yJmluohHSksgP-QADHhaPDClMpq7Cu5Ujz647WpoTFkwHQ5dZ_k5Yiu1an83gFmt_MPLp7zNXWW6RkU7NWciAVAusEDBUopWfTwo5DnaRB_cI2mL-tXKE687AZRKurx8/s1600/jill+-+Copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhHgRjhtHp6hB3yJmluohHSksgP-QADHhaPDClMpq7Cu5Ujz647WpoTFkwHQ5dZ_k5Yiu1an83gFmt_MPLp7zNXWW6RkU7NWciAVAusEDBUopWfTwo5DnaRB_cI2mL-tXKE687AZRKurx8/s1600/jill+-+Copy.jpg" height="186" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Workmanship</b>--Jill Cavanagh</td></tr>
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<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKX0yOeul2XOLIUmRtGM00lZ7gR9tKwhbh8o_XAf18clyspJ1iW8CDscTxgjA3BW-Jg4Nzii9owN4jNwpokLdXmc64XWruGcc3tJKUTmCZsxD-5XnA_srHbt7yGjQIajnaUxMB0Orf8sY/s1600/cecile+-+Copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgKX0yOeul2XOLIUmRtGM00lZ7gR9tKwhbh8o_XAf18clyspJ1iW8CDscTxgjA3BW-Jg4Nzii9owN4jNwpokLdXmc64XWruGcc3tJKUTmCZsxD-5XnA_srHbt7yGjQIajnaUxMB0Orf8sY/s1600/cecile+-+Copy.jpg" height="200" width="140" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Judge's Choice</b>--Cécile Hammache</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
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<b>Wearability</b>--Татьяна Иванова, Moscow, Russia.<span class="_50f5 _50f7"></span><br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXm-Dw39c2lhf1uB_xxrft62dDLa0M0wqOzQ4wgb6L-BqXWc2NFSVG6t5ZsJkIsIzmKHK107EaO2Nskx7oHTlWR6jANJVAthrqKJmvwmQjxDuzhGwPC0eAWaHxQsB7oCR98DXzb_o1-2Q/s1600/ron+-+Copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjXm-Dw39c2lhf1uB_xxrft62dDLa0M0wqOzQ4wgb6L-BqXWc2NFSVG6t5ZsJkIsIzmKHK107EaO2Nskx7oHTlWR6jANJVAthrqKJmvwmQjxDuzhGwPC0eAWaHxQsB7oCR98DXzb_o1-2Q/s1600/ron+-+Copy.jpg" height="200" width="150" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Originality</b>--Ron Shelton</td></tr>
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<span class="_50f5 _50f7"> </span><b>Originality</b>--Ron Shelton, Lakewood, Ohio, of <a href="http://www.reshats.com/" target="_blank">Res Hats</a>.<br />
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There were four Judge's Choices (one for each judge), two of which have been acknowledged in winning categories. The two remaining are:<br />
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Mark Anthony Garvie--Dublin, Ireland; and Cécile Hammache (<span class="_5yl5" data-reactid=".19p.$mid=11411459929268=242a37b2c4bb29dbf99.2:0.0.0.0.0"><span class="null"><a href="http://www.aucouvreamour.fr/" target="_blank">Au couvre-amour</a>)</span></span>, <span class="_5yl5" data-reactid=".19p.$mid=11411459929268=242a37b2c4bb29dbf99.2:0.0.0.0.0"><span class="null"> Saint Antoine l'Abbaye, France</span></span>.<br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_VKpfsdqPdotQz1FHCRPsowAvH9Y32MR7294ZT9xlVaNk7MtYvqH0f-Tug5ktjTbnxZyd54LZNhpQ-Jn5GfuX-_zGd4Qh9sVF71LQblcrR7xAvVuyvtJZ6Sc-ksM4Obo1XjZvhIPYvEY/s1600/mark+-+Copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_VKpfsdqPdotQz1FHCRPsowAvH9Y32MR7294ZT9xlVaNk7MtYvqH0f-Tug5ktjTbnxZyd54LZNhpQ-Jn5GfuX-_zGd4Qh9sVF71LQblcrR7xAvVuyvtJZ6Sc-ksM4Obo1XjZvhIPYvEY/s1600/mark+-+Copy.jpg" height="180" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Judge's Choice</b>--Mark Anthony Garvie</td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"></td></tr>
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjji77Cu8SnqSLpMv90AJOmoR7cY1WLQotqUOEcGGPfXJVT1qxLGGBpV0I4Vy0N7fP57vRaXPc9IvUI6AXkW0sCPGhA9FlLDV9w0bBocwTmB0QztdrkexK1RRH7ZqKYgOBIPTnrC67i7GY/s1600/maria+-+Copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjji77Cu8SnqSLpMv90AJOmoR7cY1WLQotqUOEcGGPfXJVT1qxLGGBpV0I4Vy0N7fP57vRaXPc9IvUI6AXkW0sCPGhA9FlLDV9w0bBocwTmB0QztdrkexK1RRH7ZqKYgOBIPTnrC67i7GY/s1600/maria+-+Copy.jpg" height="145" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"><b>Honorable Mention</b>--<span class="fcg"><span class="fwb">María Patata Fría</span></span></td></tr>
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An <b>Honorable Mention</b> was extended<span class="fcg"><span class="fwb"> to María Patata Fría for her high score, No Residence Given.</span></span><br />
<span class="fcg"><span class="fwb"></span></span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: blue;"><span style="font-size: large;"><b>The Prizes--Top Prize! </b>besides the prize I'm awarding the <b>First in Competition, Anya Caliendo is also awarding a session with her in New York next year, 2015, valued at $1,750!</b></span></span><br />
<b> </b> <br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7QS0uINUHQXTceFG9jon2bERFCpnQ1oyRH-mbkAz4guyNHmMhevrAHtRzHeOmJiQFWPLPnfyzTveo6IzqMmLsRnPzboHR5-G1Ylu-cF8JHfo2ViHA3DCHbUja6pkqXl9xcsMGTuVmfoM/s1600/108_Priz1_hat_block+-+Copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7QS0uINUHQXTceFG9jon2bERFCpnQ1oyRH-mbkAz4guyNHmMhevrAHtRzHeOmJiQFWPLPnfyzTveo6IzqMmLsRnPzboHR5-G1Ylu-cF8JHfo2ViHA3DCHbUja6pkqXl9xcsMGTuVmfoM/s1600/108_Priz1_hat_block+-+Copy.jpg" height="200" width="186" /></a> First in Competition, <b>Mar Balmón Montiel</b>, will choose her prize first; followed by Second in Competition, <b>Zorza Goodman</b>. After they have chosen their prizes, the remaining winners will be randomly given a number and that number matched with the number on the gift, including the Judge's Choices.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZeQULgVJeRTRp-v9ntu9ptf6T3dIILFX8MZEhb6P98_fJXc7dgNu4CHvpFPQhBGH4vCURtJzIQhBKOZqW8DCnXz0OmYtTH7HcgLI93WYO0x6b89RqXy0WLmPHq-oCTbh9lVG2Ohl9goY/s1600/108_Priz2_hat_block.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZeQULgVJeRTRp-v9ntu9ptf6T3dIILFX8MZEhb6P98_fJXc7dgNu4CHvpFPQhBGH4vCURtJzIQhBKOZqW8DCnXz0OmYtTH7HcgLI93WYO0x6b89RqXy0WLmPHq-oCTbh9lVG2Ohl9goY/s1600/108_Priz2_hat_block.jpg" height="200" width="186" /></a> <br />
I have to thank my wonderful judges for the wonderful job that
they did in picking a wonderful and deserving group of winners. Besides
yours truly, my judges were, in alphabetical order Anya Caliendo, Essie
Edwards, and snd Shurie Southcott.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnCmZNxNZKXjxWZLrYxbA1zkgZK1B8rr1P5KNYCWq-ltvR0DPM7A6Gwswk-3G8SColFkF3kKfyyuwGS0hA2cahQuiBgn3mIXLlCs9rrZfxWR1xhyq7JLA7DIgZaoW8NVTCpWcpaQ69Fks/s1600/108_Priz3_hat_block.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjnCmZNxNZKXjxWZLrYxbA1zkgZK1B8rr1P5KNYCWq-ltvR0DPM7A6Gwswk-3G8SColFkF3kKfyyuwGS0hA2cahQuiBgn3mIXLlCs9rrZfxWR1xhyq7JLA7DIgZaoW8NVTCpWcpaQ69Fks/s1600/108_Priz3_hat_block.jpg" height="200" width="131" /></a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr4GcOwBhHUIuY-20NvLCYB2LFWUwA6dgCjFNgfNaswmRDN60BoYk8bjtcFqloqEmB0mENI3JqZE6Cd5eIHgcfxnqGSR79J72QUtT8N4AXwpOFzHG1N79ZWoYsfky3fW8TXdg1sdHD2Lo/s1600/108_Priz4_hat_block.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgr4GcOwBhHUIuY-20NvLCYB2LFWUwA6dgCjFNgfNaswmRDN60BoYk8bjtcFqloqEmB0mENI3JqZE6Cd5eIHgcfxnqGSR79J72QUtT8N4AXwpOFzHG1N79ZWoYsfky3fW8TXdg1sdHD2Lo/s1600/108_Priz4_hat_block.jpg" height="200" width="198" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCqfsAj9wl1EZV8fGx9FR2TRpC2O9rutXBxIhS_SVOk49f8SRxC_6vohYGDD5uOQsb_NvT9Mk9NDxa0qOY72Wc8hlUP5zC1l7wYq1jZ35TCFp0RtroYV3cM8AkwXah5iB9glQWxMwO3AQ/s1600/108_Priz6_hat_block.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgCqfsAj9wl1EZV8fGx9FR2TRpC2O9rutXBxIhS_SVOk49f8SRxC_6vohYGDD5uOQsb_NvT9Mk9NDxa0qOY72Wc8hlUP5zC1l7wYq1jZ35TCFp0RtroYV3cM8AkwXah5iB9glQWxMwO3AQ/s1600/108_Priz6_hat_block.jpg" height="200" width="198" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYcTCv24CBjkNX8eVULjNuTgpQVn3c2qoa16wd8ORDfCaStfBeF_smKFku358Tt8suyFkZn-zAXFrxTLWzByFpm8vRIm0maAKMILY81J3DCZPVZO7B2R6UawuDnyZRgU2luYRKvNfAWK8/s1600/108_Priz5_hat_block.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgYcTCv24CBjkNX8eVULjNuTgpQVn3c2qoa16wd8ORDfCaStfBeF_smKFku358Tt8suyFkZn-zAXFrxTLWzByFpm8vRIm0maAKMILY81J3DCZPVZO7B2R6UawuDnyZRgU2luYRKvNfAWK8/s1600/108_Priz5_hat_block.jpg" height="200" width="198" /></a> Anya is world known for her sophisticated avant-garde
millinery creations, bursting with color and her works having a unique style that sets
her apart from other milliners. Not only is Anya a milliner, she is,
from what I've heard, an <a href="http://www.anyacaliendo.com/millinery-courses/" target="_blank">outstanding millinery instructor</a>. Anya is published in books and <a href="http://www.anyacaliendo.com/press/" target="_blank">magazines</a>. She has a <a href="http://www.millineryatelier.com/" target="_blank">wonderful blog</a> and keeping with the aesthetics of her beautiful, colorful millinery creations, brings her wit and color into word and images there.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyqcWPotcmIZ7Veoo6c63kFFUqcRawi1FrH4dG1I8X4nQ88Jc8WR3adLHPEmnGYQgye4V51m6SW1jrZWqFkm-ofAJZBWsQXOgWrmXuC8p5OA5tIGDilPzFVVp5gwVU10Lyke9sXo6v3so/s1600/108_Priz8_hat_block.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyqcWPotcmIZ7Veoo6c63kFFUqcRawi1FrH4dG1I8X4nQ88Jc8WR3adLHPEmnGYQgye4V51m6SW1jrZWqFkm-ofAJZBWsQXOgWrmXuC8p5OA5tIGDilPzFVVp5gwVU10Lyke9sXo6v3so/s1600/108_Priz8_hat_block.jpg" height="200" width="198" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwYum8fNXFO_KldzoH-WWH3n7opFUFsITvaN7S_zNePSrERJvBTcDkpmwtYvREnWstyLZzEjYwdQD0BxjQlwwnFVHRyn-eeulGX8oXEgkTSI7VIb5D0zEwaozPd2q9V_ymd1P1UmV5QRU/s1600/108_Priz7_hat_block.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhwYum8fNXFO_KldzoH-WWH3n7opFUFsITvaN7S_zNePSrERJvBTcDkpmwtYvREnWstyLZzEjYwdQD0BxjQlwwnFVHRyn-eeulGX8oXEgkTSI7VIb5D0zEwaozPd2q9V_ymd1P1UmV5QRU/s1600/108_Priz7_hat_block.jpg" height="200" width="198" /></a>Mrs.
Essie Edwards just had to be one of my judges, over 60 years as a
milliner and teacher and seamstress, and one of my millinery instructors,
she is still a very stylish lady. She makes almost every stitch of
clothing she wears and her work is impeccable to this day. Going into her second year of retirement, Mrs. Edwards is now a volunteer teacher to her former students.<br />
<br />
Shurie Southcott, milliner and instructor, makes the most wonder hats that are fun and topnotch. Shurie specializes in <span class="_c24 _50f4"><span class="_c24 _50f4">Victorian-era hats and accessories.</span></span><br />
<br />
<span class="_c24 _50f4"><span class="_c24 _50f4"> </span></span><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRF74Upxb1c6RmzarEtfYd8Z6eOd9_8SfBoEj-c5Fy6EZl_-AoXLPtSFoWMnXzonlK6mv0TRWVrB1JIQIz6PIDiaRagfzts1BUUHJX9ZhzLqJshTH20K3Ds6hjeci1WwUnkdf9l3fyIZ0/s1600/108_Priz9_hat_block.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhRF74Upxb1c6RmzarEtfYd8Z6eOd9_8SfBoEj-c5Fy6EZl_-AoXLPtSFoWMnXzonlK6mv0TRWVrB1JIQIz6PIDiaRagfzts1BUUHJX9ZhzLqJshTH20K3Ds6hjeci1WwUnkdf9l3fyIZ0/s1600/108_Priz9_hat_block.jpg" height="200" width="198" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtiVNdlnEvk8_63E3u8Uy6Cg4LQjSA7DJ_NJ1peZtKikHGYzWc-GBilklgGKqxO9HaLcdZ64Jltnp2Lguf2G14AY5F-8_DtBOvDDPzTgjB8zxtueETeh1Ks3no1pU9djjk5iHi00x-l34/s1600/108_Priz10_hat_block+-+Copy.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjtiVNdlnEvk8_63E3u8Uy6Cg4LQjSA7DJ_NJ1peZtKikHGYzWc-GBilklgGKqxO9HaLcdZ64Jltnp2Lguf2G14AY5F-8_DtBOvDDPzTgjB8zxtueETeh1Ks3no1pU9djjk5iHi00x-l34/s1600/108_Priz10_hat_block+-+Copy.jpg" height="200" width="198" /></a><span class="_c24 _50f4"><span class="_c24 _50f4">Thanks to all of my judges; you too will receive a gift for your services. I thought I had that figured out, but for one of you, I have to go back to the drawing board. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span class="_c24 _50f4"><span class="_c24 _50f4">Again, thank all of you, even down to those that offered to help with postage. Fortunately, I guessed exactly who would most likely be participating in this competition, and having sold on Ebay before, I had already set aside for that expense. </span></span><br />
<span class="_c24 _50f4"><span class="_c24 _50f4"><br /></span></span>
<span class="_c24 _50f4"><span class="_c24 _50f4">Thank you for participating in my dream. I hope all winners can find some use for all of the junk I'm awarding. </span></span><br />
<br />
<span class="_c24 _50f4"><span class="_c24 _50f4"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Winner, please message me on the Hatstruck Couture Millinery Facebook Group page to leave your mailing information.</span></b></span></span><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdSUZh3aq8NMy-3FoFMHIaQfflA1IUz4w5HqpK7sHTKtchQK6JaVNoM_S5tNcXDn01le23IATZ3OSOCxj_gLtYeESgZu7o7yOrpzI_yTZjk9uHsNx_ID-MBsHRXgYzLneBugJc0ago9q0/s1600/108_Priz12_hat_block.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi4ah-sVHUznhi1Bqh1Fs_pyuZO8BSgAKctQH-4XpBlG7t-VgsA3Pc7_rb6PVUxRxP9xVkl1qN40L_Q4lOhB0N8fYWad9Kx4nB_opkHMbBDjsW2gv_APHJxTxmBi2j8uVSuYu2WN6QZkgA/s1600/108_Priz11_hat_block+-+Copy.jpg" height="200" width="198" /><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhdSUZh3aq8NMy-3FoFMHIaQfflA1IUz4w5HqpK7sHTKtchQK6JaVNoM_S5tNcXDn01le23IATZ3OSOCxj_gLtYeESgZu7o7yOrpzI_yTZjk9uHsNx_ID-MBsHRXgYzLneBugJc0ago9q0/s1600/108_Priz12_hat_block.jpg" height="200" width="198" /></a></div>
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<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjjGfAGPf6a76YuIw5ub-xPffm0QhuASReGxAuTcjFHMRD5BsTtzExt0CzNHwN0ARlWM3jyz4iqYnAz4MCZtCegEPOhVsWhf9jUzoYE-n8LV5uJpCBMpV7ZGcnqujFyXDgi_Mp-t4ErDM/s1600/108_Priz13_hat_block.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhjjGfAGPf6a76YuIw5ub-xPffm0QhuASReGxAuTcjFHMRD5BsTtzExt0CzNHwN0ARlWM3jyz4iqYnAz4MCZtCegEPOhVsWhf9jUzoYE-n8LV5uJpCBMpV7ZGcnqujFyXDgi_Mp-t4ErDM/s1600/108_Priz13_hat_block.jpg" height="200" width="198" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRfoLcwqrn2LVFBNeDZvHASnE8ljqCDBw_g5ZWTkKX6dYm4SbCWeZdINQy9j3PAMHvfFQux3PcO54GqJc9s4hWC8fQ3sLD3vSTPHjABS_EBxo72IUxzKzWEBTaYfyrdOv96Zbgj2tW9kc/s1600/108_Priz14_hat_block.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRfoLcwqrn2LVFBNeDZvHASnE8ljqCDBw_g5ZWTkKX6dYm4SbCWeZdINQy9j3PAMHvfFQux3PcO54GqJc9s4hWC8fQ3sLD3vSTPHjABS_EBxo72IUxzKzWEBTaYfyrdOv96Zbgj2tW9kc/s1600/108_Priz14_hat_block.jpg" height="200" width="198" /></a></div>
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#Millinery, #Hatstruck, #LeeDuncan
<!-- Blogger automated replacement: "https://images-blogger-opensocial.googleusercontent.com/gadgets/proxy?url=http%3A%2F%2F1.bp.blogspot.com%2F-0aDkQDeW3vY%2FVCBe4Cg1OFI%2FAAAAAAAAAww%2FIwtBZ_J8vHM%2Fs1600%2F108_Priz14_hat_block.jpg&container=blogger&gadget=a&rewriteMime=image%2F*" with "https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiRfoLcwqrn2LVFBNeDZvHASnE8ljqCDBw_g5ZWTkKX6dYm4SbCWeZdINQy9j3PAMHvfFQux3PcO54GqJc9s4hWC8fQ3sLD3vSTPHjABS_EBxo72IUxzKzWEBTaYfyrdOv96Zbgj2tW9kc/s1600/108_Priz14_hat_block.jpg" -->Lee Duncan is HatStruckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03901392706213421170noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1534393250710521070.post-41417934869595396192014-08-10T01:08:00.000-07:002014-08-10T01:08:04.652-07:00Another Little Competition Deadline Poke; Competition Prize Package Peak; More Buckram Form Discussion <div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB7I4yI18Mfv-9hBk7JL8N9EiuDr0FvfzgvJ-ZFI9TzrcTRIyj-5J_yzMaz_pXXmEGbq0RislqgzYV5ge3iizzrAErCk9rxCeL217RZGXIdcBB45DyfzgiA8K4JdmFexHfgYd8cx1vZO0/s1600/106_hatstruck_straw_hat_bodies_hoods_capelines_cartwheels_all.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img alt="Straw Millinery Supplies and Hat Stretcher" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgB7I4yI18Mfv-9hBk7JL8N9EiuDr0FvfzgvJ-ZFI9TzrcTRIyj-5J_yzMaz_pXXmEGbq0RislqgzYV5ge3iizzrAErCk9rxCeL217RZGXIdcBB45DyfzgiA8K4JdmFexHfgYd8cx1vZO0/s1600/106_hatstruck_straw_hat_bodies_hoods_capelines_cartwheels_all.jpg" height="320" title="Straw Bodies, Capelines, Cartwheels, Hood, and Straw Braid; and Hat Stretcher" width="320" /></a>This evening I thought I would continue the discussion from last evening: competition deadline; continued work on my buckram top hat form for the competition I will be entering; and finally, give you a peak at another prize for this competition..<br />
<br />
There's not too much I have to say about the competition deadline, except to remind everyone to read the rules and regulations. My <a href="http://hatstruck.blogspot.com/2014/08/deadline-for-millinery-competition.html" target="_blank">last blog post</a> will lead you to other posts and all will keep you up to speed. I wish all of you well.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-YITpw8zA-sZRBNA60GlqiSPuXbDNay05f4uFuWCDfnWHtKGe9mZ-rQqKmTvM6e0qBFSPX5W3UA74aQTebKR8S9dNkU2JYkSZvsHtdih65Ld4JCOz-YfCu8nErsgso4h2usLfh4cmSh8/s1600/106_hatstruck_straw_hat_bodies_hoods_capelines_cartwheels.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj-YITpw8zA-sZRBNA60GlqiSPuXbDNay05f4uFuWCDfnWHtKGe9mZ-rQqKmTvM6e0qBFSPX5W3UA74aQTebKR8S9dNkU2JYkSZvsHtdih65Ld4JCOz-YfCu8nErsgso4h2usLfh4cmSh8/s1600/106_hatstruck_straw_hat_bodies_hoods_capelines_cartwheels.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a>You've seen two prizes I plan to award, a <a href="http://hatstruck.blogspot.com/2014/06/prizes-for-hatstruck-millinery.html" target="_blank">five-section hat block</a> (the one I don't like), and a <a href="http://hatstruck.blogspot.com/2014/07/another-prize-for-hatstruck-millinery.html" target="_blank">strange, vintage department store hat display</a>. Well, here is another prize: eight capeline (cartwheel--wide brim) straws, one vintage straw hood, cello straw braid, and a hat stretcher.<br />
<br />
<b>Why the Hat Stretcher? </b><br />
<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJUW5mRy1XjabATpBOJdBbqoCxyxfSxAoO61qbcaBuXYvAzPoTsyAD06hcc_uHOtrM00fGWkRM1fE3VPVaSvdZfwjQvdNeExVkWa8nNuk__w_GsoPHsbrnAyxGnfg29RT1Y0Pm2tBLlIA/s1600/106_hatstruck_head_size_collar_lift.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img alt="Headsize Collars/Lifts" border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhJUW5mRy1XjabATpBOJdBbqoCxyxfSxAoO61qbcaBuXYvAzPoTsyAD06hcc_uHOtrM00fGWkRM1fE3VPVaSvdZfwjQvdNeExVkWa8nNuk__w_GsoPHsbrnAyxGnfg29RT1Y0Pm2tBLlIA/s1600/106_hatstruck_head_size_collar_lift.jpg" height="200" title="Headsize Collars/Lifts" width="200" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Headsize Collars/lifts</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
When we measure our head size (headsize) and get a measure of, let's say 22 1/2 inches (baby size compared to my headsize), for the purpose of making a hat, upon completion of the hat we will have added material(s), sewing thread, sweatband, etc. Well everything we added to the inside of that hat, even the thread or a knot, takes away from the headsize of the hat. So, the hat stretcher serves two purposes: (1) to return the hat back to it's intended size; and (2) to render a perfect sweatband. <br />
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What I've noticed is that when some sweatbands are sewn in, there is rippling in the band; the hat stretcher will eliminate this rippling. So, what if you have a small, say cocktail hat that you've blocked over a form and you are having sweatband issues? Force the hat back onto the block, and let it set for a while. Sometimes you may want to add a little steam to the area, but this is not necessary most of the time. What do you do if you've made a flat pattern hat and you are having issues. Make a head size lift (collar); the lift will also work if you don't have a stretcher for a regular size hat, just force the hat over the appropriate lift size. So it's always a good idea to have various sizes of headsize lifts in your millinery tool box. Remember to pay attention to small details, such as a rippling sweatband, etc., in order that your hat is seen as a professional piece.<br />
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<b>A Little More Work on My Top Hat</b></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqL2bGsXTf3O7IFxBoAhb5X6YaL8DQaB8g3M4wRoYva48LseqZK9JpV2N2RbHCjnMIEhj6jtTY8rH94-kji_JUc1hPWJxlyf4EzvYMVCZcw1r2aciN-yFPIXv7a5xcbFshe6toPRVK-XE/s1600/106_hatstruck_buckram_top_hat_pressed_form.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqL2bGsXTf3O7IFxBoAhb5X6YaL8DQaB8g3M4wRoYva48LseqZK9JpV2N2RbHCjnMIEhj6jtTY8rH94-kji_JUc1hPWJxlyf4EzvYMVCZcw1r2aciN-yFPIXv7a5xcbFshe6toPRVK-XE/s1600/106_hatstruck_buckram_top_hat_pressed_form.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a>Remember <a href="http://hatstruck.blogspot.com/2014/08/deadline-for-millinery-competition.html" target="_blank">last evening </a>that I was draping damp buckram bias strips over a candle holder that I was using as a makeshift hat block for my top hat form. Well after it dried I gave it a nice hot dry ironing, and it came out almost perfect. What the dry (without steam) ironing did was to remove some of the bumpiness from the frame. I will still mull (pad) it with another material in order to give the finished hat a richer appearance. <br />
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The importance of the bias draping without pinning is that this process opens up an opportunity to use any object that you come across to use as a hat block, no matter what its shape is. Please view my post on the <a href="http://hatstruck.blogspot.com/2010/01/draped-vase-hat.html" target="_blank">Vase Hat</a> to see how I completed the vase form. I've refined the method more since this post, and I no longer remove the entire top of the form.<br />
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Anyway, once again good luck on the competition!<br />
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<br />Lee Duncan is HatStruckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03901392706213421170noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1534393250710521070.post-56396821486251678132014-08-08T13:20:00.001-07:002014-08-08T18:32:01.521-07:00Deadline for Millinery Competition Drawing Near; Burning Millinery Feathers; Preparing for a Competition I'll be Entering<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8BMQefcFBhfbOOQvqeg9dWaOMLdQfJsspgg0IzmIob0l5Vqo3Gf5QDoTE43vn2vVUBj3LaOGSSr148Ig02Ek3rj2Dkt0xpRWijfrb_DsciI_6CPZFFeGl742bMkVsOxqHEBj6nYSGhL0/s1600/105_hatstruck_candle_holder_hat_block.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg8BMQefcFBhfbOOQvqeg9dWaOMLdQfJsspgg0IzmIob0l5Vqo3Gf5QDoTE43vn2vVUBj3LaOGSSr148Ig02Ek3rj2Dkt0xpRWijfrb_DsciI_6CPZFFeGl742bMkVsOxqHEBj6nYSGhL0/s1600/105_hatstruck_candle_holder_hat_block.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
