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Rmccamey

I'll Lock Up
Messages
6,402
Location
Central Texas
I'm in!

We need a group photo :)
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Darrell2688

Practically Family
Messages
535
Location
Piner, Kentucky
Really nice looking Panama hats, I have always been curious about that style of hat, however I don't have any idea how to make a hat like that. That style might sell pretty good around here in KY, we have a number of farmers that bail hay, grow tobacco & take care of goats and cattle. A panama would be a bit easier to wear in the warm months. Next week we will be looking at 100 degree weather, clear skies, zero rain.
 
Last edited:
Messages
11,304
Location
vancouver, canada
Here is the result of a fun experiment. I set out to see if I could make a hat for my grand niece, 4 1/2 years old with a tiny head size (48cm). My smallest block is a 53cm. I blocked the straw on the 53cm to set the crown and proceeded to step the size down in increments by using band blocks cut from construction foam. First, down to 51.5cm and then a final 50cm. I had to stop at 50 as the straw began to show a bulge above the brim break. I knew that would happen, just not at what point. But the 50cm is close enough, as the leather sweat makes it a 49cm and a few felt spacers gets me to the correct size.
I initially thought of a deeply cupped brim but I don't have a flange anywhere near the right size so used my millinery brim block to give it a down turned, bell shaped brim. The upside is the brim gives much better sun protection which is kinda the point.
A puffy back bow in Bubble Gum pink (her favourite colour and the one she picked out) to complete the look.
The addition of a stampede string, made from a pinkish leather strip with a 'baby beluga' adjustment, hand carved from Africa provides the final, practical touch.
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Darrell2688

Practically Family
Messages
535
Location
Piner, Kentucky
Here is the result of a fun experiment. I set out to see if I could make a hat for my grand niece, 4 1/2 years old with a tiny head size (48cm). My smallest block is a 53cm. I blocked the straw on the 53cm to set the crown and proceeded to step the size down in increments by using band blocks cut from construction foam. First, down to 51.5cm and then a final 50cm. I had to stop at 50 as the straw began to show a bulge above the brim break. I knew that would happen, just not at what point. But the 50cm is close enough, as the leather sweat makes it a 49cm and a few felt spacers gets me to the correct size.
I initially thought of a deeply cupped brim but I don't have a flange anywhere near the right size so used my millinery brim block to give it a down turned, bell shaped brim. The upside is the brim gives much better sun protection which is kinda the point.
A puffy back bow in Bubble Gum pink (her favourite colour and the one she picked out) to complete the look.
The addition of a stampede string, made from a pinkish leather strip with a 'baby beluga' adjustment, hand carved from Africa provides the final, practical touch. View attachment 796190 View attachment 796191 View attachment 796192 View attachment 796193
Really nice hat. My wife would love a hat like that, she is always working outside with the flowers or the garden, I just cut 4 acres of grass riding my zero turn. I was curious about what type of sweatband would be put in a Panama hat.
 

Rmccamey

I'll Lock Up
Messages
6,402
Location
Central Texas
Is always nice to have a few of those fun hats around and I'm sure this one will be a memory maker!

Here is the result of a fun experiment. I set out to see if I could make a hat for my grand niece, 4 1/2 years old with a tiny head size (48cm). My smallest block is a 53cm. I blocked the straw on the 53cm to set the crown and proceeded to step the size down in increments by using band blocks cut from construction foam. First, down to 51.5cm and then a final 50cm. I had to stop at 50 as the straw began to show a bulge above the brim break. I knew that would happen, just not at what point. But the 50cm is close enough, as the leather sweat makes it a 49cm and a few felt spacers gets me to the correct size.
I initially thought of a deeply cupped brim but I don't have a flange anywhere near the right size so used my millinery brim block to give it a down turned, bell shaped brim. The upside is the brim gives much better sun protection which is kinda the point.
A puffy back bow in Bubble Gum pink (her favourite colour and the one she picked out) to complete the look.
The addition of a stampede string, made from a pinkish leather strip with a 'baby beluga' adjustment, hand carved from Africa provides the final, practical touch. View attachment 796190 View attachment 796191 View attachment 796192 View attachment 796193
 
Messages
11,304
Location
vancouver, canada
Really nice hat. My wife would love a hat like that, she is always working outside with the flowers or the garden, I just cut 4 acres of grass riding my zero turn. I was curious about what type of sweatband would be put in a Panama hat.
I think for garden work a more rugged and less expensive straw would be best. Think of a raffia, or sea grass or even a parasisal would be a better match. Panama straws are not robust. Better off with a more rugged hat and alterante straws can be purchased so much more cheaply. I brought in samples from China for $5 each, parasisal for about $15. You can sew in cloth or leather, either one works
 
Messages
11,304
Location
vancouver, canada
Delivered the hat yesterday, it fits, she loves it so it a true success. And I learnt how to make a child sized hat without having a child sized block. Probably won't do my business any good as the children's market for $300 Panama hats is a small size, if it exists at all. But it sure was fun.
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