"you are most welcome.
It is good to support local where one can, but only if the service is good!
Should you purchase from reputable, professional block makers in the future (as some named) you will be very pleasantly surprised.
cheers
Darryll"
Darryll Osborne's Page
Activity
"I am very sorry you have experienced an issue with your first block, one that it has happened, and two that the back up customer service doesn't seem to be what you expected.
As a professional block maker i would like to offer some comments.…"
"Hi Jennifer,
Firstly, I would expect some level of cracks/ splits on a vintage hat block, it's the nature of wood - as it ages, it shrinks and moves. It's not always related to how the block is treated. Weather variations (humidity/…"
"Thankyou Elaine!"
"Hi Laura,
By far the best way to block the indents of a Fedora block is with a specially made presser. It forces the felt or straw into the block and keeps it there while drying.
The best way to get a presser to suit your existing block is usually…"
"Hello Emilis
The hat making trade call that a ''Pusher down'' tool. It is a very old tool used mostly in the making of men's hats but does have the same use in millinery.
It is used to push down a cord or thin rope when…"
"Excellent question and so very important.
As a hat block maker this is how i would answer your questions
If you are looking for premium hat blocks stick with reputable website based professional companies for a start. (such as ourselves naturally)…"
"most helpful!
schematics are a different language to many, and even well done drawings and sketches are too easy to misunderstand by both parties. On the other hand, when provided a half decent model, I have seldom got it wrong
look forward to…"
"As a professional Hat Block maker, I also endorse this even if it means some may not order wood blocks.
It does give milliners the skills to at least create unique blocks that they can test and then send to us to be made in wood. In fact, it is a…"
"Hi natalee
One day, i hope to own one of these creations. Alas they are rare and very expensive.
For a milliner, there would be very very little need for this as most hats are made soft and fairly flexible. thus would mould to pretty much any shape…"
"Indeed true, the ''cattleman crease'' became a symbol of ones wealth as a large cattle owner...
My Stetson brand Fedora i bought at JJ hat centre in NY was an open crown hat and they hand shaped it before my eyes.
Today's…"
"AS Kelly says...double and triple block it.
That said, it can depend a little on the style of the block. Domes and simple crowns take this well but shaped ones a bit less so. As you add layers of felt sharper/deeper contours can be much reduced. You…"
"Hi Ella
Perhaps I can help here...
Most times I (as a block maker) use straight line measurements. For example, an oval hat sent to me would be measured as how wide and long the oval is underneath with a straight ruler, and its height done the same.…"
"I think we all hope so.
I think world leaders should make the wearing of hats law..(my joke) . just think of the employment opportunities if hats went back to popularity like in the 1940s!
darryll"
"just letting you know...work has started on my prototype rounding jack :)
most other tools, i have made but never listed...
thanks
Darryll"
"Hi Courtney
thanks for your email, you have a reply from me about these tools :)
cheers
Darryll"
Profile Information
- I Love Hats Because?
- They are great for bad hair days! And without them, i would be out of a job.
- About Me
- My name is darryll, I am HAT BLOCKS AUSTRALIA. I make one of the milliners oldest tools, the hat block
- Website
- hatblocksaustralia.com.au
Comment Wall (1 comment)
Elaine Mergard said…
So pleased you have joined me in Hat Academy, Darryl. As you can see I teach using the traditional hat blocks as trained in 1960s. I know the Aussie milliners love your blocks. I do have a local block maker but he only does basic blocks so I will be referring students to you for 5 piece and other styles. My site was launched in June & last month 51,000+ hits with new students starting lessons every day. It has been a great learning experience culturally.
To make the most of Hat Academy remember to read through the Welcome Page - Read here
Keep in touch
Regards, Elaine
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