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Hi Elaine When purchasing Hat Brims block is there a particualar brim I should start with or any one will do, I got a 22" size 6" lenght Vintage Balsa hat block used to purchase on ebay therefore any brim that i am purchasing must be the same size has the balsa. I came across some brim block like
droop, slouch, sailor, roll, deep cuff, combination, 12" round x 3" wide and 10`` degree top please advise me which one must i get.
Since I have a 22 size balsa say I need a 24 szie in the hat that i am making do I have to consider getting hat stretcher or their other option awaite your advise
Diane
Another thing u can used in place of a jiffy steamer is a regular steam iron.. It works well too
There is a method of making hat blocks out of expanding spray foam. The stuff used for sealing cracks and around windows. It's vailable at the local hardware store. The process is decribed on youtube.
Once you have the big chunk of spray foam it can be cut to size with a bread knife.
I don't use a jiffy either, I've just got a clothes steamer that i use instead of ironing. I passionately hate ironing!! With the upholstery needles, be careful as they can leave a big hole in your material.
Needles and thread are two things you don't want to skimp on. Guttermann thread. John James do great needles. Get a pack of assorted millinery needles they come in packs of assorted sizes 3-9 or 5-10 and you can buy packs of sizes 10 + 11. Also a pack of sharps. You'll find curved needles indispensable. You should be able to buy from any good haberdashery but here's a link http://www.macculloch-wallis.co.uk/
Also beeswax to stop your thread knotting.
Remember, almost anything can be a block. To expand your blocking ability but not break your budget, look for interesting wooden items at second hand stores or garage sales. These are things many milliners start with but keep around to use from time to time even after they have professional blocks.
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