By this time many of you are either excited about the Hatstruck millinery competition here, or you will be glad when it's over so that I can get on with discussing hat making. Well I'm in both camps. This post is written for three purposes: (1) a reminder that the competition will be ending in a few days; (2) to share a few tips on burning feathers to use as millinery trim or for other purposes; and (3) to discuss what I will be doing for the next couple of weeks as I prepare for the competition I will be entering into--the <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/madhatterssociety/" target="_blank">Mad Hatters Society</a> competition on FaceBook.<br />
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<b>The Hatstruck Millinery Competition--Elegant, Fun Couture Hats, 2014</b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVGT9rTFhBLJHySe2BV4Y67N1WZo_rDncMGNbQkcxyyGbWolv1rc5V-GzJhDDbwj_W1wmqC2MPz77U9P_FrxpeKVbh9okZtruM1bHcfI12KojK0voh5HzSzxoDKULr2c4Uh9loacm5DZA/s1600/101_hatstruck_facinator_cocktail_hat_poster_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiVGT9rTFhBLJHySe2BV4Y67N1WZo_rDncMGNbQkcxyyGbWolv1rc5V-GzJhDDbwj_W1wmqC2MPz77U9P_FrxpeKVbh9okZtruM1bHcfI12KojK0voh5HzSzxoDKULr2c4Uh9loacm5DZA/s1600/101_hatstruck_facinator_cocktail_hat_poster_2.jpg" height="200" width="115" /></a>I have gotten messages from some of you stating that you will be entering the contest in the last hour. I understand that because that is exactly what I do when I enter contests. However, since one of the requirements for entering this contest is that you be a follower of this blog (you may unfollow it after the competition is over), it is important that you complete this process so that I may approve your entry for judging. Please, I do not want to disqualify anyone. There will be no exceptions. Also, I need to be able to identify you if you are under a screen name other than your given name, so please make sure that you let me know who you are. For competition <a href="http://hatstruck.blogspot.com/2014/07/another-prize-for-hatstruck-millinery.html" target="_blank">rules</a> and <a href="http://hatstruck.blogspot.com/2014/07/another-prize-for-hatstruck-millinery.html" target="_blank">regulations</a>, please visit the two linked <br />
locations in this sentence.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Please Note!!! </b></span><br />
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<b>In order to obtain a higher score in the competition, don't forget to show the inside of your hat, etc; remember that the competition has a theme; review the winning categories to get an idea of what is needed to do well in the contest (presentation, theme appropriateness, workmanship, etc.). Good luck!</b><br />
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<b>The Competition that I'll be Entering </b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeIaz4RQDp4JBmlP5JFAa69JcL27YM004vUe-euwgHKJDFDe-gPjRD1kg9PW-dU2XlyS_oRV4gqzj-17CXRmM8eFraxrsDHJGGU-5rNvZEJLXdQrZ-EpR-9fY4Yis39-WSK2_D9OXIcU0/s1600/105_hatstruck_candle_holder_hat_block2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjeIaz4RQDp4JBmlP5JFAa69JcL27YM004vUe-euwgHKJDFDe-gPjRD1kg9PW-dU2XlyS_oRV4gqzj-17CXRmM8eFraxrsDHJGGU-5rNvZEJLXdQrZ-EpR-9fY4Yis39-WSK2_D9OXIcU0/s1600/105_hatstruck_candle_holder_hat_block2.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a></div>
Yes I'm entering another competition. You've heard it before--competitions force me to make hats; plus, they force me to design and make something other than what I would normally make. Although I will be (or plan to) make three hats, I will only concentrate on one hat, the other two will be ordinary, boring hats. So, for my extraordinary (in my head) hat I've gathered beads, silks, and velvet, and burned some feathers. Many times I don't even use the materials I purchase for a competition, but this time I will, I must; at least a tenth of them. I really should start selling some of these hats to recuperate some of my money.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaDw-n2dU-Mgc4djwF7GxQaSscLWXHHlwr9XZvwGqEPOe8jBrREwEaav_nSUZXFf-_CuNDu0swwhLTE_rduujKiICzVTbqw3NSDOJ-PI_DfAojlAGn6VkAj-ly_y4c3onf4aF2Zth-q6E/s1600/105_hatstruck_candle_holder_buckram_frame.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaDw-n2dU-Mgc4djwF7GxQaSscLWXHHlwr9XZvwGqEPOe8jBrREwEaav_nSUZXFf-_CuNDu0swwhLTE_rduujKiICzVTbqw3NSDOJ-PI_DfAojlAGn6VkAj-ly_y4c3onf4aF2Zth-q6E/s1600/105_hatstruck_candle_holder_buckram_frame.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a>Anyway, the theme for the Hatters competition has something to do with a mad hatter. So I'm using one of my candle holders--shown in the image above--to block my top hat form over. Usually I pin and nail into my bowls, candle holders, etc. (not my hat blocks!), if I can, but this time I will not be doing so because I like the holder and I don't want to destroy it.<br />
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Well, I've draped some bias strips onto the holder using my favorite millinery material, buckram. Buckram is perfect for this shape because it sticks to itself, therefore I don't have to secure the buckram to my alternative, makeshift hat block. The resulting form does not have to be perfect because it will be mulled (padded/covered) with another material to smooth it out in order to ready the form for its final outer cover material. So, why didn't I create a perfect flat pattern? Because I'm lazy, and when you know how to, you don't have to....<br />
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Anyway, the form is drying now, and when it has dried I will remove it from the candle holder, wire it, and mull it, etc. I'll share those images with you as I proceed. In the background of the image you'll see the feathers I burned, plus a few other feathers I may use on my EXTRAORDINARY design. Because it's a top hat and it has been around for at least a couple of centuries, worn by men and women, I don't see how I could improve very much over many of the beautiful ones I've seen over the years. Plus I figured since I'm always writing about couture hats, I should at least make one every once in a while. I must also note that I didn't have to make a top hat to satisfy the theme for the competition; I could have gone another route--not so literal, abstract. I just wanted to make a top hat. Speaking of feathers, I thought I would share a few tips on how I improved the appearance and texture of my burnt feathers. I should mention here that, although I have a sketch and a general idea of what I will be making, I can't guarantee you that any of these feathers or jewels will be on the hat,; we'll see.<br />
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<b>A Few Tips on Burning Feathers for Millinery Trim</b> <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhevZ62WJdzSvE_NwtH5sIgq3wplUr2M60NQ_uD5aeiwxAv5NdaMVEzD1jfmhznIFg14ukLGxXsEcTX057tjyGRmZ7RX1pYvNxeif14jfQFNFJAy-aU36dYayvrZcIpBLViBx-l5FHxhr4/s1600/feather_parts4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhevZ62WJdzSvE_NwtH5sIgq3wplUr2M60NQ_uD5aeiwxAv5NdaMVEzD1jfmhznIFg14ukLGxXsEcTX057tjyGRmZ7RX1pYvNxeif14jfQFNFJAy-aU36dYayvrZcIpBLViBx-l5FHxhr4/s1600/feather_parts4.jpg" height="142" width="200" /></a>Okay, by now some of you are familiar with the term feather burning. Simply stated, it is the removal of portions of the feather (lesser barbs) with a caustic substance; in the case of feathers burning, the caustic substance is bleach. Today the word Clorox and bleach have become synonymous, no matter its manufacturer. Just a little note here, I pin many resources on my <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/hatstruck/" target="_blank">Pinterest board</a> because there is more room there than it is here on the blog. While you are doing your millinery research, feel free to visit it and to also follow me, as I update the millinery boards quite often. Above is an image of the anatomy of a feather. Just by viewing it you may get an idea of the portion of the feather that will burned away (I'll call the areas "the lesser barbs"--the more fragile parts of the feather).<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikVgVsk2TQHoQO5E0lufs1kaQEjPtAsfLHIjjxyHA0Ixz94UMb-njGsHbTunJzX4We-K_Ip5L3EoOc1dOZ7Rz6mzIxp5BjAe4gEAGiLI8maaeYzU0qlVk3kjeEBP3V7Qjt24GJdbnFqUM/s1600/105_hatstruck_burning_millinery_feathers_neutralized.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikVgVsk2TQHoQO5E0lufs1kaQEjPtAsfLHIjjxyHA0Ixz94UMb-njGsHbTunJzX4We-K_Ip5L3EoOc1dOZ7Rz6mzIxp5BjAe4gEAGiLI8maaeYzU0qlVk3kjeEBP3V7Qjt24GJdbnFqUM/s1600/105_hatstruck_burning_millinery_feathers_neutralized.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a><br />
On one of my Pinterest boards, "<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/hatstruck/millinery-how-other-milliners-and-hatters-do-it/" target="_blank">How Other Milliners and Hatters Do It</a>," there is a pin on burning feather; more specifically, <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/88172105177656560/" target="_blank">the direct link is here</a>. The tutorial came from a very good costuming site, <a href="http://lynnmcmasters.com/" target="_blank"><i><span style="font-family: Times New Roman, Times, serif; font-size: small;">Costumes by Lynn McMasters</span></i></a>. So basically I followed those instructions, but I went a little further because my feathers didn't look as professional. After I burned my feathers, the remaining lesser barbs were stiff and some were stuck together. So I thought that I didn't rinse them well enough. Then I thought, after a few experiments, that not rinsing enough was not the issue. So I hurt my little brain (thinking) trying to figure out the problem. It came to me that when we dye or bleach hair (or bleach clothing for the purpose of removing color), we have to neutralize the bleach--stop the process of eating away at the material (causing the lesser barbs to melt together). So in order to stop the process, I had to find out what would neutralize bleach, soda--from my research on the Web. So for me this worked better. After burning, rinsing, drying, steaming, and coming, the results is shown above. The feathers at the top of the image have not been neutralized, while the feathers at the bottom have been neutralized. Also, I found that the regular bleach is better because the non-splash type bleach is harder to rinse from the feathers because of the bleach's thickness. Although the feathers above have a medium burn, you can leave them in the bleach longer to obtain more burn--a more wiry look.<br />
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Happy bleaching everyone!<br />
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<br />Lee Duncan is HatStruckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03901392706213421170noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1534393250710521070.post-15500065252320958072014-07-31T10:55:00.000-07:002014-07-31T12:33:29.199-07:00Vintage Hat Pins, The Millinery Competition, Etc.<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjbnIJpQls2Hzg2tTDQKEHPFR5Xntt3sLYKdHGb_QlxB5rP6mNvIDrn_-0yD8Q065OmEdIbQ6XLmxNSEPr_EcR51vssuC-OBfTgzX5JiM5UDPXgQQw2FSF_szptagFlsU8bC0ACOqNrhE/s1600/104_hatstruck_vintage_hat_pins_3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgjbnIJpQls2Hzg2tTDQKEHPFR5Xntt3sLYKdHGb_QlxB5rP6mNvIDrn_-0yD8Q065OmEdIbQ6XLmxNSEPr_EcR51vssuC-OBfTgzX5JiM5UDPXgQQw2FSF_szptagFlsU8bC0ACOqNrhE/s1600/104_hatstruck_vintage_hat_pins_3.jpg" height="400" width="286" /></a>I was out all day yesterday, running various errands. I finally ended up at my favorite local thrift shop where I found the five vintage hat pins in the images. I had seen them several times before. They started out in the boutique, and since they didn't sell they were kicked out of the boutique and landed in with the regular stuff. Lucky me because I purchased the five pins for $12, the longest pin being 10 1/2 inches long. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9BNjzb7pMz1CED_H_iwpcjNMtOJ9cjasSu8N62SJQY99hIMrxKAxplos6OivTR30tpx37BvZIRRzWSGlX21iwzLXV_UjM75CvFZqYAqNImBITP8cevCCGv6YIMQmLXs9hC0w-KwquxTw/s1600/104_hatstruck_vintage_hat_pins.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9BNjzb7pMz1CED_H_iwpcjNMtOJ9cjasSu8N62SJQY99hIMrxKAxplos6OivTR30tpx37BvZIRRzWSGlX21iwzLXV_UjM75CvFZqYAqNImBITP8cevCCGv6YIMQmLXs9hC0w-KwquxTw/s1600/104_hatstruck_vintage_hat_pins.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a><br />
The little vintage child singer sewing machine (ca. 1951) is something that I always wanted. I picked it up in an antique store a few years back. It was perfect when I purchased it; it came in its original box with a book and everything. So I put it up in a closet hidden away, but I would always hear my grandmother's voice, "If you don't use it, some other woman will." So, when my granddaughter became old enough to lift the machine, I gave it to her. In my grandmother's house there were no special dishes or silverware, etc., that was reserved for special occasions or special people. She believed that things should be used by those she loved and not saved for others, or the next wife if there should ever be a next wife. My grandfather had his thing also. He vowed that his grandchildren would always sit at the table and eat when everyone else ate. In other words we would not eat after the preacher (or any adult) ate, if the preacher was a guest. Apparently, my grandfather had bad memories of preachers eating up all of the little food his family had and the children going hungry. Apparently preachers did a lot of traveling and eating back in those days.<br />
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<b>I'm Resuming My Rigorous Routine!</b><br />
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After a serious car accident, I'm finally ready to resume life as usual,
although I don't think my body or mind will ever be the same. Not
having a car for months limited my ventures, and long walks bothered my
back. Well I'm ready to resume some serious hooping, regardless of the
pain, and to travel further away from home to find more goodies like those above, although I'm still suffering
from shell shock. So, watch out world!<br />
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<b>The Millinery Competition</b><br />
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Th final day for getting your millinery entries in are near, August 15, 11:59 p.m. Pacific Time. So, please make sure that you have followed all of the guidelines for the competition--you must be a follower of this site, etc. I don't want to disqualify anyone after they have put in all of their hard work. Also, and very important, if your screen name is different from your given name, you must let me know; otherwise I will not be able to identify you. For rules and guidelines, please visit the <a href="http://hatstruck.blogspot.com/2014/07/another-prize-for-hatstruck-millinery.html" target="_blank">posts below</a>.<br />
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Thanks and Good Luck!<br />
<br />Lee Duncan is HatStruckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03901392706213421170noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1534393250710521070.post-66706743795629564202014-07-15T10:03:00.001-07:002014-07-15T10:03:10.335-07:00Judges Announced for the Hatstruck Elegant, Fun Couture Hats Competition!!!!!!!!!!!<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGQP54rc7RFJuufZqWgkaLnJLF8duLyKJwpYxoV9uaWEKmXj8YCv3JjCJm6q4vLziK9le47IRH504Mujhhw6QqHVl-UjKZxaC_vFvlNApR0DuXfSRPtD_2VujynpgvQGrMLaKN0v-2xrQ/s1600/hatstruck_purse_top_hat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjGQP54rc7RFJuufZqWgkaLnJLF8duLyKJwpYxoV9uaWEKmXj8YCv3JjCJm6q4vLziK9le47IRH504Mujhhw6QqHVl-UjKZxaC_vFvlNApR0DuXfSRPtD_2VujynpgvQGrMLaKN0v-2xrQ/s1600/hatstruck_purse_top_hat.jpg" height="400" width="300" /></a></div>
OK, usually I make a hat before I post but laziness has taken over, and once again, I'm posting one of my old hats. I think I made this hat maybe five or six years ago, more or less. It's a leather purse top hat trimmed with a leather flower. The removable top has a mirror inside for checking makeup. That year I also won Best in Show for a black cloche. I reblocked the cloche into another shape a couple of months ago, and it's still on the block. For this hat I won Most Innovative, also. Anyway let's get to the important stuff.<br />
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This is a little emotional for me because months ago when I was thinking about putting a competition together I had at least two people I wanted to be judges. One I knew "had my back" as always, and the other, although I wanted her to be one of my judges, I felt as if I was imposing on her; she too has been so supportive over the past several years. I didn't want to ask her and put her in a position of declining my judge request. Even after I asked and she accepted I still felt the need to protect her, asking her if she really wanted to do this. I would have more than understand if she had declined. Plus I didn't know if she, a world famous milliner, would really want to be associated with being a judge for a contest given by an unknown lady that practices millinery as a hobby. <br />
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<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdSu-j92JbrLVBmTL0QEQeH5lTiNVBTcT0xxWKomc8OIytREXVahkp_-lzb1R5DCM93bg2knpRKR5SGaCbG2JQuFkUWLJgEOzM81tD0w0T5A-QbewHcVVxptvX9utcSpQWdVtcVrHHTXk/s1600/103_hatstruck_Rihanna_Harpers_Bazaar_2014.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgdSu-j92JbrLVBmTL0QEQeH5lTiNVBTcT0xxWKomc8OIytREXVahkp_-lzb1R5DCM93bg2knpRKR5SGaCbG2JQuFkUWLJgEOzM81tD0w0T5A-QbewHcVVxptvX9utcSpQWdVtcVrHHTXk/s1600/103_hatstruck_Rihanna_Harpers_Bazaar_2014.png" height="320" width="236" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Harper's Bazaar Arabia/Ruven Afanador</td></tr>
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So in alphabetical order, my first judge (she) is <a href="http://www.millineryatelier.com/" target="_blank">Anya Caliendo</a>. By-the-way, the link is to her blog, the best millinery blog on the Web. If you are into couture millinery and fashion, chances are that you know Anya's work. If you've been on another planet and you haven't seen her work, view a partial collection I've pulled up in a <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/search/pins/?q=anya%20caliendo" target="_blank">Pinterest search</a>! Anya's hats have graced the covers of many magazines, one of the latest being Harper's Bazaar July 2014 issue where Rihanna is shown on its cover wearing one of her hats. Anya interned under the great milliner Stephen Jones.<br />
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Twice Anya has brought tears to my eyes: when she accepted my judge request, and when she sent me an invitation to <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/88172105179964321/" target="_blank">Fashion Week in New York</a>. I'm so sorry I couldn't make it. I think I'm so touched because, not only is she a wonderful person, but she is a confident, caring, and sharing person. This is hard to find amongst many milliners, sorry to say.<br />
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My next judge is Mrs. Essie Edward. Those of you that follow my blog know Mrs. Edwards as one of my millinery instructors. Mrs. Edwards has well over 60 years of millinery experience. She worked for the school district her in Southern California for over 40 years. She is an excellent seamstress and milliner and just an all-around beautiful person.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk3xNUIbaPMPrVqYS0sUHLcP1LRknKCe9msfPZNBraa3ZvekBi1AbB53i11w_h0OEa6EHZqYsxfSjy6yLkfQ4ni4z0kk75OTHCci4dp9EWZL1wvQxNr9noEyI5qecF31CL9Gj2FETRqs4/s1600/103_hatstruck_essie_edwards.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhk3xNUIbaPMPrVqYS0sUHLcP1LRknKCe9msfPZNBraa3ZvekBi1AbB53i11w_h0OEa6EHZqYsxfSjy6yLkfQ4ni4z0kk75OTHCci4dp9EWZL1wvQxNr9noEyI5qecF31CL9Gj2FETRqs4/s1600/103_hatstruck_essie_edwards.JPG" height="320" width="240" /></a><br />
As far as being a good judge, well let's just say that she is more flexible than I am and much more fashionable also. She taught me how to be more flexible in my dealings with millinery, while maintaining the highest of quality in my work.<br />
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My final judge is Shurie Southcott. When I sent out a hint Shurie immediately volunteered, and I thought wow! My response came because Shurie is into couture steam punk millinery. I had seen some extremely beautiful steam punk hats made in another contest by other milliners that were above exceptional--the hats were extremely well made, the trim was exquisite, and the designs were awesome--not too far out, right in my "sweets spot." None of those hats even placed. So Shurie will complement this team. I really wanted a team made up of milliners that would represent as many tastes as possible. <br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisJBbNoPmPRAY9uP8pIPTbiXovIKEEn_5luvBKVTn4mTZsGmKJAN-aDu9zSMFncQIJJ-5kaJZ_q6UXp5xScLH-wFL4GmXdP5O5xlkXf468xuZSf9yo08CUKc6b2NPsaqMVpypu6COso9M/s1600/103_shurie_judge.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEisJBbNoPmPRAY9uP8pIPTbiXovIKEEn_5luvBKVTn4mTZsGmKJAN-aDu9zSMFncQIJJ-5kaJZ_q6UXp5xScLH-wFL4GmXdP5O5xlkXf468xuZSf9yo08CUKc6b2NPsaqMVpypu6COso9M/s1600/103_shurie_judge.jpg" height="320" width="249" /></a><br />
Shurie teaches millinery and she also works at Clockworks Couture here in Southern California. Actually, it was a book I ran across in the bookstore written by Clockworks (the owner) that led to my understanding of Steam Punk millinery and clothing. Naturally, I purchased the book. Shurie is also published in another book. One last thing, Shurie and I had the same millinery instructor, at least I took a block carving class from her mentor and instructor, the late <span class="st">Jill Pfeiffer, perhaps a decade or so earlier.</span><br />
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Thank you so much ladies, and let it be known that I deeply appreciate and admire all of you.<br />
