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Felts in the art of millinery and hat making.
A brief guide to introduce to you this material in hat making. This guide is intended for those interested in the art of millinery from a beginners point of veiw or for those simply interested in aspects of fashion.
Felt hats provide a versatile year round accesory. Felt not only looks good. With the exception of some fabric, it proves to be the most effective of the traditional hat materials for protecting the skin from the above sun (not reflections).
Like straws, felt is available in a glorious range of colours, styles and finishes. I adore velour felts, they're just like velvet. Felts are available with a smooth finish, a velour finish and anything up to and beyond soufle finishes. Soufle is very fluffy, the perfect winter hat (it's kind of like wearing a cat on your head, minus the weight, the allergies and the claws).
Felts are also fun to work with. The can be easily manipulaed to suit a variety of tastes, whether that be through colour or style.
Felt comes in hoods, capelines, sleeves and further variations. They are made from a variety of animal sources, the cheapest kind of felt available is wool felt. Felt may also be made from rabbit fur (think Akubras), beaver (think fine old Stetstons) and much much more. I knew a lady who used to make felt from her dogs coats, and then turn them into hats.
Felt is easy enough to make yourself and then manipulate into a fashionable hat. Very unique and very you!
Guide created: 02/03/07 (updated 21/09/09)
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