I am on such a roll making and posting things! Today is about medieval hats.
Since every event requires at least a new accessory in my compulsion, I’ve made three new hats. I wanted to be the center-of-attention at my combined Plague Faire Birthday Party a few weeks ago, and nothing says look-at-me like a big headpiece. I went back and forth over designs and ideas for a hat for my outfit for a few days before settling on this circlet-style based on a reference drawing in a book of historical costumes. These and similar hats were featured in the 13th century in England and on the continent.
Specifically, this style is sometimes worn with a veil, and that’s the real eye-catcher that I was looking for. I’ll post photos of the full costume with veil soon. I like the versatility of dressing up or down the hat. The first one to be completed is a simple open circlet. Upholstery on the outside, twill on the inside, with heavyweight interfacing in the middle.
The second style, a little more elaborate with a little more confidence is made from stripes of heavy brocade and twill on the outside, twill on the inside, and a lighter silk brocade center-top made from a very large circle gathered-to-fit. I pressed and then hand-stitched the bottom edge together so everything is tucked under and neat. Too many layers for the sewing machine, and done by hand there’s no visible stitch on the bottom from the outside.
Last is Jake’s hat. Always a special request from him. He wanted a triangle top, and geometry is not something I excel in, but we figured it out. A shell and a liner of linen with more interfacing between keeps the top upright.