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<br />Lee Duncan is HatStruckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03901392706213421170noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1534393250710521070.post-36467509249942622002014-07-08T19:04:00.000-07:002014-07-08T22:15:46.208-07:00Another Prize for the Hatstruck Millinery Competition! <div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjywOD6nF_DriMg7KG7u_FafPajM-MXK6PtSwDIOwzc-DUNA9A7oR4K63gxdlVm1I1cNV3lOKYr_4IHSfevbs2xjlqvzQJAmTCvRx1O_6EYeMBkCWz7WfdUHA5oFy7J5Yd5DUum-Qou5i4/s1600/103_hatstruck_millinery_mannequin_display_head.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjywOD6nF_DriMg7KG7u_FafPajM-MXK6PtSwDIOwzc-DUNA9A7oR4K63gxdlVm1I1cNV3lOKYr_4IHSfevbs2xjlqvzQJAmTCvRx1O_6EYeMBkCWz7WfdUHA5oFy7J5Yd5DUum-Qou5i4/s1600/103_hatstruck_millinery_mannequin_display_head.jpg" height="400" width="262" /></a></div>
Remember the <a href="http://hatstruck.blogspot.com/2014/06/millinery-competition-elegant-fun.html" target="_blank">millinery competition</a> I'm hosting on this site? Well here is another prize (junk) that I've pulled out, and I'm more than happy to get rid of it. No, it's not my doll hat block. No it's not the doll in the background. One of my friends gave this medical doll to my granddaughter along with a medical bag that came with it. The doll's head lights up to a bright red when she "has a fever." We'll my granddaughter saw that and must have figured that it was a devil doll! She ran away screaming, so I hid it behind the head. Yes, the prize is the mannequin head display.<br />
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I purchased the head from an antique shop because the shop had nothing related to millinery in it that I could purchase at the time. It's just not a good idea to go into a store hungry (to purchase something); I don't care what type of store it is! Anyway, I've seen these heads popup on Ebay from time to time, and although some sellers make up some type of story for the purpose of generating a good sale, no one actually knows where they originated from. They are vintage; they are hand painted; and they are made of some type of light-weight composition material. Some believe that the mannequin heads were once department store displays. This one happens to be more detailed and in better shape than most I've seen, having only a small blemish over the mouth, and having a more detailed painted face.<br />
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I have never used this head because I felt that it just did not fit with the type of hats I make. If you win, it's possible that it could be yours for the taking. Just don't tell me later that a famous person made it, and that you're selling it for a million dollars; I just don't want to know. OK, so you don't want it either? Well sell the thing on Ebay. I want the space for another display I'm eying!<br />
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It just ran across my mind that I'm not giving you much of an incentive to enter my competition--a five section hat block, a vintage hat display..."she has to come up with better junk than that for me to enter." Well, I'll dig deeper, but I doubt it; stay tuned.<br />
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<b>Remember:</b><br />
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<ul>
<li><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9twf2i4WOtd1dKhMCF2I3weIdDFtVOP67S1KGqbi_3bjWj7Qmq0Ag8Paqrz6tspoNw8uQNQORtbQkJ_eOgEfB4AtDXQkspRBidyLbTT-CvazIuDZ9_-6EsDeCP-PreGgL0PPQJWzHV9I/s1600/103_hatstruck_follow_blog.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9twf2i4WOtd1dKhMCF2I3weIdDFtVOP67S1KGqbi_3bjWj7Qmq0Ag8Paqrz6tspoNw8uQNQORtbQkJ_eOgEfB4AtDXQkspRBidyLbTT-CvazIuDZ9_-6EsDeCP-PreGgL0PPQJWzHV9I/s1600/103_hatstruck_follow_blog.jpg" height="104" width="320" /></a>You can only enter one (1) hat.</li>
<li>You must be a follower of this blog. Click on the follow button in the right-hand column and follow the instructions. See image to your right.</li>
<li>You must inter under your full name--not a screen name.</li>
<li>No Anonymous entries will be excepted.</li>
<li>This is an international competition. I will pay for and ship to the address given, but you are responsible for any problems that you may encounter on your side.</li>
<li>Please read additional instructions here: <a href="http://hatstruck.blogspot.com/2014/06/millinery-competition-elegant-fun.html" target="_blank">http://hatstruck.blogspot.com/2014/06/millinery-competition-elegant-fun.html</a> in one of my earlier blog posts.</li>
</ul>
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<b>Interested in entering another competition?</b><br />
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Please check out the Mad Hatters Society Group on Facebook. You may enter up to three (3) hats there. Plus it's a fantastict group! They are located at: <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/madhatterssociety/" target="_blank">https://www.facebook.com/groups ./madhatterssociety/</a><br />
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#HatstruckCoutureMillinery, #Hatstruck, #LeeDuncanMilliner, #MillineryCompetition, #MillineryContest, #HatContest, #HatCompetitionLee Duncan is HatStruckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03901392706213421170noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1534393250710521070.post-16965152246459198922014-06-29T05:00:00.000-07:002014-06-29T05:00:59.200-07:00Prizes for the Hatstruck Millinery Competition<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj395dnqk5Vg28fHSA-T5DYg_rDdzm5pqW8l_0Kr3OWPq3xwFQF9WG7YC60FXZkRNUeZWlXBR3KEbDQ4tTH8t7jGqyFKR-bBIcci3AoGk7dnzNltMoR9-IisUWB4HxB27LAKDoNUZ3upak/s1600/99_hatstruck_hat_blocks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj395dnqk5Vg28fHSA-T5DYg_rDdzm5pqW8l_0Kr3OWPq3xwFQF9WG7YC60FXZkRNUeZWlXBR3KEbDQ4tTH8t7jGqyFKR-bBIcci3AoGk7dnzNltMoR9-IisUWB4HxB27LAKDoNUZ3upak/s1600/99_hatstruck_hat_blocks.jpg" height="400" width="278" /></a></div>
I'm so excited about this Hatstruck millinery competition and the task of brainstorming the prizes I'll be awarding its winners; one of the prizes being a five section hat block. I have an idea which hat block, or should I say I probably know which one I will be rewarding. Can you guess which one? It's the one I absolutely don't like. Well it's winner can always sell it on Ebay.<br />
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As always when I get rid of one of my millinery items, I regret it somewhere down the road. Now let me find more junk around here I can get rid of. More to come; you will be surprised.<br />
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For contest details, please visit <a href="http://hatstruck.blogspot.com/2014/06/millinery-competition-elegant-fun.html" target="_blank">my last blog post</a>.Lee Duncan is HatStruckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03901392706213421170noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1534393250710521070.post-53314407938543546542014-06-21T05:18:00.000-07:002014-06-21T05:18:02.506-07:00Millinery Competition--Elegant, Fun Couture Hats, 2014 Guidelines and Rules <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidL3JxNPxTVctWwIk6rskbc7uzIw9IgUi37iSJRsj_eTyOrDoli0E2bKRbfimLIpO_WNd62u7HPWeWqN6fJEIystJgwf_aFug84b11ctDYfzX4C6QT6sgv3_gbjQZHAf1m_e3tox6lQOw/s1600/101_hatstruck_facinator_cocktail_hat_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEidL3JxNPxTVctWwIk6rskbc7uzIw9IgUi37iSJRsj_eTyOrDoli0E2bKRbfimLIpO_WNd62u7HPWeWqN6fJEIystJgwf_aFug84b11ctDYfzX4C6QT6sgv3_gbjQZHAf1m_e3tox6lQOw/s1600/101_hatstruck_facinator_cocktail_hat_1.jpg" height="400" width="266" /></a></div>
High all! Below are the refined rules and guidelines for one of the best millinery contests ever--at least in my head. We will have crazy fun and wonderful prizes will be awarded to the winners. Please read these rules and guidelines carefully. If you have questions, please post them in the "Comments" section of this post. <br />
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Totally unrelated....! I couldn't resist Photoshopping another one of my hats onto First Lady<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"> Michelle Obama's head (see image below). Since I doubt that she will ever be seen in a hat, other than when she is gardening, why not just have fun playing paper doll with a lovely First Lady. <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HngbcZM8yek" target="_blank">I've done this before</a>, and I really had fun doing it. In order to give full credit to the image and the article that I copied it from, the story and original image can be found <a href="http://www.vanityfair.com/online/daily/2014/02/michelle-obama-state-dinner" target="_blank">here</a>. If she sees this image and likes it, I would suggest that she give <a href="http://www.millineryatelier.com/" target="_blank">Anya Caliendo</a> (my choice), Philip Treacy, or Stephen Jones a call. Oh well, I can dream can't I. OK, back to the business at hand, the millinery competition.</span></span><br />
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<b>The Theme</b>: Elegant, Fun Couture Hats<br /><br />
<b>Who Qualifies to Enter the Contest</b>: You must be a member of this site. <b>No Anonymous entries</b> will be accepted. Your screen name must be accompanied by your full name, if different, when your hat is submitted. In other words, if you do not want anyone to know who you are, please do not enter. After the contest, you may unfollow this blog site...but stick around if you like it. I would be more than happy to have you. Finally, THIS IS AN INTERNATIONAL CONTEST.<br />
<table cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: left; text-align: left;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfCe_QoTGGMiNig03XA2lDIuE6FrpKtX9TXGc8Xnw8Lw-48iRfe2S_av3D73iX7LeM75OIMGs0_x6SUyKYvOsHUIB3JxRqTEfOS0hQrEyt6vmNWDCzg9R6dhkO0EKVYlZ8rEngRwVeCmE/s1600/101_hatstruck_facinator_cocktail_hat.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgfCe_QoTGGMiNig03XA2lDIuE6FrpKtX9TXGc8Xnw8Lw-48iRfe2S_av3D73iX7LeM75OIMGs0_x6SUyKYvOsHUIB3JxRqTEfOS0hQrEyt6vmNWDCzg9R6dhkO0EKVYlZ8rEngRwVeCmE/s1600/101_hatstruck_facinator_cocktail_hat.png" height="400" width="216" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Mandel Ngan/Getty</td></tr>
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<br /><b>Competition Dates</b>: Submissions accepted June 5 to August 15, 2014. Deadline for submittals, August 15, 11:59, Pacific time (West Coast, USA).<br />
<br /><b>Number of Hats Accepted for Submission</b>: One (1).<br />
<br /><b>Guidelines for Finished Hat</b>: The Hat must be made by the contestant, using any materials and techniques of her/his choice.<br />
<br /><b>Images</b>: There must be at least four to five images submitted--front, back, side(s), and inside; unless the hat can be seen in its entirety with fewer images.<br />
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<b>The hat must be made between June 5 and August 15</b>.<br />
<br /><b>Judges</b>: So far there are four (4) judges (maybe more to come). These will be announced shortly.<br />
<br /><b>The Prizes</b>: Millinery supplies (felts, straws, a hat block, hat stretchers, books, millinery trim, a cash prize, etc.).<br />
<br /><b>Distribution of Prizes</b>: Best in Competition will pick his/her prize first; Second in Competition gets second pick. Remaining prizes will be distributed as described in <a href="http://hatstruck.blogspot.com/2014/05/hatstruck-couture-millinery-millinery.html" target="_blank">my previous post</a>.<br /> <b> </b><br />
<b>Winning Categories</b>: Best in Competition (highest score), Second in Competition (second highest scorer), Best Overall Design, Workmanship, Originality, Color, Presentation, Best Interpretation of Theme, Most Wearable, Honorable Mention, Judge's Choice (each judge will have her/his choice).<br />
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<b>Scoring--range 1 to 10 in each category (multiplied by point value)</b>: Workmanship, 2 points; Design 1.5 points; all other categories 1 point. The winners will be those having the highest scores. If there is a tie between highest scorers (score after adding up all categories), those will be sent back to the judges for selection of the best from the highest scores. Again, winners will only be chosen based on their scores, ALL SCORING BEING INDEPENDENT--JUDGE BY JUDGE. The highest score after judges' scores have been added up and combined, will yield the winners; the TOP winners must score high in workmanship.<br /><b> </b><br />
<b>Hat Details</b>: If you are uncomfortable submitting construction details for your hat, that's quite acceptable. However, outer details--basic materials used--should be submitted with your hat for description purposes.<br />
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<b>Where to Store Images</b>? I have created a group, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/1490568711178013/" target="_blank">Hatstruck Couture Millinery</a>, on Facebook where the images will be stored. If you are not a Facebook member, please email the images to me at lduncan@hatstruck.com and I will post the images for you; however I would prefer that you post them to the group.<br /><br />Note the image to your right, there are two references to photos. Please note the correct location <b><span style="color: red;">CIRCLED IN RED</span></b> where you should store your images.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMimYU-4QUtWMvuXVA5_VeNdhJai42DM0fWGkvhOV88XQDjxRSyd253V4Cl-AqBFMPygV7vrkwHG-ZiRohxqA1LCbdjk-dyhV3XIq-7RoT4i7KOu4U0BAfqY3arZ_IaGE8FZLEu1KHI8A/s1600/storage.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMimYU-4QUtWMvuXVA5_VeNdhJai42DM0fWGkvhOV88XQDjxRSyd253V4Cl-AqBFMPygV7vrkwHG-ZiRohxqA1LCbdjk-dyhV3XIq-7RoT4i7KOu4U0BAfqY3arZ_IaGE8FZLEu1KHI8A/s1600/storage.png" height="228" width="320" /></a></div>
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The "<b>Photos</b>" heading circled in the image, at the top of the Facebook <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/1490568711178013/" target="_blank">Hatstruck Couture Millinery </a>group page is the correct location to post your images. <br />
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<b>Click on "Photos" and create an album</b> for your images. <b>Label your album as follows</b>:<br /><br />
Hatstruck Couture Millinery 2014<br />Elegant, Fun Couture Millinery Competition <br />
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Your Name, <br />
<br />The Name of Your Hat (if any)<br />
<br />Hat Description<br />
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Have Fun! <br />
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<br />Lee Duncan is HatStruckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03901392706213421170noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1534393250710521070.post-32843857946932766602014-05-30T06:19:00.000-07:002014-05-30T10:42:06.545-07:00Hatstruck Couture Millinery, Millinery Competition--Elegant, Fun Couture Hats, 2014<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVLo-JPT9WOEziDITOim_ImCJQzHF6XHUShbeblhDIXZAH-aQYNjcpxlE0NDkCYwUHsj49zGm4u-OW2JGUjxdkTecyeruUzYhxt02NjeUAx6E9BcurKBjuNqAOI3KGTY_WfMhzb7M5His/s1600/hatstruck_feather_flower_coctail_hat_2.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVLo-JPT9WOEziDITOim_ImCJQzHF6XHUShbeblhDIXZAH-aQYNjcpxlE0NDkCYwUHsj49zGm4u-OW2JGUjxdkTecyeruUzYhxt02NjeUAx6E9BcurKBjuNqAOI3KGTY_WfMhzb7M5His/s1600/hatstruck_feather_flower_coctail_hat_2.png" height="400" width="245" /></a></div>
OK, I'm back. In <a href="http://hatstruck.blogspot.com/2014/05/hatstruck-couture-millinery.html" target="_blank">my last post</a> I mentioned that I was going to conduct a millinery competition. I must admit that all of the details have not been finalized, but the important thing is that there will be a competition and that there will be winners and fantastic prizes, most of the <strike>junk</strike>, sorry I mean prizes will be things that many milliners would love to have. I'm just over flowing and I've decided to do a self intervention; I'm sure this will end when something else strikes my fancy. Since I'm trying to generate some excitement around here, at least for a second, this will not be your conventional contest. I hope you've noticed that I'm not a very conventional person. This is my fantasy competition, except that you can't erase individual likes and dislikes, something that, no matter what, is still a part of decision making.<br />
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I couldn't post without a hat, and I didn't want to go into my hat archive, so I've started making the hat at your right. It has not been completed yet, but I'll write more about it in another post. Now to the competition stuff.<br />
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<b>The Theme: <i>Elegant, Fun Couture Hats</i></b><br />
Please, this is serious. Only submit serious hats. I have a board on Pinterest labeled "<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/hatstruck/millinery-fun-couture-hats/" target="_blank">Millinery: Fun Couture Hats</a>. There I pin hats that I feel are fun and unique and/or hats that I study and learn from, as I do on all of my boards. Your idea of a fun couture hat may be different. Please take a look.<br />
<br />
<b>Competition Dates: June 5 to August 15, 2014</b><br />
The deadline to submit your hats is 12:00 a.m., Pacific Standard Time--the States' West Coast--August 15, 2014.<br />
<br />
<b>Number of Hats to Submit</b><br />
You are only allowed to submit <b>one hat</b>. I feel that the load of more than one hat is just too much for the judges to deal with, at least for me that is. Sorry, but at least you can make that one hat your best hat ever.<br />
<ul>
<li> <b>The hat must be made between June 5 and August 15 </b>(like I can monitor that :) )</li>
</ul>
<b>The Prizes</b><br />
The prizes will consist of a variety of millinery supplies (straws, felts, hat stretchers, trim, etc.), an <strike>ugly</strike>, sorry, I mean a lovely five piece sectional hat block, books, etc., and a little cash if I have any, seriously, if I have any.<strike> </strike><br />
<br />
<b>Distribution of Prizes</b><br />
The <i>Best in Competition</i> will choose the prize of her/his choice first. The <i>Second in Competition</i> will choose her/his choice second. Prizes for the remaining winners will be written on paper and pulled from a bucket. I said I was unconventional, didn't I? One time I won the highest place in a competition, but I would have loved to have received the second place prize. Also, I once won at a lower level but I felt that the prize I received was better; so, why not let the highest winners pick the prizes of their choice.<br />
<br />
<b>The Judges and Judging--To Be Announced at Later Date</b><br />
There will be from three to five judges; I will be one of them. Why three to five? Because I'm biased as to what I like, and I really would like to have judges of varying tastes. A score card will be distributed to the judges, and each category can be given a one to 10 rating, with workmanship weighted to two. So it would be possible to get a score of 10 in each category, except in workmanship with a possible rating of up to 20. <br />
<br />
<ul><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfedEpgMfMOgnqnEydszLs0npfgmj6JL6XWdeonRRl790NldNelMEMTOvAd1xwiZ3klBSTejmmgoXq7yoTKxlFa7H7Z2dclV1WD0iiF_XdNvFKmJUwj6rnvRhB426vgSiwvuJnWRc9Qvg/s1600/hatstruck_feather_flower_coctail_hat.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfedEpgMfMOgnqnEydszLs0npfgmj6JL6XWdeonRRl790NldNelMEMTOvAd1xwiZ3klBSTejmmgoXq7yoTKxlFa7H7Z2dclV1WD0iiF_XdNvFKmJUwj6rnvRhB426vgSiwvuJnWRc9Qvg/s1600/hatstruck_feather_flower_coctail_hat.png" height="320" width="181" /></a>
<li><b>Categories</b>: Workmanship, Originality, Balance (overall appearance), Color (remember that color means more than bright vibrant colors), Presentation, Theme Appropriateness; and standing on it's own, <i>Judge's Choice</i>.</li>
</ul>
The winners will be those having the highest scores. If there is a tie between highest scorers, those will be sent back to the judges for further consideration. Hopefully, with a range of one to ten and two to 20, this will not occur. Winners will only be chosen based on their scores, ALL SCORING BEING INDEPENDENT. So, the total highest score after all categories have been added up, will yield the winners.<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>Winning Categories (Tentative--I may have to work on this.)</b><br />
<b> </b><i>Best in Competition</i>, <i>Second in Competition</i>, <i>Most Innovative</i>, <i>Most Representative of Theme</i>, <i>Workmanship</i> (weighted--this must be high in order to win Best in Competition), <i>Best Overall Design</i>, Individual Judge's Choice (three to five--OH YES!). I was in a competition once, having three judges, where two judges chose my hat and one felt that another should win Best in Show. One of the judges kept moving the award from my hat until the other two judges gave in. Another time one of three judges said that he preferred my hat. This happens all the times with others. So this is a chance for each judge to pick her/his choice.<br />
<br />
<br />
<b>You must be a follower of this site and you must live on this planet</b>; so yes all are welcome to submit a hat no matter where you live in the world. If you decide to unfollow this site, that is totally up to you. However, I would love for you to stick around.<br />
<br />
<b>You must submit at least four views of your hat and the images must be clear</b>--front, back, side, and underside--unless the design of the hat does not call for four.<br />
<br />
<b>Hat Details</b> <br />
<br />
If you are uncomfortable submitting construction details for your hat, that's quite acceptable. However, outer details--fabric used--should be submitted with your hat for description purposes (for example, my hat above: Feather cocktail hat, supported with vintage crinoline (crin) tubing and headband, trimmed with a red feather--or something like that.<br />
<b><br /></b>
<b>Where to Store Images?</b><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMimYU-4QUtWMvuXVA5_VeNdhJai42DM0fWGkvhOV88XQDjxRSyd253V4Cl-AqBFMPygV7vrkwHG-ZiRohxqA1LCbdjk-dyhV3XIq-7RoT4i7KOu4U0BAfqY3arZ_IaGE8FZLEu1KHI8A/s1600/storage.png" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhMimYU-4QUtWMvuXVA5_VeNdhJai42DM0fWGkvhOV88XQDjxRSyd253V4Cl-AqBFMPygV7vrkwHG-ZiRohxqA1LCbdjk-dyhV3XIq-7RoT4i7KOu4U0BAfqY3arZ_IaGE8FZLEu1KHI8A/s1600/storage.png" height="228" width="320" /></a>I have created a group, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/1490568711178013/" target="_blank">Hatstruck Couture Millinery</a>, on Facebook where most of the images will be stored. If you are not a FB member, please email the images to me at <br />
