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Permalink Reply by Megan Beverley May 28, 2013 at 9:59am

Hi Carena,

What do you mean by bowling hat? I picture a hat for lawn bowls but am wondering if you meant a bowler hat (like Charlie Chaplin would wear). 

A dome hat block is a good base piece, as you can drape your chosen blocking fabric around it and create a great number of styles by simply using yours hands (and ropes and pins etc).

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Permalink Reply by carena28 May 28, 2013 at 6:46pm

Dad plays lawn bowls, so I am trying to think of a suitable white hat for him. Something stylish!

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Permalink Reply by carena28 June 1, 2013 at 9:24am

So would a dome hat block work for a simple lawn bowls hat in felt? What sort of brim.would you choose?

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Permalink Reply by Hannah June 8, 2013 at 2:13am

I started off with a basic crown shaped block, but for some of the specialised shapes such as a cloche, trilby, etc, you may need to purchase the relevant block.

Regards

Hannah

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Permalink Reply by carena28 June 8, 2013 at 8:59am

I actually still don't know what to buy, ie which block for a trilby? Can I make an Australian akubra hat? I have no idea which blocks are for which hat. Trying to find out how many I will need and at what cost. I only have a dome, a wide brim and collar. I have,made fascinators and pillboxes. But I want to try a cloche and a short brim hat. Dad says he wants a hat that breathes for bowls, so does that mean I use sinamay instead of felt, or something else?????

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Permalink Reply by Bridget Early July 3, 2013 at 12:31am

Could you use panama straw?  I don't really know what lawn bowl is.  I am from the USA.

As far as hat blocks, buy a basic block that you can make several types of hats on.  For instance I have a long oval that I use for trilbys, fedoras, and other shapes, just by using my hands to make the right creases.  It may take some practice to perfect hand creasing, but with a little practice, if you can see the shape, you can copy it.  I also modify my blocks by adding elements to the block to make different shapes. You can also use freeform techniques to copy a shape you don't have a block for.  For instance I had a client contact me about ordering a fedora, but she wanted an asymmetrical crease at the tip.  I don't have a block like that, but with the proper amount of steam and careful manipulation of the felt, I was able to use a long oval and duplicate the crease.  Also look at the bottom of your block.  Many times you can turn your block upside down for a completely different hat shape. 

Carefully study the lines and curves of the block and visualize the blocked shape.  Then let your mind wonder and see the shape pulled up and folded or pleated.  This will also give  you shapes that will be unique to your designs.  I have been known to block hats to fit around particular hair styles. I have a repeat client that wears her hair a particular way. Other milliners would probably suggest that she buy a larger size to accommodate her particular hair style.  I modify my block and block her hair style into the hat.  This gives her a hat that accommodates the shape, but still fits snug where it needs to.

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Permalink Reply by carena28 July 4, 2013 at 7:47am

Cool thanks. Bowls are heavy large coloured balls, you direct a smaller white ball to them, on a very flat square bowling green with a perfectly manicured lawn. All the oldies play the game. There is a comedy movie called Crackerjack if you want to see a funny film about the game. I will look at a breathable fabric as sometimes they play in the hot sun.

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Permalink Reply by Bridget Early July 4, 2013 at 10:14am

I learn something new every day!  It makes me think of Bocci Ball.

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