2018 HATalk Competition Entry

Steven Brody

Steven Brody – United States

MadHatter

Category: Traditional

Description

The theme of Fusion fits perfectly and goes hand in hand with my creation. Let me explain:

My design is made by hand from a fusion of polyester shiny satin ribbon and polyester “horsehair” to give the satin ribbon strength, in order to sew it on a specialized “high speed” sewing machine.

As you can see from the attached explanatory photos- the “horsehair “ is actually fused into the satin ribbon which is then folded in half and sewn closed. Once the entire spool of satin is sewn shut, only then, are you ready to begin sewing the satin into a pancake shape and then moulding and steaming it (while sewing) into the shape of a hat mould. In most cases, especially when dealing with a tall crown and a large brim, you must create the crown from a mould separately. Then you create the brim from a mould separately. Only upon completion can you sew the 2 parts together.

In essence, there are multiple levels of FUSION taking place:

1.Fusing the satin ribbon with the polyester “horsehair” to give it a stiffness (strength)
2. Fusing each row of satin ribbon to the next , in order to create the pancake shape necessary for moulding
3. Once the crown and brim are moulded and sewn separately, the 2 halves are FUSED (sewn together) to complete the shape of the hat!

The hat design I’ve chosen to submit is a MAD HATTER crown with a versatile oversized brim. The brim as shown in the attached photos, can be worn down like a lampshade, or turned up partially like an exaggerated cloche or even turned up completely like a boater style.

The strength of the fused satin and inserted polyester “horsehair”, gives the brim enough shape to hold the “up turn” without falling!

In addition, the combination of these 2 fabrics is very durable, and is made to be worn “ALL YEAR AROUND”.

I’ve chosen a: Butter Yellow color for my competition entry because it is very favorable as a Spring/Summer color and we are entering the Spring 2018 season!

Clearly this design is a showstopper!

In the USA, satin ribbon hat designs are prevalent and favored by the CHURCH going crowd, as well as the Kentucky Derby horseracing crowd and dressy southern weddings and the like!

I would love the opportunity to show the rest of the world this design and if I win a place in the competition, the opportunity to bring other satin ribbon designs to England and the rest of Europe and the world!

Materials

  • 100% polyester satin
  • 100% polyester netting (horsehair)
  • crystal rhinestones

Techniques

  • the 100% polyester single face satin ribbon is 5/8 of an inch. It is folded in half as it runs through the HIGH SPEED sewing machine and is FUSED with the 100% polyester “horsehair” material that is inserted inside it, to give stiffness and strength to the satin ribbon. At the same trme, the satin ribbon is sewn shut on its open end!
  • The spool of newly formed satin tubing is then sewn down on a 2nd high speed sewing machine, into the beginning of a pancake like shape. Throughout this process, the fabric is moulded to a specific mould (wood mould) as it is being sewn. This is done with the help of a hot hand iron.
  • Once the mould is formed, the hat is steamed further with the hand iron, a wire (plastic) is piped into the edge of the brim and sewn shut. Now the hat is ready for trimming!!!

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