lduncan@hatstruck.com; however I would prefer that you post them to the group.<br />
<br />
Note on the image to your right that there are two references to photos. The "Photos" circled in the image is the correct location to post your images. Click on "Photos" and create an album for your images. Label your album as follows:<br />
<br />
Hatstruck Couture Millinery 2014<br />
Elegant, Fun Couture Millinery Competition," <b>YourNameHere</b><br />
<b>HatMaterialsHere</b> (outer covering--see above under <b><i>Hat Details</i></b> for an explanation). If these instructions are not clear please leave me a comment on this post.<br />
<br />
<b>A Suggestion for Newbies</b><br />
I figure that all of us are at different levels in our millinery
journey. Some may not possess the workmanship skills, but may have
great design skills, or they may be very
innovative. I would love for all to be comfortable submitting a hat. I
must admit that I have a thing for workmanship. However, in the real
world innovation and design may many times win out; actually they are extremely important because workmanship can be mechanical. But in order to win the Best in Competition, workmanship must be in
place. So if you are new to millinery I would suggest that you don't tackle something that is beyond your skill level. It would still be possible to make an absolutely beautiful hat, well designed and neat, and still win the big prize, provided that you stick to this suggestion. Also, I have a another Pinterest board, <span style="font-size: small;"><i><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/hatstruck/millinery-how-other-milliners-and-hatters-do-it/" target="_blank"><span style="font-weight: normal;">Millinery: How Other Milliners and Hatters Do It</span></a>, </i>where I pin many millinery techniques that I find on the Web, some are merely references for my followers, as I don't always agree with some of the techniques and/or workmanship, but you will also find some good things there. Do some research and practice. </span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><i><br /></i></span>
<span style="font-size: small;">Good Luck! I'm sure I will have to revise some of this stuff.</span><br />
<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/hatstruck/millinery-how-other-milliners-and-hatters-do-it/" target="_blank"> </a>Lee Duncan is HatStruckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03901392706213421170noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1534393250710521070.post-30318787506705134502014-05-05T23:00:00.001-07:002014-05-05T23:00:08.179-07:00Hatstruck Couture Millinery Brainstorming a Possible Millinery Contest<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://www.hatstruck.com/blog_images/76_hatstruck_millinery_supply_contest.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.hatstruck.com/blog_images/76_hatstruck_millinery_supply_contest.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
I've had two site contest giveaways and one sort of silent giveaway. However, I've never had a millinery contest. The "sort of" was to be a "silent" giveaway where I was going to do a giveaway to the next person that made a comment on my blog, but the person never picked up the gift (contacted me). I didn't want to go through having to check all of the memberships; so, without announcement, I tried to go the silent route, unannounced. I don't even remember the winner's name. I'll try that again in the future because it did cut down on the work, and eventually there will be a winner that picks up her/his gift. The <a href="http://hatstruck.blogspot.com/2012/05/hatstruck-couture-millinerys-take-my.html" target="_blank">first</a> and <a href="http://hatstruck.blogspot.com/2011/08/hatstruck-make-your-own-art-millinery.html" target="_blank">second</a> images here show the gifts I gave away for my two announced giveaways.<br />
<br />
Anyway I need to generate some excitement around here. In order to keep doing this thing I have to keep myself entertained. So I thought, "What about a millinery contest?" I have no idea of its structure yet, but I'm thinking the following:<br />
<br />
<br />
<ul><a href="http://www.hatstruck.com/blog_images/p52_hatstruck_1_contest.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://www.hatstruck.com/blog_images/p52_hatstruck_1_contest.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a>
<li><b>Participants have to be a blog member; </b></li>
<li><b> </b><b>Three judges having varying tastes</b>--HINT, HINT, are you interested?<b>;</b></li>
<li> <b>Winning categories</b>, maybe: (1) Most Innovative; (2) Most Representative of Theme; (3) Workmanship, (4) Best in Contest;</li>
<li><b>Prizes</b>: a box of goodies from me. I give pretty good gifts, even if I have to say so myself. My gift box would include, but would not be limited to; <span class="userContent" data-ft="{"tn":"K"}">straws, leather and suede pieces, jinsin, fur felt, horsehair, hat stretcher, etc. I would also</span> welcome sponsors--HINT, HINT--in order to give away even more goodies; and</li>
<li><b>Other prizes</b> would probably include a little cash or less millinery supplies.</li>
</ul>
<br />
I just figured out that I would drop the second and third places and award gifts only to the winning categories. Oh, I changed again: Best in Contest, being also first place and there would be a second place--who knows at this point. The Best in Contest would be the highest winner, picking up the majority of the category places, one having to be workmanship. <br />
<br />
I figure that all of us are at different levels in our millinery journey. Some may not possess the workmanship skills, but may have great design (maybe another category) skills, or they may be very innovative. I would love for all to be comfortable submitting a hat. I must admit that I have a thing for workmanship. However, in the real world innovation and design many times win out. But I have to restate that in order to win the Best in Contest, workmanship has to be in place; this I will definitely not change!.<br />
<br />
<br />
What do you think?<br />
<br />
#Hatstruck #millinery<br />
<br />
<br />Lee Duncan is HatStruckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03901392706213421170noreply@blogger.com31tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1534393250710521070.post-15927923095564049632014-04-29T00:27:00.000-07:002014-04-29T00:30:03.304-07:00Oh No! Not Another Post on Millinery Buckram Foundation Material! <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUd8hfltDxe08HuOpVa7I4kJXYn302zFtir5MVkziUVoDicAzL_ycqwiTKTema9vHWthyXvPkn_vsBTNkqzps3sRrkLbKrGiKSm0GBVUvf2aEsxX0qKVk7hc0BrYeuMeluJR6iSAvCEgI/s1600/buckram_frame_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgUd8hfltDxe08HuOpVa7I4kJXYn302zFtir5MVkziUVoDicAzL_ycqwiTKTema9vHWthyXvPkn_vsBTNkqzps3sRrkLbKrGiKSm0GBVUvf2aEsxX0qKVk7hc0BrYeuMeluJR6iSAvCEgI/s1600/buckram_frame_1.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
Hi all! Rather than trying to figure out what to post next, I've decided to take advantage of some of the images I've taken over the past weeks and months. So, I'll share with you the last buckram frame I made and once again give some of the reasons I think buckram is a great foundation material. After all, it hasn't last a couple of hundred years because of its looks. Lastly, I'll share a image of some of the last hat blocks I acquired.<br />
<br />
Depending on when we entered into the millinery scene will determine our affection for and choice of millinery materials. For me, it's buckram and finely woven parasisal (replaced with inferior grades). For my millinery instructors it was willow, also referred to as <span class="st">espartre in some portions of the world. They spoke of willow as if they they were speaking of fine wine or exquisite diamonds.</span><br />
<span class="st"><br /></span>
<span class="st">When it comes to millinery foundation materials, my knowledge is limited to my exposure to it, including the successes I've had with it. So here are a few reasons I prefer buckram over most other foundation materials:</span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis54qV4yxzfjnzfup2Xg1wPFkC5P4DkNsUkUCSPx3eqGesYTcZVmhUNXNRvxGhvuaymgJZmqyX0jKebGewhhOiHblIEzRpABK9qr5RC-yZYeohQnihzWn8YJ0HQGIntzMk05wzHNEApUM/s1600/buckram_frame_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEis54qV4yxzfjnzfup2Xg1wPFkC5P4DkNsUkUCSPx3eqGesYTcZVmhUNXNRvxGhvuaymgJZmqyX0jKebGewhhOiHblIEzRpABK9qr5RC-yZYeohQnihzWn8YJ0HQGIntzMk05wzHNEApUM/s1600/buckram_frame_2.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a><span class="st"><br /></span>
<span class="st"><b>It is a natural fiber</b>: So what's so good about buckram being made from natural fibers? Well with the number of ladies I see fanning themselves these days, I think some of you know one reason. Light natural materials breath and they allow you to breath. Enough said.</span><br />
<span class="st"><br /></span>
<span class="st"><b>It is light in weight</b>: One of my millinery teachers, Mrs. Eloise King, would always say that, "A hat should be as light as a feather." Well buckram with its mesh construction delivers this lightness.</span><br />
<span class="st"><br /></span>
<span class="st"><b>It is easy to sew through</b>: Although buckram frame edges are covered with crinoline (the fabric) or another thin bias cut material for the purpose of attaching fabrics to the frame, sewing through any portion of the frame proves to be an easy task.</span><br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWvQKMelipOceIiQ9pidueHWCIsW29VR9kWPeKNIRLTp5JonoP-2ESXWAdR444cmzTIUv2ePK9oTNjUqBXlvFFeRvyE8zHchqJFvYxR8btXWlDRBkudS33r5Yu1gaKsW86NKPcy-T3JhQ/s1600/99_hatstruck_buckram_frames_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhWvQKMelipOceIiQ9pidueHWCIsW29VR9kWPeKNIRLTp5JonoP-2ESXWAdR444cmzTIUv2ePK9oTNjUqBXlvFFeRvyE8zHchqJFvYxR8btXWlDRBkudS33r5Yu1gaKsW86NKPcy-T3JhQ/s1600/99_hatstruck_buckram_frames_2.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a><span class="st"><b>It sticks to itself</b>: Now this is a big one! Some don't realize this, or they do realize it but they don't take advantage of this property. The reason I know it is because when it comes to those deep brims and concave crowns, some reach for the spray adhesive or some other type of adhesive. Although this adhesive property does not work on all materials or for all situations, it works on the majority. Further, you would only use this property depending on the fabric and the finished effect you would like to achieve. I can't tell you the hell I would go through before I finally figured out how to take advantage of the buckram-sticky-thing when working with really deep cuff brims. I'll also say that I absolutely hate when I see the underside of a hat brim falling and not hugging its underside (top or bottom), as if it was the lining falling from the top of an old 1954 Chevy. I just want to shout, "WILL YOU FIX THAT THING!" None of the hats here have any type of adhesive on them thanks to the flexibility of good old buckram. I'm not against adhesives; they've always been used in millinery--yes even couture millinery. I'm just not too fun of glue guns, but that's my issue.. </span><br />
<br />
<span class="st"><b>It can be used to construct flat patterned frames</b>: Not much explanation needed here, except that the frames can be as simple or as complex as needed to be.</span><br />
<span class="st"><br /></span>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHyxNpZ-FhYXL4fcM-slosBnga_Do-tciN0O78U0ejtdiQRuBj4i7AHlBq3f3o3Ob6-lhd9coP-WZ7SuZr6nQds6A2HIIs-um1clt9w4DHUgD8L_0gVaG7g9Tx3MoeULrliFsnRyQbqz0/s1600/97_hatstruck_buckram_covered_hat_belle_6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHyxNpZ-FhYXL4fcM-slosBnga_Do-tciN0O78U0ejtdiQRuBj4i7AHlBq3f3o3Ob6-lhd9coP-WZ7SuZr6nQds6A2HIIs-um1clt9w4DHUgD8L_0gVaG7g9Tx3MoeULrliFsnRyQbqz0/s1600/97_hatstruck_buckram_covered_hat_belle_6.jpg" height="240" width="320" /></a><span class="st"><b>It can be used to capture any hat block or object shape (molded frames)</b>: Yes, any! I mentioned this above. The hat form (frame) to your right was molded over a wooden bowl. It was used to construct the hat in <a href="http://hatstruck.blogspot.com/2014/04/my-hat-submissions-to-mad-hatters.html" target="_blank">my previous post</a>. You may also remember the post I made on the <a href="http://hatstruck.blogspot.com/2010/01/draped-vase-hat.html" target="_blank">Draped Vase Hat</a>. The hat frame used for that hat was blocked over a ceramic vase, using one piece of buckram. The frame to your right was constructed using multiple bias strips. The way you construct your frame depends on your mood, your preference, and/or the type of fabric you use to cover your frame with, and it also depends on the complexity of the object you are constructing your frame on. </span><br />
<span class="st">No matter what the shape is, you can always get buckram
to conform to that shape. You don't have to stitch it, and you don't
even have to tie it down. The frame above was neither stitched or tied
down or pinned down. However, you can secure the buckram if you feel you should.</span><br />
<span class="st"><br /></span>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBkuvj3LUHddqXL95tCh1R9G7kZbaNvpa03Kk22l2elG5LIAaCmF60G1gOsMGzQvb9kpRfBsT-f7Sj8XBx-qhHl0xolzSU1MBiN0Dz8fZ47NKSoNQIoBH5mRCATg8MNqE_z0TmkBn900M/s1600/99_hatstruck_buckram_frames.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBkuvj3LUHddqXL95tCh1R9G7kZbaNvpa03Kk22l2elG5LIAaCmF60G1gOsMGzQvb9kpRfBsT-f7Sj8XBx-qhHl0xolzSU1MBiN0Dz8fZ47NKSoNQIoBH5mRCATg8MNqE_z0TmkBn900M/s1600/99_hatstruck_buckram_frames.jpg" height="320" width="214" /></a><span class="st"><b>It is affordable</b>: At 60 inches wide and coming in under $10 a yard, you can make many hats from one yard of buckram, depending on their sizes. Remember the post "</span><i><a href="http://How Many Hats and Accessories Can You Make From One Yard of Fabric? " target="_blank">How Many Hats and Accessories Can You Make From One Yard of Fabric</a>?</i>" Well, this also applies to buckram yardage. The image to your right shows the hats I made for that post, and <a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TVo8B280NZ0" target="_blank">the video</a> shows the accessories. By the way, all of the hats made in the video were blocked on wooden bowls, the black hat two bowls taped together to form a small crown and a brim.<br />
<br />
<span class="st">If you don't live near a millinery store or ordering it over the Internet is not an option, and all you have is a fabric shop, you can you may be able find it in the upholstery section of your fabric shop, unsized; or you may be be able to find it amongst the tailoring fabrics in your fabric store, again unsized. This means that you can size your own buckram. If you can't find unsized buckram, one of the cotton upholstery or tailoring fabrics can be sized and used exactly in the same manner as millinery buckram if you don't have access to it. But I will speak on this in another post. We don't live in a perfect world so we must make the one we live in work for us.</span><br />
<br />
<span class="st"></span><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYo0BGh57Y3Yl024wiXvMUQVO3FRShce2ykOqTWeCqU-LxVd94hij_1IZP05-VHlO5k5Txp35MFBOljMgcHolzNfUaEH7Xug3_3AsHbvgKV3cNgX2GSEIY9ZQ5fyqjfE4tOo3uVLa478w/s1600/99_hatstruck_hat_blocks.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiYo0BGh57Y3Yl024wiXvMUQVO3FRShce2ykOqTWeCqU-LxVd94hij_1IZP05-VHlO5k5Txp35MFBOljMgcHolzNfUaEH7Xug3_3AsHbvgKV3cNgX2GSEIY9ZQ5fyqjfE4tOo3uVLa478w/s1600/99_hatstruck_hat_blocks.jpg" height="320" width="223" /></a>I can go on about buckram, but I don't want to bore you. It all depends on how well you master buckranm how much you will grow to like or dislike it. <span class="st">No, buckram is not the latest kid on the block. It's
not sexy; but it works, and it works well. If you don't like it, it's
probably because you haven't learned to use it to its
fullest extent. Go out there and explore the many other alternatives to buckram if you have a desire to do so and find your best fit for your millinery era. Just have fun doing it.</span><br />
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<span class="st">Last, I thought I'd share images of a few of my latest acquired hat blocks. If you are a regular reader of this blog, you know how much I love a bargain. Well one of my latest bargains was the acquisition of almost a dozen blocks. Here are six of them. I also found another mannequin head that matches my other display head, both coming from the Salvation Army. The blocks came from one of Mrs Essie Edwards' farmer millinery students that was hanging her hat up for good. No matter how many blocks I pick up, the majority of my blocking occurs on bowls or utility blocks. So you see, millinery is a very affordable craft, depending on your choice of materials and equipment. </span>Lee Duncan is HatStruckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03901392706213421170noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1534393250710521070.post-19846165009565775812014-04-21T03:33:00.001-07:002014-04-21T03:35:06.936-07:00Using Alternative Millinery Materials; Contests Results<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOUY-M9xVrgysNxVt9xMWzHaS52GuBHyBLSuMCMLmFyBmeQQHbKNZbg6Iitrcevi1U4jaPgfknscEXLfLBwV-WIHqhb3ioobabr6Pi2Hm4-Fp9A4EuWNbd_cebTdq3t_0qhKplV5MTjV8/s1600/98_hatstruck_burlap_leather_hat_6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjOUY-M9xVrgysNxVt9xMWzHaS52GuBHyBLSuMCMLmFyBmeQQHbKNZbg6Iitrcevi1U4jaPgfknscEXLfLBwV-WIHqhb3ioobabr6Pi2Hm4-Fp9A4EuWNbd_cebTdq3t_0qhKplV5MTjV8/s1600/98_hatstruck_burlap_leather_hat_6.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a></div>
First of all once again I have to apologize concerning the quality of my images. My favorite camera is dying and my newer one is just not "cutting the mustard." The newbie is not making me look good at all; oh well.<br />
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I haven't been posting as much lately, so I thought I'd take this opportunity to do so, taking advantage of resent events and the images that I took for those, one being the Mad Hatters competition. The winners were announced yesterday, for which I was not one of them. Another event was a Facebook fashion show I participated in. Finally I want to discuss using alternative materials for making hats, and saving a few dollars while doing so.<br />
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I didn't place in <a href="http://hatstruck.blogspot.com/2014/04/my-hat-submissions-to-mad-hatters.html" target="_blank">the Mad Hatters competition</a> but I did get an honorable mention. Considering that there were probably over a hundred entries and so many great entries, I thought the mention, for "<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_YYR0-pwlDmPhHHgr-zo-FW5k8h4-1tb5t36ElqTEMXM4FLkxv9C-alwJZAhxcPWdMPM2paItJSLnhEnedM8ETCjQwBFibSyFYe419HRHBA7y092PUm8r3ZbpMA1DtzvL114WwphWvY4/s1600/97_hatstruck__metal_copper_hat_7.jpg" target="_blank">The Copper Lady</a>," was quite impressive. I also want to point out that many of the entries that didn't win or receive a mention were also awesome. Actually I had my eyes on the Second Prize--a ton of sinamay; oh well next time. The judge for the competition was actually one of our local Los Angeles milliners, the internationally known <a href="http://www.arturorios.com/" target="_blank">Arturo Rios</a>. Thanks for a fabulous contest Mad Hatters organizers and thanks to a great judge.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwnJLfjbXw9lixWtMV8qkXPiNoVqXYBwPL94t_o8FWmwgKPbpC7e_NOW1ftR8U4j5sU_LE7glKLw7_XR6D0Po8Y1zboyQw_CFNp0kiq_oDCdDxrfU2AFR4Gpe3b6Bf-E5PrSKNeaG-xvQ/s1600/98_hatstruck_burlap_leather_hat_8.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwnJLfjbXw9lixWtMV8qkXPiNoVqXYBwPL94t_o8FWmwgKPbpC7e_NOW1ftR8U4j5sU_LE7glKLw7_XR6D0Po8Y1zboyQw_CFNp0kiq_oDCdDxrfU2AFR4Gpe3b6Bf-E5PrSKNeaG-xvQ/s1600/98_hatstruck_burlap_leather_hat_8.jpg" height="320" width="211" /></a>My next hat entry was for a Facebook fashion show, <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/137023276506793/" target="_blank">Men in Hats</a>, a group dedicated to, none other than, men waring hats. The group's founder, Ron Shelton, is also the owner of <a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/137023276506793/" target="_blank">Res Hats</a>. I have to admit that my show entry was a bit tamed compared to Ron's and others' hats. I'll have to practice on creating a more dapper hat next time. So this leads me to the final purpose of this post, using alternative millinery materials.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8sTp7ZlMjquYIkoA5NHfHYTDK9Eb7cilbABS0vPQuFAjIquoADcPjPz7KupSWJfj6XGmU4g-UIssVctU_cQDn6DyQbznT95YkOozjuY54B9TPZXHX1wME6hsIjKLL7q5N0ZsqnGW3H2g/s1600/98_hatstruck_burlap_leather_hat_9.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj8sTp7ZlMjquYIkoA5NHfHYTDK9Eb7cilbABS0vPQuFAjIquoADcPjPz7KupSWJfj6XGmU4g-UIssVctU_cQDn6DyQbznT95YkOozjuY54B9TPZXHX1wME6hsIjKLL7q5N0ZsqnGW3H2g/s1600/98_hatstruck_burlap_leather_hat_9.jpg" height="200" width="143" /></a>Over the years I've collect so much stuff. I'll call it stuff because it no longer has a purpose. My tastes have changed, and styles have changed but I still hold onto the same dull fabrics and trims that I purchased years ago. What makes it so bad is that I keep adding to them. Anyway, I thought I would pull out some of that old stuff and make a hat from it. In this case it was burlap yardage. If you were country raised and had hogs and other animals, you'd probably remember it as feed sack material that animal food came in, also referred to as croker sack. You will also recognize it as the same material that jute hat bodies and hoods are made of. So actually this material is not new to millinery. Yes, croker sack, burlap, and jute are all one in the same.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjqjiPK85QjUkLgdxSAOkjHb-AAQRgUSSfNDnw8FndnrHSbazC6vr7t0-KIYFd9kiDTy-vm2F8Nn7-nZNTU1j0ISvWVCgtS6m4l1b2FZgAzicPYBhrPvI6M9pf-o9wzce72rszVidjq9c/s1600/98_hatstruck_burlap_leather_hat_10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjqjiPK85QjUkLgdxSAOkjHb-AAQRgUSSfNDnw8FndnrHSbazC6vr7t0-KIYFd9kiDTy-vm2F8Nn7-nZNTU1j0ISvWVCgtS6m4l1b2FZgAzicPYBhrPvI6M9pf-o9wzce72rszVidjq9c/s1600/98_hatstruck_burlap_leather_hat_10.jpg" height="200" width="148" /></a> I created my hat for the fashion show from jute and pigskin leather; the bill, a retractable bill (don't ask me why I made it retractable), was covered with fine pigskin leather. The cost for the entire hat probably cost under $8.00 because I purchase my fabrics from a discount store closer to my home than the downtown Los Angeles garment district. Had I purchased it in the district, it would have cost less. I wanted to point this out because I constantly hear how expensive millinery is. It doesn't have to be. The fine pigskin leather and the beautiful <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDft2GjpDXkk4TfXJsUw4UQ4HBW3Cku7x80FmK4l3CTzJNV4WDNisz4sxyXkA1vAv7YVsjo119XT7LZ7ZLmIOWmF-inId2gmLIX_YI1cAvo7wH0pDqfWDK5LTpnMQTLblVvfF2o7qPlNw/s1600/97_hatstruck__wire_frame_hat_11.jpg" target="_blank">silk satin</a> I used to make the flower in my previous post both came from my favorite discount fabric store; no compromise in quality, because the store chain actually purchases stock from businesses that over purchase and/or have gone out of business. I purchased the fabric to make a utility purse; no, I never made it. If I had purchased it for a hat, I would have purchased it in a finer more attractive quality. I also purchased the feathers from the same store.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggTVZK0mROdZvpIwfiVrNtEA4TbpHCIXLkhsKnNuci-9bchCVI7I6J-CCNcCYsUbXmF_hifyHKv6EBP0OsA01rECw9hIMBTvO56Ha8H3046FQD4R67-r8Hr7VQyVFhUtgb-m0Qwh0IkSs/s1600/98_hatstruck_burlap_leather_hat_7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEggTVZK0mROdZvpIwfiVrNtEA4TbpHCIXLkhsKnNuci-9bchCVI7I6J-CCNcCYsUbXmF_hifyHKv6EBP0OsA01rECw9hIMBTvO56Ha8H3046FQD4R67-r8Hr7VQyVFhUtgb-m0Qwh0IkSs/s1600/98_hatstruck_burlap_leather_hat_7.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a>So how did I make this hat? I sized the fabric in water diluted fabric stiffener. I love Stiffy because it does not turn yellow. Experiment with your own stiffener (white glue, etc.). For those of you that crochet and stiffen doilies, you will have no problem sizing (stiffening) this fabric because there are tons of recipes out there for that purpose. Finally, after the fabric had dried on the block, I sprayed it with spray on shellac. This gave the hat a slight shine, and it also softened it a little, giving it the right amount of flexibility. You could also use a spray-on lacquer. These spray on products serve to protect the hat from the elements and to maintain its firmness. Usually when I use something from a craft or hardware store and I'm spraying a light color fabric (fabric yardage, felt, and straw), I look for a non-yellowing product. <br />
