Bass Wood Hat blocks
Moving on from Balsa Wood, does anybody know anything about Bass Wood? I believe the common name in Australia is Linden? I have been told that is second only to Balsa wood for its ease of pinning......
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Replies to This Discussion
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Permalink Reply by Elaine Mergard
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I have never heard of Linden trees in Australia but recall the tour guide pointing out these shady Linden trees in a park in Switzerland with gnarled trunks. Acc to wikipedia the timber is also known as bass wood is great for carving so would be suitable.
As well as pinnable the timber must be well seasoned otherwise your brim will buckle on steaming. Straight grained timber is essential otherwise knots in the timber are a point of weakness especially if block is accidently dropped on floor. The wood must not be too heavy as the cost of freight would be extreme plus a heavy load on your wrists lifting blocks especially for those with a touch of arthritis.
The blocks are your biggest investment in setting up your millinery business. Avoid the cheap pine blocks advertised on ebay as too difficult to work with- have had a few students caught out. Will also post information here of info I sent to Beginner student who needed advice on a set of starter blocks .
The chosen wood in our blocks is an Australian timber milkwood which ticks the boxes and just received an order for a beginner milliner in USA for 8 of our range of blocks. Other block maker in Australia imports timber and it also has the same great qualities. Happy to send you a small wood sample to test drive Ruth. PM me with your postal address. Hope this helps -Elaine
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Permalink Reply by Ruth Connor
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Thanks Elaine,
I would like to see and try the sample milkwood. What sort of prices are the milkwood blocks?
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Hi Ruth, I will put sample in post -private message me or send your postal address by email elaine@hataacademy.com. The prices of all blocks on the link above. To get started all you need is a dome $139 & brim.$179. Postage is Express post in Aust $15approx.Seems big investment but if you are looking @ millinery long term a good investment & they retain value Chat soon, Elaine
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Hi Ruth, This is section of email I sent to student in USA who like you is new to millinery & needing advice to start off. We do not need every block under the sun as I don't have all but have learnt how to make the most of ones I do have.
"I have never calculated pricing before for a start up bundle but thought I would do this exercise for you.
The start up blocks I would suggest are the dome crown This is very versatile for current cloche style where you give it a depth of 10+ cms but also wide brimmed hats with shallow dome crown 7-8cm depth - as in Buckram lesson You can use upside down and you have a pillbox block for 6-8cm depth or use as flat tipped crown as in boater style.From one dome you get many uses. I suggest you buy one in 21” for yourself & customers with small sizing plus another in 22 1/2” / 57cms As pillboxes sit on front of head very often I would use the 21” block turned upside down to make a pillbox for a person with the larger size head.
The mini pillbox with sloped side has been a popular block and use the depth you want – have even used this for a bridal piece. You can also have it higher at the back 7 narrow at the front for a different style. You do not need a lot of blocks to kick off with just those you know are in vogue for yourself & amongst your possible customers & learn how to use in multiple ways.
The disc hats are still popular and have included the Serene block – it can tip upwards or downwards.
A button (circular) and a cocktail are excellent for younger ladies & for bridal.
The Perfection Brim can be used for narrow brim wide brim or assymetrical brim (wider on one side than the other. Tip it upside down and you have a flat brim.
The ruby cloche Brim has steep droop sides for cloche – again make it width as you style it eg wide on right hand side & tip up slightly.
Delicious block is a disc block you you mould with a dip for crown. All these blocks are copies of my blocks I use.
I suggest 2 extra collars – size 22 1/2 and 21/1/2 This means you can set the size of head in place for the brim as this controls final fit on head. "This student bought the complete set plus lessons. I will now help her to maximize her new skills to create a business & use of these blocks in a variety of lessons + she is very excited.
Millinery is a never ending creative experience + have fun
Do try out sample I send
Often say in lessons that millinery is men's work as it is quite physical- lifting & pulling & pushing ...maybe that is why the best milliners in world are guys!!
Chat soon , Elaine
