Monday, July 27, 2009

Top Hat Prototype

I have finished the first top hat prototype. To get an hourglass profile on the crown I put in four darts.


I thought it would look good and be easy to construct them if I closed the darts with leather lace and grommets, rather than stitching them.




That turned out to be more work than I anticipated, so next time I think I'll just hand stitch them.



Since the hat has a somewhat funky look I'm calling it the Dodger, after the character in Oliver. I am pleased with the lines that it has, both in the crown and the brim. I expect to modify it slightly and offer it for sale at my Etsy shop as a steampunk top hat with attitude.

6 comments:

  1. I have been researching a top hat design for my first project, but I'm not sure if it is appropriate for a neophyte to leather crafting.

    I continue to be inspired by your work and I thank you for sharing it with us.

    BTW, the grommets look awesome! Too bad they are so labour-intensive.

    ReplyDelete
  2. That is a very gothy hat I love it!

    ReplyDelete
  3. Huzzah, more brilliance! Love the shape and feel, what fun.

    ReplyDelete
  4. seriously cool! Love the grommets & lace

    ReplyDelete
  5. Tom thanks for the inspiration and direction. I have almost completed my own top hat. Whilst I am happy with it overall I wish I had toned down my generosity with its dimensions. Cartoonishly tall I am afraid.

    Tim (leatherworker.)

    ReplyDelete