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You will notice in the above paragraph that you did not need to purchase anything from a millinery supply. This is for those that only have access to a fabric store or a community store that sells a variety of things. By no means I'm I suggesting that you not purchase from a millinery supply. What I'm saying is, if you don't have access to certain supplies, use what you have access to. Learn French room couture millinery techniques and make "piece good hats" from fabrics you may already have on hand--a leather skirt, some linen fabric, sheer fabrics, cottons, wools, etc.). In another post, one day, I'll write about creating your own foundation materials. In the meantime, as I mentioned, there are plenty of resources out there if you will only do the research. Please, please, don't try something one time and say that it does not work!<br />
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In my last hat class as I went on and on about fur felt and my likes and dislikes, one of the students asked, what if you just want to have a regular hat to kick around in, to paraphrase, for which my lips were glued together. However, it caused me to stop and think, why put a ton of money into an everyday hat that you throw around, and this hat is the answer, at least the materials used and how it was sourced.<br />
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Again, use what you have on hand and stop thinking about what you don't have. Either <a href="http://hatstruck.blogspot.com/2010/09/carve-your-own-utility-hat-block.html" target="_blank">carve</a><a href="http://hatstruck.blogspot.com/2010/09/carve-your-own-utility-hat-block.html" target="_blank"> yourself a hat block</a>. It's <a href="http://theatrecrafter.com/Hat%20Mold%20Project.htm" target="_blank">easy to learn</a>, or <a href="http://hatstruck.blogspot.com/2011/07/another-hat-block-alternative-candle.html" target="_blank">collect wooden bowls, etc.</a>, to block on. We don't live in a perfect world and wanting everything to be so will only hold us back. So, if you don't have access to millinery classes, then do the next best thing. Take advantage of the many resources that you do have access to, including millinery books, many of which are <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/hatstruck/books-free-online-millinery-and-related-books/" target="_blank">free online books</a>; <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/hatstruck/how-other-milliners-and-hatters-do-it/" target="_blank">online millinery tutorials</a>, and use observation. Observation is so important; I have learned so many things through observation. Also, learn basic millinery concepts; one very important one used in couture millinery is bias and how it's used. <br />
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Finally, as I have written so many times, stop agonizing over how someone else does something, and step out there and think for yourself. Experiment and write your own book, sort of speak, just as the person did that you refer to as an expert. When you hear someone talk about sound millinery practices, step back and observe them and ask why they are so bent on you not using alternative materials and methods.<br />
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Good luck on your millinery journey.<br />
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<br />Lee Duncan is HatStruckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03901392706213421170noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1534393250710521070.post-38648884194796961632014-04-11T07:16:00.001-07:002014-04-18T22:08:00.461-07:00My Hat Submissions to the Mad Hatters Society Millinery Competition on Facebook<span style="color: #e69138;"><b>
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I thought I'd share the hats that I submitted in<span class="fcg"> </span><a href="https://www.facebook.com/groups/madhatterssociety/" target="_blank">The Mad Hatters Society's</a> <span class="fcg">2014 MHS Annual Competition </span>on Facebook. I'm sure that everyone that follows me on <a href="https://www.facebook.com/hatstruck" target="_blank">Facebook</a> has seen these hats too many times already, but I wanted to share them here with my blog followers that don't follow me there, or with those just passing by. By the way, if you are not a follower of this blog, please consider following it and signing up for email alerts. Your support would be greatly appreciated. The same invitation goes out to those that follow <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/hatstruck/" target="_blank">my </a><a href="https://www.blogger.com/null" target="_blank">Pinterest</a> boards.<br />
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Interring millinery competitions gives me an opportunity to make hats more often, and also to sort of "push the envelop" (be a little more creative than I would usually be). I also have a tendency to reevaluate and to make a conscious effort to improve my millinery skills while working on a hat for a competition.<br />
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I've finally gotten to the point where winning or loosing a competition means very little to me, except for the mere excitement of actually seeing the finished entries. After all, winners are almost always chosen subjectively, and too many are left feeling inadequate even if they have wonderful design and/or workmanship skills.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPjx_ACMYsd6cMrouKGmHlEVc1KTPO2QiNe2TwNP2IZ7kJwCJL07UGl5uYWmoAt-5HvBbQhKKJVhs0em0163o_qQS4TIO02EmZ6d0qddksWtESu74IOMOxpjUeYsk0qBJ3NlkGFw1Ogyk/s1600/90_hatstruck_white_plexiglass_hat_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgPjx_ACMYsd6cMrouKGmHlEVc1KTPO2QiNe2TwNP2IZ7kJwCJL07UGl5uYWmoAt-5HvBbQhKKJVhs0em0163o_qQS4TIO02EmZ6d0qddksWtESu74IOMOxpjUeYsk0qBJ3NlkGFw1Ogyk/s1600/90_hatstruck_white_plexiglass_hat_2.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a>There is no denying that I love the prizes, if there are any to be had. The last time I won a Mad Hatters' competition, second place prize, I received a $125 gift certificate from <a href="https://www.judithm.com/" target="_blank">Judith M Millinery Supply House</a>. Let's just say that I have enough wire, wire joiners, and horsehair to last me for quite some time. My winning entry was "<a href="http://hatstruck.blogspot.com/2013/12/bakelite-bangle-bracelets-hatstrucks.html" target="_blank">Outside of My Window</a>," a plexiglass hat (left) fabricated in almost the same manner as "The Copper Lady" above, except that I used metal cutting scissors to cut out the copper hat and a jeweler's saw to cut out the plexiglass hat. Note that I could have also used the jewel's saw on the copper; it was just a matter of how I felt at the time.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyEwKf6HCyLlHCct61Y4e3Kzv0JCuONP0wSGhZOIQBGYxKyKdtZIxQq-AM7y5Z72LOpddB3JYkW0Wtd8YGl6KGkCew4VehbzkzgLhyGMw9_QMCb2nb8YM2PBcalvC9TRsO6XPdps7bAG0/s1600/97_hatstruck__metal_copper_hat_3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjyEwKf6HCyLlHCct61Y4e3Kzv0JCuONP0wSGhZOIQBGYxKyKdtZIxQq-AM7y5Z72LOpddB3JYkW0Wtd8YGl6KGkCew4VehbzkzgLhyGMw9_QMCb2nb8YM2PBcalvC9TRsO6XPdps7bAG0/s1600/97_hatstruck__metal_copper_hat_3.jpg" height="193" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_YYR0-pwlDmPhHHgr-zo-FW5k8h4-1tb5t36ElqTEMXM4FLkxv9C-alwJZAhxcPWdMPM2paItJSLnhEnedM8ETCjQwBFibSyFYe419HRHBA7y092PUm8r3ZbpMA1DtzvL114WwphWvY4/s1600/97_hatstruck__metal_copper_hat_7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_YYR0-pwlDmPhHHgr-zo-FW5k8h4-1tb5t36ElqTEMXM4FLkxv9C-alwJZAhxcPWdMPM2paItJSLnhEnedM8ETCjQwBFibSyFYe419HRHBA7y092PUm8r3ZbpMA1DtzvL114WwphWvY4/s1600/97_hatstruck__metal_copper_hat_7.jpg" height="320" width="213" /></a>I created the "The Copper Lady" from copper sheet metal that I hammered into a dome. If you follow me you may remember how I write about how small my place is. Well, for my last millinery class I decided to make a brim ironing board for use at home, easy transport, and because let's face it, I just have to know that I can perform a task on my own in case I have to. One day I'll seek some therapy for this condition.<br />
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Using a folding wooden food tray, I cut out a half circle with my jeweler's saw and some carving tools. Crazy, yes! Well, conditions may not always be perfect, so I believe in using what I have on hand to accomplish what I need to at the moment. Anyway, I will not be doing that again with those particular tools, but at least I know if I had to do it I could. Since I needed a concave wooden area to dome my sheet for my hat, I carved one into the brim ironing board, to its side. Now I don't have to pull out my steel doming block to make a pair of earrings because I can use the same concave area for them. Plus, I can iron my hat brims, I can attach my jeweler's saw block, I can make large earrings, and I can dome little cute hats all in one tiny area without unfolding my work table, if I had to. Finally, I finished "The Copper Lady" off with a removable vintage Trifari brooch for interchangeability. I was extremely pleased with this hat, so simple, but so bold and elegant.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpZAfJLoLBvYrdyRy0PveeqDtnOhXh1YJ2lx340CnsSll9RswYNv1V2Bc-P6okBKTj8gmOQdLN2b7twhOL4EPp5m3osjE1qSnMRw7GA3qZcmBONO_3OmMWiOdB9wtpCv07u9m9_ajPGnY/s1600/97_hatstruck__wire_frame_hat_13.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjpZAfJLoLBvYrdyRy0PveeqDtnOhXh1YJ2lx340CnsSll9RswYNv1V2Bc-P6okBKTj8gmOQdLN2b7twhOL4EPp5m3osjE1qSnMRw7GA3qZcmBONO_3OmMWiOdB9wtpCv07u9m9_ajPGnY/s1600/97_hatstruck__wire_frame_hat_13.jpg" height="320" width="217" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHRdzJH-fZHbq4j_TbnWMR5PR-InEqCDB0yX-p9FiOSh1h7oME0roNAt_WUsuG1IaZ38NWSHowKp4Y5r_JB9m5Wlvz79J1OmvdwuQh75t9A8f385UEchPDI5042ezpe3dCl-iH89jBtz8/s1600/97_hatstruck__wire_frame_hat_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHRdzJH-fZHbq4j_TbnWMR5PR-InEqCDB0yX-p9FiOSh1h7oME0roNAt_WUsuG1IaZ38NWSHowKp4Y5r_JB9m5Wlvz79J1OmvdwuQh75t9A8f385UEchPDI5042ezpe3dCl-iH89jBtz8/s1600/97_hatstruck__wire_frame_hat_1.jpg" height="200" width="190" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAzn89zBtoMp8ffSCL1Z6gWFK_Z1P1jzgI-kvDxUpYiZoDNkOqkYuwLURLuIWCuLVzJOAfh_p1UXq2D1NTg8Rk_qv9cOitjprxvpn8e_314HoipdKlvgyVsjuvuamwgk-IaKRw5MT7U0g/s1600/97_hatstruck__wire_frame_hat_4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a><br />
The next submission, "Flight of the Midnight Butterfly," (left) also earned my
stamp of approval. It was built on a wire frame that was blocked over a very large wooden fruit bowl. The wire was then covered with ribbon, net, lace,
and vintage file tubing to cover the wire spokes.<br />
<br />
I made flower from silk satin, making
one bud myself and adding another vintage bud to balance it off.<br />
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<div style="text-align: left;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
The flower on<i> Flight of the Midnight Butterfly</i>
was made from silk satin. The fabric was sized with a fabric stiffener, stretched over my flower drying rack, then left to dry before moistening again, then tooling (shaping) the flower.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDft2GjpDXkk4TfXJsUw4UQ4HBW3Cku7x80FmK4l3CTzJNV4WDNisz4sxyXkA1vAv7YVsjo119XT7LZ7ZLmIOWmF-inId2gmLIX_YI1cAvo7wH0pDqfWDK5LTpnMQTLblVvfF2o7qPlNw/s1600/97_hatstruck__wire_frame_hat_11.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgDft2GjpDXkk4TfXJsUw4UQ4HBW3Cku7x80FmK4l3CTzJNV4WDNisz4sxyXkA1vAv7YVsjo119XT7LZ7ZLmIOWmF-inId2gmLIX_YI1cAvo7wH0pDqfWDK5LTpnMQTLblVvfF2o7qPlNw/s1600/97_hatstruck__wire_frame_hat_11.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqWRNxsAf_LjR42jGTsvFCotQLtL-LycAUiYBXCipZU_RvSQhGgmUyc3OI34AMAVC9nc1g-w85JYg54STMcCr1MCcgGsk7hDzSqM-ynqYBHcOgqqG_lcQXuf1u0A2GrtCZYCkrjnK_m7Q/s1600/97_hatstruck__wire_frame_hat_10.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjqWRNxsAf_LjR42jGTsvFCotQLtL-LycAUiYBXCipZU_RvSQhGgmUyc3OI34AMAVC9nc1g-w85JYg54STMcCr1MCcgGsk7hDzSqM-ynqYBHcOgqqG_lcQXuf1u0A2GrtCZYCkrjnK_m7Q/s1600/97_hatstruck__wire_frame_hat_10.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOVA3mgI4nSRq4ycSX6FCBG8DbqR7Y0lcTgcaX3jEy9_uU8jj_AYNupCeipr0gA6cvkg4LDMYxCkXGOlSJooTJs9Kv1wXFxFQTRshgtjhVuKUb-cdWT59uUG-xmpN19f3Lwqx6MDX0Pks/s1600/97_hatstruck__wire_frame_hat_12.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOVA3mgI4nSRq4ycSX6FCBG8DbqR7Y0lcTgcaX3jEy9_uU8jj_AYNupCeipr0gA6cvkg4LDMYxCkXGOlSJooTJs9Kv1wXFxFQTRshgtjhVuKUb-cdWT59uUG-xmpN19f3Lwqx6MDX0Pks/s1600/97_hatstruck__wire_frame_hat_12.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></a>I've often seen demonstrations where this fabric is hung up vertically to dry. Well, what happens if you hang fabric to dry vertically? It drys from the top first down to the bottom last. If the fabric has starch in it, then it will be stiffer at the bottom than at the top. So therefore, it is best to lay the fabric horizontally rather than vertically. If you don't have flower irons and would like to try your hand at at simple flower making, I have two Youtube videos on flower making: one for a <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jtJZJhNKikw" target="_blank">simple leather flower</a> and the other for a <a href="http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=utwravW4sMg" target="_blank">simple fabric flower</a>, neither requiring flower irons. </div>
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<div style="text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6fgSnTkx0HGwYV3Ihaqp5J61zCf31iDoD2IIBKD6qYUsLJAOOXudnJR91vDbyZ8pU5bmmvtJfESYS9qOVtK3o0tzNmtWckMpiWP_RpNi1PV_i11b1paKTt3tMgx_AgVFULs6vbNqxHcM/s1600/97_hatstruck__fur_felt_hat_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi6fgSnTkx0HGwYV3Ihaqp5J61zCf31iDoD2IIBKD6qYUsLJAOOXudnJR91vDbyZ8pU5bmmvtJfESYS9qOVtK3o0tzNmtWckMpiWP_RpNi1PV_i11b1paKTt3tMgx_AgVFULs6vbNqxHcM/s1600/97_hatstruck__fur_felt_hat_1.jpg" height="320" width="182" /></a></div>
"Elenore" (left) was another one of my four entries. Surprisingly, she was my hardest hat to make. I wanted to take a shortcut, but that was just not going to happen. <a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZMxguXVrU-MzJ7WqnR0cyMPppCyxMBJ1_JnokxbkLUUidiqtMNrsc-dxOwqcRVNPPPvPJP3N-UJoHXdBzzocri16jqTHTlH6N4FGQA-dsaGngMAc5xPtcqrfGaN_1qKywDF64c-0xw0U/s1600/hatstruck_felt_blocking.jpg" target="_blank">I had blocked several hats weeks earlier</a>. They just sit on the hat blocks waiting for me to do something. At the last moment, needing a fourth hat for the contest, a vintage 1930s/1940s sophisticated shape was chosen, and thus <i>Elenore</i> was<br />
born.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVITQh_jUqSSYSLMmuKSeQXnuI8RVG-POEz2e7JCHA-7HoZDxJWxP1tzGgCSjDla9yqdUMct4JN5YvLfpx5Noeok840PMWpPzfo2bjRhBBoE1DA0MtG5i6EDvwTFzmr95KUGfa_ezW3-o/s1600/97_hatstruck__fur_felt_hat_6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVITQh_jUqSSYSLMmuKSeQXnuI8RVG-POEz2e7JCHA-7HoZDxJWxP1tzGgCSjDla9yqdUMct4JN5YvLfpx5Noeok840PMWpPzfo2bjRhBBoE1DA0MtG5i6EDvwTFzmr95KUGfa_ezW3-o/s1600/97_hatstruck__fur_felt_hat_6.jpg" height="200" width="135" /></a>This fur felt, beaver finish hat looked simple enough to complete, but it was not. Like most of my hat blocks, it was the first time I had<i> blocked on it</i>. So I had no idea that I would be unable to take a much needed shortcut; much needed because I was exhausted having worked on a project with my daughter while working on my own project. Manny times, in vintage hats, a sprung wire was required. Springing the wire is a simple technique that has a simple meaning--straightening standard millinery wire, NOT STEEL WIRE--in order to add tension in the correct place(s) on a hat.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyOsDYtY_DQd0zXMxLQIhYT30zDuYCijbqNDLkhPeoQ63xlNosbXZQBIVFHpIIuW3omqelseaSLelWjRuxhfJ4w7GuQ81saJ4gVhOERG1_fgJOZGQV3gOEx6BZxBGuqpf81IH31DXBaeQ/s1600/97_hatstruck__fur_felt_hat_3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyOsDYtY_DQd0zXMxLQIhYT30zDuYCijbqNDLkhPeoQ63xlNosbXZQBIVFHpIIuW3omqelseaSLelWjRuxhfJ4w7GuQ81saJ4gVhOERG1_fgJOZGQV3gOEx6BZxBGuqpf81IH31DXBaeQ/s1600/97_hatstruck__fur_felt_hat_3.jpg" height="200" width="136" /></a>Sprung wire sits inside of a hat, and usually it does not have to be sewn into the hat when needed. Well, <i>Elenore</i> required the oposite, and the manipulation and placement of that wire affected the shape and integrity of the hat. The hat would not stand at attention without the wire. I've taken up many shortcuts since I've started making hats, but this is one technique I've not dropped, especially when dropping it affects the integrity of the hat. Hat blocks are funny objects, their finished products require different applications, some of these applications are realized only after the material has been taking off the block and after one has started working on it<br />
<br />
<div style="text-align: left;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOSPbo-pbBvja9UskVuimqgAQtO6dWVQEe36jl0UaUp8APA7CbIsr7Z0RdL_FgGTSDHMJo3oEvk619PFEY5nLq71nbtXW6YokE1tq05WkVTo8EidZhMGFcNb9KczPoU-HGdIYPOFrRJS8/s1600/97_hatstruck_buckram_covered_hat_belle1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOSPbo-pbBvja9UskVuimqgAQtO6dWVQEe36jl0UaUp8APA7CbIsr7Z0RdL_FgGTSDHMJo3oEvk619PFEY5nLq71nbtXW6YokE1tq05WkVTo8EidZhMGFcNb9KczPoU-HGdIYPOFrRJS8/s1600/97_hatstruck_buckram_covered_hat_belle1.jpg" height="320" width="238" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXNN5K_i8n48gHm44VrMyl_5825aOnrw3cmcXrNcF2qZozKqEuSLmmRu-D7525GpvRW8RQe3QtYsgOcj0J66dI17G5Xc0gmI6cIk4Q9oces1yHhEglSDbpSlF7x8Qbu74XrV9ZnF4XdD8/s1600/97_hatstruck_buckram_covered_hat_belle_6.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhXNN5K_i8n48gHm44VrMyl_5825aOnrw3cmcXrNcF2qZozKqEuSLmmRu-D7525GpvRW8RQe3QtYsgOcj0J66dI17G5Xc0gmI6cIk4Q9oces1yHhEglSDbpSlF7x8Qbu74XrV9ZnF4XdD8/s1600/97_hatstruck_buckram_covered_hat_belle_6.jpg" height="150" width="200" /></a>Finally there is "<i>Belle</i>" to <span style="font-size: small;">y</span>our left. <i>Belle's</i> buckram crown was blocked over a wooden candy dish. It was covered with sequin braid, velvet tip; trimmed with horsehair, and graced with a vintage Trifari brooch (yes, I like vintage brooches). "Belle's" lining was blocked over the same candy bowl as her crown was. This hat was just not worth the time it would take to make a tailored lining.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBHUfwOAd4pctu5VqXPUSJTV2WLfc4eKumNdLreqIg0fCHteX16YIz2SFIFwswZajpzhxcaxxGFqW-BRsjxjLvtwZb1YL-lEqe1hDEnZcFznNcI2QdMP5qBRqw_15BBOvCZhXrNx3lwcY/s1600/97_hatstruck_buckram_covered_hat_belle_7.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiBHUfwOAd4pctu5VqXPUSJTV2WLfc4eKumNdLreqIg0fCHteX16YIz2SFIFwswZajpzhxcaxxGFqW-BRsjxjLvtwZb1YL-lEqe1hDEnZcFznNcI2QdMP5qBRqw_15BBOvCZhXrNx3lwcY/s1600/97_hatstruck_buckram_covered_hat_belle_7.jpg" height="200" width="150" /></a><br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixmBE5-e87AegzmCb3n0PbHtMRk4VD3DMmPqbiSqVPQCPbFbHjpiMFqSgMTYkqasv-0xiq8MHjIQ6xY1tc5Eo8_MSGaIfxwu00DeZ5udxUzNgE2vFt36dYpJUzM66BjBFHMinnUpHF3eo/s1600/97_hatstruck_buckram_covered_hat_belle_5.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEixmBE5-e87AegzmCb3n0PbHtMRk4VD3DMmPqbiSqVPQCPbFbHjpiMFqSgMTYkqasv-0xiq8MHjIQ6xY1tc5Eo8_MSGaIfxwu00DeZ5udxUzNgE2vFt36dYpJUzM66BjBFHMinnUpHF3eo/s1600/97_hatstruck_buckram_covered_hat_belle_5.jpg" height="200" width="178" /></a>I was not pleased with, "<i>Belle</i>." There was just something lacking in workmanship with her.
Perhaps it was the lack of control I had over the cut, fringed horsehair trim;
perhaps I should have double layered it. That's what I'll do next time. "Belle's" lining was blocked over a candy bowl. This hat was just not worth the time to make a talored lining. <br />
<br />
I have quite a few hat blocks, but surprisingly I use wooden bowls to
create most of my hats. I even pin into these bowls, something I would
usually never do with my hat blocks. I guess I use wooden bowls because
using them keeps me grounded, knowing
that this craft can be as simple or as complicated, and as economical
or as expensive as I make it.<br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><span style="color: #b45f06;">Words of Inspiration </span></span><br />
<br />
More than sharing these hats with you, I hope you go away with the understanding that millinery, contrary to what some may say, is not always an expensive craft. Especially couture "French Room" millinery, also referred to as piece-good hats a few hundred years back. Yes, straw and felt are expensive today. When I was buying more of it, before millinery became popular again, the prices were much lower. It's a matter of supply and demand today. Again, you can make this craft as economical or as expensive as you would like. There are beautiful linens and silks and leathers, etc., out there. There are discount fabric shops; bowls to block on, etc. If you can't afford all of the bells and whistles starting out, start out little and accumulate over time; that what I did. I have many bells and whistles and I continue to accumulate them, but I very seldom use them. I think I'm more of a collector of millinery tools and equipment than a milliner sometimes. Lastly, considering French room millinery (covered hats, hand made hats), would allows you to create more unique hats, in my opinion.<br />
<br />
A little while ago I created a YouTube video, "<span style="font-size: small;"><span class="watch-title long-title yt-uix-expander-head" dir="ltr" id="eow-title" title="Couture Millinery: How Many Hats and Accessories Can You Make From One Yard of Fabric?"><a href="https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TVo8B280NZ0" target="_blank">Couture Millinery: How Many Hats and Accessories Can You Make From One Yard of Fabric?</a>" Check it out and also consider some nontraditional materials to make wonderful, beautiful hats. Remember that it only takes a fraction of a yard of fabric to make it. This makes silks, etc., affordable.</span></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><span class="watch-title long-title yt-uix-expander-head" dir="ltr" id="eow-title" title="Couture Millinery: How Many Hats and Accessories Can You Make From One Yard of Fabric?"><br /></span></span>
<span style="font-size: small;"><span class="watch-title long-title yt-uix-expander-head" dir="ltr" id="eow-title" title="Couture Millinery: How Many Hats and Accessories Can You Make From One Yard of Fabric?">Lastly, or did I say that already, learning is your responsibility. Don't let anything or anyone be a barrier to it. I spent all day Wednesday learning a new millinery techniques. If you don't have access to millinery instruction, remember that through observation, you can learn a lot. Take a sewing class, observe, observe. For free online millinery books, check out my Pinterest board, <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/hatstruck/books-free-online-millinery-and-related-books/" target="_blank">Books: Free Online Millinery and Related Books</a>. Also my board, "<a href="http://www.pinterest.com/hatstruck/how-other-milliners-and-hatters-do-it/" target="_blank">How Other Milliners and Hatters Do It</a>," is a compilation of how other milliners and hatters make there hats, etc. Although, I may not like some of the techniques, they are there to jump start your and my imagination and thinking. Again, if you have access to a good instructor, take a few classes.</span></span><br />
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<b></b>Lee Duncan is HatStruckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03901392706213421170noreply@blogger.com6tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1534393250710521070.post-10763572681363905182014-03-05T03:01:00.000-08:002014-03-05T03:01:04.638-08:00What? Another Millinery Class! Collapsible Straw Travel Hats and Free-Form Hats, Including Silk Organza Hand-Rolled Flowers!<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6uARtQn9wn93eAldB8dwQXvy9OPzqUxzY4s4LA23Vr2rgxI14sL-2UlQJP2exCGQ5YfbikfD2FvvaVpUWfmYHLediSB4pdRVFuwl0l94t7EJqwxaSpzCY6XWUVJ4Ca_66irFLYa78MXg/s1600/96_hatstruck_collapsible_travels_hat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh6uARtQn9wn93eAldB8dwQXvy9OPzqUxzY4s4LA23Vr2rgxI14sL-2UlQJP2exCGQ5YfbikfD2FvvaVpUWfmYHLediSB4pdRVFuwl0l94t7EJqwxaSpzCY6XWUVJ4Ca_66irFLYa78MXg/s1600/96_hatstruck_collapsible_travels_hat.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a>OK, on this Saturday, March 8, my <a href="http://hatstruck.blogspot.com/2014/02/hatstruck-couture-millinery-class-felt.html" target="_blank">felt blocking class</a> will take place, and boy am I really excited. As far as student turnout, it's a success! A lot will be going on on Saturday. Two students are returning for a hangout. My millinery teacher, Mrs Essie Edwards, will be stopping in. She also introduced me to one of her former students that is selling off her hat block collection. I purchased some of them and asked her to bring the others to class in case some of the students wanted to purchase her remain<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu6zQHqMrLoZugy1xTjpEQccqtyAWgBo5syP54pWIazJiqUCwCPYXNyISoZtztMajnkDda317efpqF3r44Mpkor7CmbXHWXHQP4wjfVK-Yu7jBXgAAUCwZrxkhrVks1BRk1ivBmL-LRKY/s1600/96_hatstruck_collapsible_travel_hat_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhu6zQHqMrLoZugy1xTjpEQccqtyAWgBo5syP54pWIazJiqUCwCPYXNyISoZtztMajnkDda317efpqF3r44Mpkor7CmbXHWXHQP4wjfVK-Yu7jBXgAAUCwZrxkhrVks1BRk1ivBmL-LRKY/s1600/96_hatstruck_collapsible_travel_hat_1.jpg" height="186" width="200" /></a>ing lot. I have some interesting students attending the class, one a television personality. I'm putting together a student notebook to keep me on track, as well as something to give the students to help them out after they leave class. Food, what will we eat; I'm still thinking about that one. Yes, I'm excited! I get excited about everything that has a learning and/or artistic component associated with it. I'm finally winding down from putting the class together--not one of my best loved things, but this child-like giddiness is the payoff! <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFltAy-cyIvREv6mN4IpJZi-7pcVg6Q9-oV10-uLbrAUNGvNky-p09XG0XPlwLpAmvsjUwrsepz8eHPkN8fTJKjc_HIWzhvLA02fk5u8R6EpqT54rhrbEoDOZ0alwA2sbF5Rb_wmmizyY/s1600/96_hatstruck_hand_rolled_silk_flower_making.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjFltAy-cyIvREv6mN4IpJZi-7pcVg6Q9-oV10-uLbrAUNGvNky-p09XG0XPlwLpAmvsjUwrsepz8eHPkN8fTJKjc_HIWzhvLA02fk5u8R6EpqT54rhrbEoDOZ0alwA2sbF5Rb_wmmizyY/s1600/96_hatstruck_hand_rolled_silk_flower_making.jpg" height="200" width="150" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeejuUTi7SYACOaSNBADyhEZpZCsi0WJ97QmMqPgiYkkuEo8sMta7NL3dFlpcnFqBHJIjkPV20FeqyzzaCKQx13EazjcKsUK_A77NM-VmsPxFRqW9G7TuErIOO9SeiEAGcgn_Jo7G__9s/s1600/96_hatstruck_collapsible_travel_cap_hat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgeejuUTi7SYACOaSNBADyhEZpZCsi0WJ97QmMqPgiYkkuEo8sMta7NL3dFlpcnFqBHJIjkPV20FeqyzzaCKQx13EazjcKsUK_A77NM-VmsPxFRqW9G7TuErIOO9SeiEAGcgn_Jo7G__9s/s1600/96_hatstruck_collapsible_travel_cap_hat.jpg" height="200" width="148" /></a>Well, like having a baby, you always forget the pain. I'm thinking about my next class, if you're interested. I wanted to do something light, something where I wouldn't have to haul hat blocks, except for maybe balsa utility blocks. The decision was easy. Why not do collapsible travel hats and silk organza, hand-rolled flowers to put on the hats? In addition to the travel hat I'll add non-travel hats with fully standing crowns and large brims that turn up or down--no hat blocks needed--appropriate for the races! Yes that's it!<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyb02-cKF48SM4BTQbdtRBGctVZ3WbzVcCHbinGmEg_l_wBSjdiOh-9aslQFoI453BhA9tDJyH4qAPZvcWIpu1opFgGELNIBi5okceHnaKxAZL8rmic0UB6W-Z7x4F1QvDZVnAM1yU1iM/s1600/96_hatstruck_silk_organza_flower_making_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyb02-cKF48SM4BTQbdtRBGctVZ3WbzVcCHbinGmEg_l_wBSjdiOh-9aslQFoI453BhA9tDJyH4qAPZvcWIpu1opFgGELNIBi5okceHnaKxAZL8rmic0UB6W-Z7x4F1QvDZVnAM1yU1iM/s1600/96_hatstruck_silk_organza_flower_making_2.jpg" height="155" width="200" /></a>So, I've pulled together images of travel hats I made in the long past and some hand-rolled flower images to give you an idea what I'm thinking about. I don't have images of the the full sized hats made without hat blocks, but as soon as the class is over I will get busy making a few, and I will post them when I finish. The travel hats and full hats can take from 5 minutes to an hour or so to make, depending on the brim treatment. You could be your own little factory if you decided to sell them.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg21nPyddmx-eiRhWxPuT0mPWu9pK2uYPxXpEAkPBqR62LxXV88v5uSHF_dU5gXTdPKedSfiYPkD1AnQ9u8X29rTXJ5cwTZ7tXjLDp2aSDy2Uwxna7ctDsFThP4wTgu9LmnI8k-_jC2TdU/s1600/96_hatstruck_silk_organza_flower_making.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg21nPyddmx-eiRhWxPuT0mPWu9pK2uYPxXpEAkPBqR62LxXV88v5uSHF_dU5gXTdPKedSfiYPkD1AnQ9u8X29rTXJ5cwTZ7tXjLDp2aSDy2Uwxna7ctDsFThP4wTgu9LmnI8k-_jC2TdU/s1600/96_hatstruck_silk_organza_flower_making.jpg" height="200" width="150" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ6xpH9ifQo4KrGMoWJVweB71t7xSq0BupUFFDNJKS7kPSyadgjE90VTj_xNH7V8WFhc6ZKrHEGDLfHsFTfKePbO96vV8zDY7H0LF5ABpJm1yAeihUGJP_cDw8OZPnwhgF53JsaDH2OIY/s1600/96_hatstruck_collapsible_travel_hat_3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjZ6xpH9ifQo4KrGMoWJVweB71t7xSq0BupUFFDNJKS7kPSyadgjE90VTj_xNH7V8WFhc6ZKrHEGDLfHsFTfKePbO96vV8zDY7H0LF5ABpJm1yAeihUGJP_cDw8OZPnwhgF53JsaDH2OIY/s1600/96_hatstruck_collapsible_travel_hat_3.jpg" height="200" width="173" /></a>Back in the early 1990s travel hats were very popular. They were selling for $250 and up on Melrose in West Los Angeles and Neiman Marcus in Beverly Hills. You probably could find some going for that price in some high end stores today; I really couldn't say since I don't spend much time at Neimans any today because they don't have a large hat department any longer. Back in the day I would go anywhere that had beautiful hand made hats to look at. When visiting Neimans I would opt out of the valet parking and purchase a piece of candy so I could get my parking ticket validated. Now you didn't think that I was going to purchase a hat did you?<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfJzSihhNSLi0H0v7eoO-Q2Pot3kYs09XNQ0WFfQrUgrzZcFfMSEbDmt6i0TO0JpgEtjbR3VwOKyeR6qoHhYhgi4Xx31fG9vY1X-SU4juGgk7_Qtar6e4qiIpvxfsSgsJVoRwLjiQLTWw/s1600/96_hatstruck_collapsible_travel_hat_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfJzSihhNSLi0H0v7eoO-Q2Pot3kYs09XNQ0WFfQrUgrzZcFfMSEbDmt6i0TO0JpgEtjbR3VwOKyeR6qoHhYhgi4Xx31fG9vY1X-SU4juGgk7_Qtar6e4qiIpvxfsSgsJVoRwLjiQLTWw/s1600/96_hatstruck_collapsible_travel_hat_2.jpg" height="320" width="276" /></a>Anyway, today travel hats are still big sellers, including the other free-form, more sculptural hats. They sell extremely well at fairs, conventions, and in boutiques. They are loved by the young, as well as the more seasoned ladies; they can also be made in men styles. I've noticed them selling between $35 and $120, depending on the type of straw they are made in, most recently. Let's face it, these are the types of hats that spell creativity. That's what many prospective hat buyers are looking for--something different. So if you don't have any hat blocks, and you want a sure seller for all ages, this would be the perfect class for you. Or you may just want to make something creative and special for yourself. I'll get back to you with more images. <br />
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Well, if you're interested, let me know; late April? Plus, the price of the class is lower because of the materials and shorter time period for teaching it.<br /><br />Lee Duncan is HatStruckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03901392706213421170noreply@blogger.com9tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1534393250710521070.post-7598341635730889662014-02-22T10:18:00.000-08:002014-02-22T10:18:23.089-08:00Creating a Top Hat Without a Top Hat Block (continued)<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_L2Trk2jL65hofQ69fxZXVXu_Z0AcVqU5-1vNcbd2plwOeazPECKnHHQ6UJ37EwAsSM3Obn6lt-2MXsBtb0anycGckk1ICkdUlxQOEeVmYE-BRKePDYutGa72-w3wvJi9Esz1R_znJu8/s1600/95_hatstruck_making_top_hat.tif" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEi_L2Trk2jL65hofQ69fxZXVXu_Z0AcVqU5-1vNcbd2plwOeazPECKnHHQ6UJ37EwAsSM3Obn6lt-2MXsBtb0anycGckk1ICkdUlxQOEeVmYE-BRKePDYutGa72-w3wvJi9Esz1R_znJu8/s1600/95_hatstruck_making_top_hat.tif" height="320" width="239" /></a></div>
Continuing with my little top hat project from my <a href="http://hatstruck.blogspot.com/2014/02/creating-top-hat-without-top-hat-block.html" target="_blank">last post</a>, it has been a wonderful journey. Because I didn't have a top hat block, I figured out a simple way to flare the tip (top) of the hat without such a block. So the next challenge was to taper the crown down to the smaller head size, and also to create a more attractive curve from the edge of the tip to the head size. I was pleased with the outcome, and I learned a few things along the journey. Because of what I learned, my next step will be to create a cardboard or foam transition block rather than using my protein powder can.<br />
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I can't emphasize the importance of experimentation in order to improve one's skills. Had I asked someone how to do this, and if they would have told me how to do it, I would have missed out on all of the things learned in-between--hits and misses--including the new applications learned that could be applied to other projects. <br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihPI3PjxTT6AMmrX9DZOpet26GBCep4uTUbDweXwMbHDR8HYIoQAorx5uCdfWtwDqnhioaVAcmYkFViOjCIFgNcjWPOKz3P-DmJYB7QB38zkNcdgT0XPyNNPtr0JgUidAqLkrbX9BK7IA/s1600/94_hatstruck_top_hat_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEihPI3PjxTT6AMmrX9DZOpet26GBCep4uTUbDweXwMbHDR8HYIoQAorx5uCdfWtwDqnhioaVAcmYkFViOjCIFgNcjWPOKz3P-DmJYB7QB38zkNcdgT0XPyNNPtr0JgUidAqLkrbX9BK7IA/s1600/94_hatstruck_top_hat_2.jpg" height="200" width="176" /></a>Anyway, above is an improved version and to your right is the first version of my top hat; note the taper, plus I decided to flatten the tip. The technique for tapering the sideband came from my Pinterest board, <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/hatstruck/how-other-milliners-and-hatters-do-it/" target="_blank">How Other Milliners and Hatters Do It</a>, the pin on creating a Fosshape top hat. When you think about it, Fosshape has some of the same properties as felt, it's a non-woven material that stretches under steam and heat, etc., (1. non-woven material, 2. stretches under steam and heat). So given that they share some of the same properties, it's intuitive that the sideband of the felt would be shaped in the same manner as the Fosshape top hat, correct? Anyway, wonderful tutorial, but my tip was created in a much simpler manner. I will be teaching how I created my flared top hat in <a href="http://hatstruck.blogspot.com/2014/02/how-to-tie-hat-blocking-cord-picture-is.html" target="_blank">my upcoming class on March 8</a>, join us. Wow, I just told you how to do it! Pretty easy if you don't focus on how I did mine. I can think of several other ways of doing this, and I'm sure that many of you can do much better than I did.<br />
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Forgive the lousy pictures; I'm having camera issues.Lee Duncan is HatStruckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03901392706213421170noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1534393250710521070.post-54214890682784399462014-02-20T09:25:00.000-08:002014-02-20T18:46:10.296-08:00Creating a Top Hat Without a Top Hat Block; Another Example of Hat Blocking Without Pins and Nails<b><span style="color: #e69138;">Creating a Top Hat Prototype</span></b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ7HwNgufR3gtmyQBtCXRdHybdF4vMmfCxK66O3lYgOrItILIppSM7XAPbMaf-JmJPDtnPNFMlI0qmiCdhM5500yuL0QnY6TCuIs4IvIFUTBxKjTBl1sZWT9RBv6OCNVhiFq6wqD8wxws/s1600/94_hatstruck_top_hat_3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiJ7HwNgufR3gtmyQBtCXRdHybdF4vMmfCxK66O3lYgOrItILIppSM7XAPbMaf-JmJPDtnPNFMlI0qmiCdhM5500yuL0QnY6TCuIs4IvIFUTBxKjTBl1sZWT9RBv6OCNVhiFq6wqD8wxws/s1600/94_hatstruck_top_hat_3.jpg" height="320" width="270" /></a>It's almost time for my felt blocking class that will be held on <a href="http://hatstruck.blogspot.com/2014/02/how-to-tie-hat-blocking-cord-picture-is.html" target="_blank">March 8</a>.
Usually, I ask students what type of hat they would like to create in
class. One of the students wrote that she wanted to make a top hat.
OK, it's panic time! I don't have a top hat block! The top hats that
I've made have always been flat pattern buckram hats. So I told her
that I didn't have a top hat block, but that she was not to worry
because I'd figure something out. Usually I think up some over kill
process to solve an issue. So I had two techniques I thought about
using, but I scrapped those because, as I've grown older, I prefer to do
less labor intensive things, or maybe I'm just growing lazy. I prefer
to let my brain do the heavy lifting. That process usually starts by
sitting in a chair, looking out into space, and just thinking.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqux2uj_Pjfw5hdOK7YyY5qlLjFD1n4CHeP464SpHQRtw8fSfcGjjYKCjq3eSMueoldKlHWkPdWh5G8hRrpVMJCwr_VXfXB3pIyOMOVVCkpbnR9ADvXT6ks4xL-swbIwXYN-EpipnN8Q8/s1600/94_hatstruck_top_hat_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiqux2uj_Pjfw5hdOK7YyY5qlLjFD1n4CHeP464SpHQRtw8fSfcGjjYKCjq3eSMueoldKlHWkPdWh5G8hRrpVMJCwr_VXfXB3pIyOMOVVCkpbnR9ADvXT6ks4xL-swbIwXYN-EpipnN8Q8/s1600/94_hatstruck_top_hat_1.jpg" height="200" width="149" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrhQk0uEdpS6rf5IvNv-cTx2rzYmXgqwOZTs4nkmLY_vbQGgoD3KY_1ws40g60D1cUbTunnxihilqV6C5wBjEMIOMBpy2e406CV22t5dn6_gqEP9lLHBW-rZNK-JfKZ7-TcJrUiXFuRJg/s1600/94_hatstruck_top_hat_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgrhQk0uEdpS6rf5IvNv-cTx2rzYmXgqwOZTs4nkmLY_vbQGgoD3KY_1ws40g60D1cUbTunnxihilqV6C5wBjEMIOMBpy2e406CV22t5dn6_gqEP9lLHBW-rZNK-JfKZ7-TcJrUiXFuRJg/s1600/94_hatstruck_top_hat_2.jpg" height="200" width="176" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh5LKBUkeJqXvEHWVFlYLCc8SXTfKpaxTBmgZXWfiTP1CCMYdSXPLmoyLK90jNVYDRdljXLwax-beL_nFkXC4litAFxQ1RsIQq6VZnpXshFN1yZ_CUaQVLqzcBkzh_7DiT0q_JxR5tYovQ/s1600/94_hatstruck_top_hat_2.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><br /></a>
Now
as I was sitting in my chair thinking, I started looking around the
room, and there I found my solution. A two minute solution that I've
been using for decades! I became excited and started blocking my hat
and shaping the flared tip (top) until hunger set in. When hunger sets
in, everything ceases: the sun goes down, the air is sucked out of the
room, my head "jumps time;" you get the picture. So after I had cooked and eaten, I refined
my project and a flared top hat prototype was born. Note that I could have made a flat tip. I can't wait
to teach the technique in class. Now all I have to do is taper the
size down to the small head size of the student. Stay tuned. By-the-way, I always keep pre-used materials to practice on. I love
continuous experimentation and learning!<br />
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<b><span style="color: #e69138;">Another Example of Blocking Without Pins and Nails (American Style Hat Block)</span></b><br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_WZNgYOYjfiJxVlp3B0BVtnVMcvqi8K1xJxwW61OmEPZWOPL5Nymr3cKAjUJsq2kpwdgyDWtYCXS-ox-dvdIsWeyi-pPnyf88DQxHPCPTr7Q5iZEK41oBS_7WpKRuovY3dEcFNySh2Ng/s1600/94_hatstruck_felt_hat_blocking_1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj_WZNgYOYjfiJxVlp3B0BVtnVMcvqi8K1xJxwW61OmEPZWOPL5Nymr3cKAjUJsq2kpwdgyDWtYCXS-ox-dvdIsWeyi-pPnyf88DQxHPCPTr7Q5iZEK41oBS_7WpKRuovY3dEcFNySh2Ng/s1600/94_hatstruck_felt_hat_blocking_1.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvInF4OeBfZr19aV7dgUbtNafu-urhbKR4tnWKB0QbRn8nAfjj7TYWKTPyL4muIqFPoWJYCWOOav-3axR_KhU7jQS33qPg808phs1MHn7PhWOW79WI03xsCKa5s7R4XJpHaFpM0WL4lNc/s1600/94_hatstruck_felt_hat_blocking_3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjvInF4OeBfZr19aV7dgUbtNafu-urhbKR4tnWKB0QbRn8nAfjj7TYWKTPyL4muIqFPoWJYCWOOav-3axR_KhU7jQS33qPg808phs1MHn7PhWOW79WI03xsCKa5s7R4XJpHaFpM0WL4lNc/s1600/94_hatstruck_felt_hat_blocking_3.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2rbzap3M3KrdRj4WSff07GyzMbtPNY7k8Zx_DBPiLJ5-3gc3HqAkecRsBAvlEldNzrEWyRYwQszmRCAgQ6g7yeiZWVR1aHdw6veQLOcMu84PjfXdkr7z5Ru4zs8VBmkpj0ad4y08AwJU/s1600/94_hatstruck_felt_hat_blocking_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2rbzap3M3KrdRj4WSff07GyzMbtPNY7k8Zx_DBPiLJ5-3gc3HqAkecRsBAvlEldNzrEWyRYwQszmRCAgQ6g7yeiZWVR1aHdw6veQLOcMu84PjfXdkr7z5Ru4zs8VBmkpj0ad4y08AwJU/s1600/94_hatstruck_felt_hat_blocking_2.jpg" height="200" width="200" /></a>OK,
for those that have been told that you will not be able to get crisp
edges, etc., on blocked hat materials (felt, straw, etc.) unless you nail it down, it's
probably because they either don't know how to block without pins and
nails, or it's because they haven't been successful at doing it
themselves. Also, you must remember that there are more components to blocking than steaming and securing the material to the block. Here I have a 30s/40s doll hat block (small adult hat
block). Usually, when I see some of the cap blocks they have been
pinned or nailed in the area of the bill (visor) where it meats the head
size. So if the block has been used often, that area has probably been
destroyed.<br />
<br />
Anyway,
here are a few images that shows how to block a cap without pins and
nails. Keep in mine that as the style of block changes, so does the
solution for blocking it without nails or pins. You have to use your
imagination before you start banging into your block.Lee Duncan is HatStruckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03901392706213421170noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1534393250710521070.post-68914923222159999582014-02-11T16:49:00.001-08:002014-02-11T16:49:30.457-08:00How to Tie a Hat Blocking Cord; A Picture is Worth A Thousand Words; Felt Blocking Class<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfixEh5Eb4veC5shoDnRhBEc77D6mMgbBTWpDKj1qCXOVDZ01tsp74nrIHs6jWQtgCxYt6jq2-Moyz0LXWN0sv3NvtOxjFu849ridga-b71z1jtjvZ-lv7OYBbQAjfIGIhsfcw7vCpH3U/s1600/hatstruck_felt_blocking.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjfixEh5Eb4veC5shoDnRhBEc77D6mMgbBTWpDKj1qCXOVDZ01tsp74nrIHs6jWQtgCxYt6jq2-Moyz0LXWN0sv3NvtOxjFu849ridga-b71z1jtjvZ-lv7OYBbQAjfIGIhsfcw7vCpH3U/s1600/hatstruck_felt_blocking.jpg" height="400" width="358" /></a></div>
<span style="color: #e69138;"><b>A Picture is Worth a Thousand Words</b></span><br />
<br />
I've been busy blocking some fur felts and a few buckram frames, so I thought I would share the felts with you. Here, "a picture is worth a thousand words," is a great title for the image to your right. When I visit a person's workroom on the Web, I immediately look around their workroom, and most of the time I learn something. Here, not every blocking situation takes the same application. So here is a little something for you to study.<br />
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<span style="color: #e69138;"><b>My Upcoming Felt Blocking Class</b></span><br />
<br />
Well my felt blocking class is a go! I am so much looking forward to it. I love to teach millinery, but as I mentioned more than several times, I hate setting up a class. It just takes so much out of me; maybe it's the biting of tongue that gets me down. Anyway I'm at a breathing point where the rent on the center and the materials will be covered; that's more than enough for me. If you are interested in taking the class, the fee is $325 minus a few discounts that you may qualify for. You are free to contact me at lduncan@hatstruck.com if you are interested in taking the class; fees are now due. For a few additional details, please see my previous post at <a href="http://hatstruck.blogspot.com/2014/02/hatstruck-couture-millinery-class-felt.html">http://hatstruck.blogspot.com/2014/02/hatstruck-couture-millinery-class-felt.html</a>. The class will be held on Saturday, March 8, 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m., at the Torrance Cultural Arts Center, 3330 Civic Center Drive, Garden Room B, Torrance, California, 90503.<br />
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<span style="color: #e69138;"><b>Learn to Tie Your Own Blocking Cord</b></span><br />
<br />
I know that I keep repeating over and over again that I don't nail/pin into my vintage sculptures (hat blocks), I'll leave that for my true work horses, my balsa wood utility blocks and my brim utility blocks. My brim utility blocks are just brim blocks that conform to the average ready-to-ware hat brims. If I can only get a few people to protect their vintage hat blocks from destruction, I would be so happy. Just a little something you may want to think about; I don't think that I've ever seen a hatter (men hat maker) nailing into her/his blocks, but yet they have some of the most beautifully blocked hats there are, even their soft hats. I said hatter, as in a real hatter. Anyway, if you don't know how to tie a blocking cord, I hope the following video I made for you will be helpful. I don't know if all milliners tie their cords this way, but this method works for me. By-the-way, it's more to blocking than tying or nailing materials to a hat block, just saying.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b><span style="color: #e69138;"> Enjoy!</span></b></span><br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/YqPNZeRjfwk" width="560"></iframe>
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<br />Lee Duncan is HatStruckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03901392706213421170noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1534393250710521070.post-49566575705217806892014-02-05T01:01:00.000-08:002014-02-05T01:30:04.938-08:00Hatstruck Couture Millinery Class: Felt Blocking, March 8, 2014<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVxUQuoc0TnE1JBP9_g84G9WWawobL_yBY8Plmypw1AOkv7hwkeTlu0JuZc8_XSERcMJvtc_AaCkePH_1bL-BSssqEPCk5xnRW6zaN-A4W5amRT73dMRk-BcJwMKVEl1u8fB143u2jzec/s1600/hatstruck_felt_blocking1.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhVxUQuoc0TnE1JBP9_g84G9WWawobL_yBY8Plmypw1AOkv7hwkeTlu0JuZc8_XSERcMJvtc_AaCkePH_1bL-BSssqEPCk5xnRW6zaN-A4W5amRT73dMRk-BcJwMKVEl1u8fB143u2jzec/s1600/hatstruck_felt_blocking1.jpg" height="320" width="320" /></a></div>
OK, I''m running behind; no excuses. I still have two posts that I need to address, plus the person that won the silent gift contest has not come forward. Getting those issues out of the way, temporarily, I thought it best to move on and announce my upcoming felt blocking class. It's a one-day, eight-hour plus class; I've never been a clock watcher. I know, I know! I hate one-day classes because I can't give homework, and I can't give constructive criticism after a student has worked on her/his hat at home. Well the world is moving faster than I am, so I have to be more innovative when teaching a class. How? Actually it's quite simple. It's a combination of teaching students millinery techniques and trying to teach them how to see. If anything I've learned over the years is how much better off those are that can see compared to those that cannot see. This is true for all disciplines.<br />
<br />
Have you ever noticed that some milliners never get any better. Many times it has very little to do with the number of years a person has been a milliner or the person that the milliner has studied under. Basically, that stuff can be saved for a resume. Yes, it sounds impressive, but if you can't see, you can't improve your work. Now we're not talking about style and/or design skills here; we're talking about technical skills. There are fabulous designers out there with horrible technical skills and no one even notices. Well, there are some of us that notice, those of us that are so cursed that we can't enjoy the designs because we're too busy looking at those pulling stitches, that blocking job that looks like cellulite, that covered brim with the falling underside, that brim that looks like it's flying in the wind even if there is no wind blowing, etc. Yes, it is a curse. I think I've written this before. I definitely need to return to couture millinery. For me that's frame covered hats.<br />
<br />
So what are the barriers to seeing. Today it's the teacher, etc., that passes out stickers to everyone because they don't want anyone to feel bad about themselves. Sometimes I'm guilty of this. In order to say something nice about horrible work, I'll find something nice to say. For instance I'll say: "What beautiful whether we have today!" I love it when someone points something out to me that would helps me to improve. This is much different than when someone points something out to me because I'm doing it different from how they would do it as in, "This is the correct way to do that." When I started out in millinery, if you didn't earn the sticker, you didn't get the sticker. My millinery teacher, Mrs. Eloise King, would make you tear your hat back down to the frame while telling you what was wrong with it!<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>What You Will Learn in the Class--I Hope</b></span><br />
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So, back on track--the class. I'll try to teach you how to see; this can't be learned in a day; you really have to practice this skill. Even I'm going blind or I'm loosing my perspective on what good really is. You'll learn how to block fur felt so that no sizing will be needed, and you'll even be able to walk in the rain without your hat loosing its shape (that's Southern California rain). You'll learn how to put in a head size band. You'll learn how to attach a headband (outside) that hugs your hat without gaps. You'll learn how to finish brim edges (various finishes). You'll learn how to polish your felt, if needed. You'll learn how to "drop a wire" in a certain type of brim...and no, a dropped wire is not sewn to the hat (in most cases)! It floats! What you will walk away with is a professional looking hat.<br />
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Email me at <span style="font-size: large;"><b>lduncan@hatstruck.com</b></span> if you are interested in taking the class.<br />
<br />
When: March 8, 2014<br />
Time: 10:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.<br />
Location: Torrance, CaliforniaLee Duncan is HatStruckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03901392706213421170noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1534393250710521070.post-21414362413829874522013-12-10T21:12:00.001-08:002013-12-11T06:32:34.052-08:00Bakelite Bangle Bracelets, Hatstruck's Newest Obsession; Plus, a Peak at One of the Plexiglass Hats I Made Recently<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh67Qw7NaQqMnhyWxWFPWpR5AysE9M9IXFHEV7oxOOAUozv5KyzOrED7LTXixDhb2Zv9oZqlNHbqBjNwIP8QaO9m1PmqIMz7TE2IqWb7DVAlgmAGPFUWCmiON-K6Xy7fj3mOHDnY__89Bo/s1600/bakelite.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh67Qw7NaQqMnhyWxWFPWpR5AysE9M9IXFHEV7oxOOAUozv5KyzOrED7LTXixDhb2Zv9oZqlNHbqBjNwIP8QaO9m1PmqIMz7TE2IqWb7DVAlgmAGPFUWCmiON-K6Xy7fj3mOHDnY__89Bo/s320/bakelite.jpg" width="249" /></a></div>
OK, I finally took the plunge and became the successful winning bidder on this set of Bakelite bangle bracelets on Ebay. Well, I hope they're Bakelite. I picked up two tiny bracelets labeled Bakelite at my local antique shop earlier this year, but I don't think they really were the real deals. I rubbed them until my thumb and forefinger almost blistered, but I still didn't get that pungent Bakelite small. I rubbed them with a cotton Q-Tip dipped in WD-40, but still saw no discoloration on the cotton's tip. The cost of the two little bracelets was hardly anything, and since I liked them, it was really no big deal.<br />
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What really pushed me over the edge was my visit to the book store last night. While browsing the antique book section, a ran across a book on plastic jewelry; actually I was looking for a book on vintage plastic jewelry. I was absolutely amazed at what I saw in the book. So I took the fashion sketching book back and vowed to purchase it later. After all I had pinned so much of the same stuff on <a href="http://Millinery Sketches, Fashion Illustration, and Tutorials" target="_blank">my</a><a href="http://Millinery Sketches, Fashion Illustration, and Tutorials" target="_blank"> <i>Millinery Sketches, Fashion Illustration, and Tutorials</i></a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/null" target="_blank"> board on Pinterest</a>. But since I really love books, it'll be on my book shelf very shortly.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmbBJfCvrwESyKROoyE5Z8NocM9Q_hUErB8Eq6YSz8o-5HVa5ziHjwh27uD57z4lP0cQHsbt-QoekxiVlv90zDk547wwknTxZcr3kt5P5_ZEmyIny3oWz8b8ljUBifjOA1UjFyvC2pe_Q/s1600/90_hatstruck_white_plexiglass_hat_2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhmbBJfCvrwESyKROoyE5Z8NocM9Q_hUErB8Eq6YSz8o-5HVa5ziHjwh27uD57z4lP0cQHsbt-QoekxiVlv90zDk547wwknTxZcr3kt5P5_ZEmyIny3oWz8b8ljUBifjOA1UjFyvC2pe_Q/s320/90_hatstruck_white_plexiglass_hat_2.jpg" width="240" /></a>This was not the first time I had an interest in plastic jewelry. Several years ago I picked up a plastic jewelry fabrication book. This led me to purchase several small sheets of plexiglass (acrylic--plastic) for the purpose of making earrings. Well that plexiglass hung around until I recently made and entered a hat contest on Facebook. The hat to your right is one of those hats. The hats were made using the same tools I use to fabricate sterling silver, brass, and copper jewelry. I'll talk about that at a later date, and I will also do a little tutorial on this very simple creation; stay tuned. Anyway, if you like Bakelite jewelry, let me know what you think of these bangle bracelets.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuRoWyu6RRmPwJ5EovyYyPPeUzZuJ58O94dEhsMrU4Wq9VD3-f9Jog_1F2GOF1k7jgATM6FValZz5Je-jLfeR9lEQ5mTNnAtgPheeENoDMTpCa1lRZG2mmNw7UvC4is2U89XKC0Wcgwg8/s1600/great-hats-of-the-1930s-linda-darnell.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjuRoWyu6RRmPwJ5EovyYyPPeUzZuJ58O94dEhsMrU4Wq9VD3-f9Jog_1F2GOF1k7jgATM6FValZz5Je-jLfeR9lEQ5mTNnAtgPheeENoDMTpCa1lRZG2mmNw7UvC4is2U89XKC0Wcgwg8/s200/great-hats-of-the-1930s-linda-darnell.jpg" width="158" /></a><br />
WOW, I guess I have two tutorials in the oven!<br />
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Note: Check out this image from <a href="http://heathersonrisa.blogspot.com/2012/06/1930s-glamour.html" target="_blank"><i>Heather Sonrisa, Fairytale Dreams In Fashion</i></a><i>. </i>It is a hat from the 1930s that has a plastic brim. So you see, this is not a new concept at all.<span class="title"> </span><br />
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<span class="title"><br /></span>Lee Duncan is HatStruckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03901392706213421170noreply@blogger.com4tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1534393250710521070.post-40901523089777401262013-11-25T00:21:00.003-08:002013-11-28T11:36:25.450-08:00Hatstruck Couture Millinery's Impromptu Crocheted Infinity Rope Scarf Post<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2_UIaIk7jSU7oLl2hQtwsRoQA3k4DPr-AGECBnqltkyLZASMnoraKGoWKw8M3pOPzK7rMIfcRejYE_lxTwyNmSCtuKDOc1NVRGEcrGBAxcdZzQ7fQGToRv70dGRVabeNNmmcidKnTQmg/s1600/89_hatstruck_christmas_chrochet4.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="640" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj2_UIaIk7jSU7oLl2hQtwsRoQA3k4DPr-AGECBnqltkyLZASMnoraKGoWKw8M3pOPzK7rMIfcRejYE_lxTwyNmSCtuKDOc1NVRGEcrGBAxcdZzQ7fQGToRv70dGRVabeNNmmcidKnTQmg/s640/89_hatstruck_christmas_chrochet4.jpg" width="480" /></a> Sorry to disappoint some of you, but there are no hats in this post. Instead I thought I would share my first completed Christmas gift, a crocheted rope scarf. For those of you that don't knit and/or crochet and have no interest in these crafts, please feel free to change the channel. For those of you that do, stay tuned.<br />
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Although I've been knitting and crocheting since the age of 10, I'm no expert. I can read patterns but I prefer free-from crocheting and knitting. I have to admit that I'm more partial to crocheting because, for me, correcting mistakes is so much easier, just unravel and proceed on. Plus, I prefer to be in a meditative state when I'm crafting; I don't want to think about what I'm doing. Whatever I end up with is exactly what you will be getting.<br />
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I made similar scarves last year, but this one was made using a different method. Last year I made rope scarves using both <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/88172105178646421/" target="_blank">Crocheted </a><a href="http://www.blogger.com/null" target="_blank">I-Cord</a> and <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/pin/88172105178585512/" target="_blank">Knitted I-Cord</a> techniques, both of these methods are found on my <i><a href="http://www.pinterest.com/hatstruck/crochet-knitting-and-tutorials/" target="_blank">Crochet, Knitting and Tutorials Board</a></i> on <a href="http://www.pinterest.com/hatstruck/boards/" target="_blank">Pinterest</a>. I preferred the knitted I-Cord to the crocheted one. If you decide to make this scarf using one of these methods, make a swash using both methods and choose the one you are most comfortable with. Also, please note that the thickness of the cord depends on the number of chain stitches you use to start circular tube, the thickness of the yarn, and the size of the needle. If you do not crochet and would like to learn how to, I've created a query link for beginning crocheters <a href="http://www.youtube.com/results?search_query=beginning%20crochet&sm=3" target="_blank">here on YouTube</a>.<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7KBsXB6pgV3o8Ge9i2yoqwVMh4A0eL-wbKI6TAGtPbq2A9bVPiX424A1rhSuihtACzuKs4wwYdEdcyyvE2B55eNixhExNdgicMwaIbn-EhFb9moMfacKFwQzMAVjhRCDKNX5SUYmGEh0/s1600/89_hatstruck_christmas_chrochet3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7KBsXB6pgV3o8Ge9i2yoqwVMh4A0eL-wbKI6TAGtPbq2A9bVPiX424A1rhSuihtACzuKs4wwYdEdcyyvE2B55eNixhExNdgicMwaIbn-EhFb9moMfacKFwQzMAVjhRCDKNX5SUYmGEh0/s400/89_hatstruck_christmas_chrochet3.jpg" width="256" /></a><b>How I Made This Scarf--My Yarn Box Runneth Over</b>!<br />
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I really wanted to make a thicker, faster, and easier rope scarf this time around; so, I decided to crochet in-the-the-round rather than using one o the I-Cord techniques. If you are a crocheter, this scarf will be extremely easy and fast to make. I chose a chunky (they called it chunky; I refer to the really thick, thick yarn as chunky) and a large crochet needle (10mm--[N]) . Again, the same applies here as mentioned above about the thickness of the I-Cords, it all depends on the number of chain stitches you use to start the circular round, the thickness of the yarn and the needle size. Proceed as follows using the yarn, number of chain stitches, and needle size of your choice:<br />
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1. Chain 5 stitches and slip stitch the ends together.<br />
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2. Insert needle into the second chain.<br />
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3. Single crochet into each chain in the round (just go around and around) until you reach your desired chain length.<br />
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4. To finish off scarf when desired length has been achieved, cut thread leaving approximately seven inches, pull thread through last crocheted stitch and pull tight, but gently.<br />
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5. End the rope by threading the excess thread onto a wide eyed needle and sewing in the round until the rope (tube) has been closed and secure.<br />
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6. To hide some of the excess thread, work it through the stitches, and finally cut the excess thread off. If you don't crochet and you are trying this project, you may want to follow the beginner's link above.<br />
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That's it! I collect vintage brooches, so I just temporarily put one onto the scarf to dress it up for the shoot. I may even keep this one for myself because the color looks great on my skin tone. Enjoy!<br />
<br />Lee Duncan is HatStruckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03901392706213421170noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1534393250710521070.post-86632639512756352022013-11-20T21:33:00.000-08:002013-11-28T11:39:03.890-08:00Mrs. Essie Edwards, You Look Beautiful in That Hat! Contest Winner, Please Step Forward?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHWlb-ze_3s1kE8Sqr7Yysl1JoOGM4jQr4T35HlsH27WzL2Uu0JmgqHj2c6PKywnHSFWDh20e5w4eBax_IFF-LkPqC6SmGZT9PR5pb9aZM7NumqssMt9DCeodzEffOhiGC7DncZWVUPss/s1600/88_hatstruck_mrs_edwards3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="400" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjHWlb-ze_3s1kE8Sqr7Yysl1JoOGM4jQr4T35HlsH27WzL2Uu0JmgqHj2c6PKywnHSFWDh20e5w4eBax_IFF-LkPqC6SmGZT9PR5pb9aZM7NumqssMt9DCeodzEffOhiGC7DncZWVUPss/s400/88_hatstruck_mrs_edwards3.jpg" width="300" /></a></div>
For those of you that attended the Rose Garden millinery classes with Mrs. Essie Edwards, well there is great news! Mrs. Edwards is back teaching there--millinery and sewing. This is your opportunity to take classes from a master in both crafts again. Our retired and loved teacher is lending her time to all of us that have been morning her retirement. So please come out in numbers to support her. Mrs. Edwards has been a milliner for over 60 years; no fluff here. This is the real deal.<br />
<br />
In case you recognized the hat Mrs. Edwards is waring, it is the hat from my last post, <i><a href="http://hatstruck.blogspot.com/2013/11/blocking-on-my-first-european-style-hat.html" target="_blank">Blocking on My First European-Style Hat Block</a>. </i>This time Mrs. Edwards won over my granddaughter, because I knew she would cherish and really rock that hat; so, enjoy your gift Mrs. Edwards.<br />
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<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Contest Winner, Please Step Forward!</b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b> </b></span><i><span style="font-size: large;"><b> </b></span></i><br />
I am so guilty of not visiting my favorite blog sites, and when I visit I usually don't leave comments. For the second time (or more), I will improve. So I understand why some may do the same when visiting this site--Oh no! I have to log in? Let me stop this moment and at least thank you for the number of daily page views I receive; I really appreciate them. The response to this site has been fantastic. I have truly realized my goal of giving back through millinery.<br />
<br />
I was thinking, <i>What if I made leaving comments a little more fun?</i> So, at the end of the last post I asked several questions, for which no one responded to any of them. The purpose of those questions was to select a winner of my little secrete contest. Well, what I did was to choose a site visitor that had commented on this site very recently, satisfying at least one of the qualifying answers. I don't think she is a member of the site (a first and may be the last), and I think she lives outside of the States. Her name is <i><b>Georgia Lordorche(?)</b></i>, and she is a student or was a student [from your profile].... Georgia, since you are a student (you gave me some information about yourself in an earlier post before your last post--new to millinery), I will be sending you some millinery supplies (fur felt and straw, a hat stretcher, some millinery needles, and whatever else I can think of. Or you may want to make suggestions as to what you would like to have in your box of goodies--<b>within reason</b> :) No, all questions contained in future posts will not be contest related....<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b></b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b></b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b></b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b></b></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: large;"><b>Log-In for Site Members</b></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">Although I set up pages and a test log-in (extreme bottom of page) for site members months and months ago, I thought, T<i>his is not why I created this site</i>--exclusivity to some. A lot also had to do with the people that may be excluded and those that would actually take advantage of this site. So, the log-in is at the bottom of the page, there for when I need it. I will use it one day for something; maybe I will create a class for a site contest winner(s) or something. Also when I presented the private log-in idea, I did not associate it with any contest, etc.; that's because I wanted to be able to change my mind if I became uncomfortable with the idea. Another thing is that the volume of respondents is usually a little more than I want to manually handle (check membership, assign numbers, etc.). Also the reason for the secrete contest was to capture the comments of those that took the extra effort to leave them without the coaxing from a contest.</span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><b> </b></span><br />
<span style="font-size: small;"><b><span style="font-size: large;">Next Post?</span></b></span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-size: small;">I don't know what my next post will be, but I'm leaning toward an American-style hat block, blocking video. What I need to do is get back to couture millinery (foundation covered hats), my first love technique. So stay tuned. What do you think? No, this is not a contest question. Anyway, I'll try to keep the site as exciting for the both of us as I can. If you have any ideas, just let me know.<b><br /></b></span><br />
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Lee Duncan is HatStruckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03901392706213421170noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1534393250710521070.post-47079752362165693532013-11-08T11:11:00.002-08:002013-11-08T11:11:26.726-08:00Blocking on My First European-Style Hat Block<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin35Yvv6KPATGKViItrdBQyS-N2zQiDqBQNVoTeOAxIQyzCx0bWO_PiG0Dp1kG4FbxYp9Ew_Yj-8ScqW8SBZakF5nzdRHHvWH1yLaSnunQx36OcM-M98UF_vEPCKgRiG5jpoE7YYWJLvg/s1600/87_hatstruck_euro__american+_block2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEin35Yvv6KPATGKViItrdBQyS-N2zQiDqBQNVoTeOAxIQyzCx0bWO_PiG0Dp1kG4FbxYp9Ew_Yj-8ScqW8SBZakF5nzdRHHvWH1yLaSnunQx36OcM-M98UF_vEPCKgRiG5jpoE7YYWJLvg/s200/87_hatstruck_euro__american+_block2.jpg" width="200" /></a><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_EAPZtdz57qt7cEWubRrSWAKzOjyzvy8haEp2bsUOTfLsdZ2OuytLYgDZbXwjTHvVS9c7VP6SIYsWb1S_ss2mtbA6fq_EX1ba08JcUe0GgdmCf3uxo8dd65TJQHqE9fe4AcBnZ5rLOW0/s1600/87_hatstruck_euro__american+_block3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg_EAPZtdz57qt7cEWubRrSWAKzOjyzvy8haEp2bsUOTfLsdZ2OuytLYgDZbXwjTHvVS9c7VP6SIYsWb1S_ss2mtbA6fq_EX1ba08JcUe0GgdmCf3uxo8dd65TJQHqE9fe4AcBnZ5rLOW0/s320/87_hatstruck_euro__american+_block3.jpg" width="240" /></a>Recently I acquired a European-style hat block. I had always wanted one to add to my block collection, and when one popped up on Ebay that suited my budget and of a shape I liked, I jumped on it. OK, now I'm over it. I must say that I prefer the American-style block more because I found it to be faster and easier to block on. So what is the difference between the two styles of blocks. Well American blocks, the more complex shapes at least, are cut into sections of two or more and have rope lines to secure your material (felt, straw, etc.) over it. The complex European blocks are not sectioned off and may not provide rope lines. I think I read somewhere that the sectional/collapsible American block was actually invented and patented her in U.S.; I don't know.<br />
<br />
<b>Déjà Vu</b><br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLoTKqyA0WBBIOgUEhKxM99DRynqGGBK86PE3mdshDfskXYgnV-sf9Omm48GbzaBgdr5kkNu9u3LPUetS2lYCNKuetAusYZaeK1SEMfJLkktf_48_4y3VOVe2abY7tskFJ922Mwv1eCOI/s1600/87_hatstruck_euro__needle_sewing.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgLoTKqyA0WBBIOgUEhKxM99DRynqGGBK86PE3mdshDfskXYgnV-sf9Omm48GbzaBgdr5kkNu9u3LPUetS2lYCNKuetAusYZaeK1SEMfJLkktf_48_4y3VOVe2abY7tskFJ922Mwv1eCOI/s200/87_hatstruck_euro__needle_sewing.jpg" width="200" /></a> When I was creating the video below it suddenly occurred to me that I actually, to a certain extent, block on my wooden bowls in the same manner I was trying to block on the European block, except that I used push pins on my bowls, something I would never do on my hat blocks. If you have followed me for any length of time, you would know how much I hate seeing milliners pin or nail into their hat blocks. Actually, this is how I was taught but after seeing how hatters blocked their hats, I immediately changed the way I blocked mine, and that was a couple of decades ago. To me, blocks made today are not as sculptural as those made decades ago. Plus, many new blocks have knots and the wood is not as heavy or as beautiful. So when I purchase a hat block today, for the most part, I am buying a piece of art, a sculpture, history, workmanship. Of course there are block makers today that make beautiful hat blocks, but I prefer to collect vintage, soon to be antique blocks.<br />
<br />
<b>There's a Reason for My Passion</b><br />
<br />
Another thing I wanted to mention is that my daughter suggested that I should not make comments on Facebook. I think I'm getting it. When you read my blog, you may read it in a kind gentle manner or you may read it in a harsh angry manner. You can't see my eyes and you can't see my demeanor. That's why I prefer face to face interactions with humans, but we know that that is not always possible. All I will say is that<i> </i>it is hard to convey the passion you have for certain things,
especially when you have a history that causes you to think a certain
way. I have a thing about learning; I have a thing about not giving up;
I have a thing about outside imposed barriers, I have a thing about
sincerely supporting people, and I have a thing about independence. I
don't particularly care for the word<i> perfectionist</i> and I would never subject myself to it. However, I do believe in continuous improvement; and I do believe in doing my best, thus my never ending desire to improve on WHAT I WANT TO IMPROVE ON and I should give others the respect to do the same. Enough said.<br />
<br />
<b>A Few Blocking Tips</b><br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaP0MWkBFwjHea3YA684EJxT_2dL1hurIZHokicCu_GVcmd4TnaaX7wQL7m3PqCpRREYJNPON3QvOLiNmKYFltDv-i_Lg8iFPhVZm-nw-7Oww93FBERCW0kqnMlgvn9-LZ-kc6J4P02Rc/s1600/hatstruck_sand_bag_bag3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="150" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhaP0MWkBFwjHea3YA684EJxT_2dL1hurIZHokicCu_GVcmd4TnaaX7wQL7m3PqCpRREYJNPON3QvOLiNmKYFltDv-i_Lg8iFPhVZm-nw-7Oww93FBERCW0kqnMlgvn9-LZ-kc6J4P02Rc/s200/hatstruck_sand_bag_bag3.jpg" width="200" /></a>This post came about because I hated seeing milliners' half blocked work, as well as seeing blocks that looked like termites had been chewing on them for some time. I guess I have lots of issues.... I'm tired of complaining. I figure I could either complain about this stuff or give suggestions to those that would welcome suggestions. So here are a few blocking suggestions whether you are blocking on an American-style or a European-style hat block:<br />
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZqpLdZ1VvRXpXtv3fguP_1RM3ic90jgU6jx9Dzaov5mD6BEgoe3NN_apbBC1WYkrhwcjiEIumq9AR4rojdigajUi0QkgP8N4dHSaPTcAzO075B3YRw1Lvin8K2mm0pA5YFQOmHQyWJus/s1600/87_hatstruck_euro_blocking_promo2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhZqpLdZ1VvRXpXtv3fguP_1RM3ic90jgU6jx9Dzaov5mD6BEgoe3NN_apbBC1WYkrhwcjiEIumq9AR4rojdigajUi0QkgP8N4dHSaPTcAzO075B3YRw1Lvin8K2mm0pA5YFQOmHQyWJus/s200/87_hatstruck_euro_blocking_promo2.jpg" width="150" /></a></div>
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When working with straw, felt, etc., you should block your material. If after you've finished blocking it, and your finished product is lumpy and looks like thigh cellulite, it has not been properly blocked.<br />
<br />
Although I block almost everything, let's concentrate on fur felt for the purpose of this post. What is interesting about blocking felt is that you can nail a hundred nails into your block when securing the material or zero nails, the outcome could still result in a bad blocking job. It is not how many nails you nail into the block, it's how well you steam, pull, and iron the material that's on the block.
So when you block, start from the bottommost rope line or from the bottom of a block having no rope line, then move up the block, securing the material. As you go up the block, the material gets tighter and tighter. Continue steaming and pulling until material is secure, ending by ironing with a dry iron over a damp pressing cloth. By the way, a correctly tied knot on a blocking cord will not slip. If you are insecure about slippage, just drop some water onto the knot or push a millinery pin through the knot, but not the hat block. I actually left out the portion of the film wherein I ironed the felt with a dampened press cloth; the video just became too long; sorry.<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZUijNiDIZN4mjJZODTraOAkkLd-YDjlg5bZ2HpIO-iLwxIrJI4FNwhxvWkzusCXB53BNg_roFXTw85_q-gj3gcZFSFzTuMfTKxa9WOaMTecT84-iO56RBamFgp_xyYGku51keNtcjFQk/s1600/87_hatstruck_euro_blocking_promo3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgZUijNiDIZN4mjJZODTraOAkkLd-YDjlg5bZ2HpIO-iLwxIrJI4FNwhxvWkzusCXB53BNg_roFXTw85_q-gj3gcZFSFzTuMfTKxa9WOaMTecT84-iO56RBamFgp_xyYGku51keNtcjFQk/s200/87_hatstruck_euro_blocking_promo3.jpg" width="150" /></a><br />
Always have a pressing cloth at your disposal while blocking your material. A damp pressing cloth can solve problem your steamer can' nt.<br />
<br />
Finally, if you are new to millinery, read my fingers, you do not need a lot of money to start the craft. Yes, I have plenty of toys to play with because I like collecting them, and I have collected them over many years. However, I can do without most of them, except my balsa wood hat block. Women/men invent things to make life easier for them; no matter what the craft may b<br />
e. Milliners did not start out with many of the toys they have today and the hats they created back in the day were just as beautifully and well made. Sometimes we defeat ourselves before we get started because we want to start where we should be ending. Wow, that was profound!<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimdTDa32xRjn3dJMK7LNe1HnM4T1AuZTDTaOYq5a-xadS-GappW2ghsit5pX2dX62Qgo1JjK3jFl_CyCnv0bpP_Lbonxv_Em_eRi-oAsAXuJ79_wq59MZIEoDCtb506t5nIMl5gbQftOU/s1600/87_hatstruck_euro__inside_hat.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEimdTDa32xRjn3dJMK7LNe1HnM4T1AuZTDTaOYq5a-xadS-GappW2ghsit5pX2dX62Qgo1JjK3jFl_CyCnv0bpP_Lbonxv_Em_eRi-oAsAXuJ79_wq59MZIEoDCtb506t5nIMl5gbQftOU/s200/87_hatstruck_euro__inside_hat.jpg" width="150" /></a><br />
<br />
<b>A Few Questions </b><br />
<br />
Well this post is getting too long, so I will touch on some other things in the future. However, I have a few questions. What types of tools (blocks, materials, etc.) do you have and work with, especially if you are new to millinery. If you had one thing in your work area that you don't have today, what would it be and why? Now tell me how do you improvise since you don't have this object to work with today. Just leave your answers in the comments section. The reason I ask is because have become accustom to improvising when I missing a millinery tool.<br />
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<b>Enjoy the Video</b><br />
<iframe allowfullscreen="" frameborder="0" height="315" src="//www.youtube.com/embed/SSDCr1PDtnw" width="560"></iframe>
Lee Duncan is HatStruckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03901392706213421170noreply@blogger.com10tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1534393250710521070.post-9992363372716544942013-11-03T00:55:00.001-07:002013-11-03T00:55:53.917-07:00Coming Soon: Blocking on My First European Style Hat Block Without the Use of Pins or Nails<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhSnaOY1_4A5DdedMFn1eaLcHpsj7ugvbMbL1e5AcUhT0-2p2zxSnq2C2KIdI847k_cTJIX6uM97Cei2pDcpq-WTlCgps52qF2pBOCtPPCNyiNCl-uSJIMIEyoEmObV4uxQKB0utKr01Co/s1600/87_hatstruck_euro_blocking_promo3.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"></a></div>
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<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVQAlb4DiRQTpu9uHBolSfksTzA5-041E79bGF_yT-qxsxAPz1_sLtK4CIe0JBWviKvDZeqII_7kK3-Hiee5yjnT_q_laqhmLN3kc49MmzvneelgBcB4wulDWhZg7Y39h2tDCfXVj0RFM/s1600/87_hatstruck_euro_blocking_promo.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjVQAlb4DiRQTpu9uHBolSfksTzA5-041E79bGF_yT-qxsxAPz1_sLtK4CIe0JBWviKvDZeqII_7kK3-Hiee5yjnT_q_laqhmLN3kc49MmzvneelgBcB4wulDWhZg7Y39h2tDCfXVj0RFM/s320/87_hatstruck_euro_blocking_promo.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghQQdKLMwVaJfhaxyGIZZckbBBlOfHM_cZZKKY50JjxAd3pXLdh1EF0_K2sUr7oFFLs2D71aT7RcbeE9odvTy-UAk3OXPGfKjfMQ2VwfassBkaIw1xf_dIu1734-8kvOPuj0g2lJF1UKg/s1600/87_hatstruck_euro_blocking_promo2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEghQQdKLMwVaJfhaxyGIZZckbBBlOfHM_cZZKKY50JjxAd3pXLdh1EF0_K2sUr7oFFLs2D71aT7RcbeE9odvTy-UAk3OXPGfKjfMQ2VwfassBkaIw1xf_dIu1734-8kvOPuj0g2lJF1UKg/s200/87_hatstruck_euro_blocking_promo2.jpg" width="150" /></a>I've always wanted a European style hat block. I've finally acquired one, and I was determined to block on it without the use of pins or nails. If you follow my blog, you know how much I hate seeing pins and nails pushed and nailed into these beautiful wooden hat blocks--sculptures. Well, I hope to put the final touches on the video to the post soon. Stay tuned to view the process and to gather a few tips on blocking your work!<br />
#hatstruckLee Duncan is HatStruckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03901392706213421170noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1534393250710521070.post-51969698352712113472013-09-17T22:42:00.000-07:002013-11-03T14:21:46.473-08:00Slow Down; Don't Endanger Others Lives by Running Traffic Lights<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhskHnySpxtcbjC42l9lORjz_7MmsW9ohZiu0M6PKRai6o62Sw_k8ZarPFIAnDit4beld1-4-yphXAn08RVli-obz9nxk1_v_PXJXvc0KdWEEe5FZ0wsWsbq_wz1sxdgiYTY3bYfPQnELs/s1600/hospital.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhskHnySpxtcbjC42l9lORjz_7MmsW9ohZiu0M6PKRai6o62Sw_k8ZarPFIAnDit4beld1-4-yphXAn08RVli-obz9nxk1_v_PXJXvc0KdWEEe5FZ0wsWsbq_wz1sxdgiYTY3bYfPQnELs/s320/hospital.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<h5 class="uiStreamMessage userContentWrapper" data-ft="{"type":1,"tn":"K"}">
<span style="font-size: small;"><span style="font-weight: normal;"><span class="messageBody" data-ft="{"type":3,"tn":"K"}"><div>
<span class="userContent">I
guess my life was not important enough to obey a traffic signal. Please
people, nothing is so important that you have to run a traffic signal,
text while driving, or drink and drive. I thank God that I'm still here
to enjoy my family and friends, and also my hat books. My faithful
companion of 21 (would have been in November) years did not make it, but she saved my
life. Had there been someone in the passenger seat, they would not have
survived, being that my car was hit so hard on the passenger side, the
door ended up near center. I'm sad because my kids would ask me to
drop them off two blocks from school until I bought her (the other car
was extremely noisy). Lots
of memories and stains were in that car. She can never be replaced.
Except for a few lumbar spine fractures, pain, and bruises, I'll be O.K.</span><br />
</div>
<div>
</div>
<div>
<span class="userContent">It appears that everyone is in a hurry these days. A car is a dangerous weapon, and it should be treated as being so. Have a safe life. </span><br />
</div>
</span></span></span></h5>
Lee Duncan is HatStruckhttp://www.blogger.com/profile/03901392706213421170noreply@blogger.com20