This was a very productive day, newsboy cap-wise, readers.
But first, I laundered most of my free fabric from the other day. Sadly, the brown flannel didn't hold up very well and I may have to donate it to the fabric recycling dumpster (we actually have one of those nearby). It's really cheap quality.
One more thing -- I left my regular camera at my brother's on New Years Day and have yet to retrieve it, so I'm using an old camera, which is why a lot of my photos aren't quite as clear these last few days. Bear with me.
The other two fabrics held up fine, though the cotton/rayon suiting lost some crispness, which was to be expected. I decided to make my first test cap with the wool/acrylic plaid.
I ironed the pieces from the old cap and made a pattern from them.
I haven't made the lining yet but I ironed that too.
And the brim, which is just flexible cardboard.
Next, I cut out my pieces and sewed them together. For this test, I skipped the interfacing.
I pressed my seam allowances open.
I used cardboard for the brim, which is then covered in fabric (the two fabric pieces are sewn right sides together and turned; the cardboard goes inside).
Finally, I pinned the brim to the hat.
No lining yet and no band, but it definitely looks like a newsboy cap, don't you think? Naturally, an unlined hat hangs a bit like an unlined skirt -- it needs a lining for extra body, and for some fabrics, interfacing too.
I hope to complete this tomorrow but I'm feeling cautiously optimistic. Since there are eight seams, if the hat's too big, all I have to do is narrow the seams a bit. Even 1/4" can make a big difference in fit.
Hats all folks -- Happy Monday, everybody!
Wowza! It looks fantastic! A great project to make with little bits of leftover fabric?
ReplyDeleteI love it! You are so incredibly talented and creative!
ReplyDeletePeter, I think that size is overpowering.please try a slightly smaller version...
ReplyDeleteWorking on it, Bill! :)
DeleteWay cool!
ReplyDeleteLooking good and it's fun (and quick) making a cap. I made an Urban Don flat cap late 2013 and I was surprised how easy it was.
ReplyDeleteGreat cap, and love your fabric finds too. Looks like your ham will be getting a workout; do you have a stand for it? I recently was reading another sewist's blog (can't remember who it was), and one of her Christmas gifts was an inexpensive football tee that she was going to use as a ham-stand. You may wasnt to keep an eye out at your local flea market! TinaLou
ReplyDeleteIt might be worth your while to locate some texon or bontex board for the brim rather than using plain cardboard. It's what they use in shoes and handbags. Kuafman shoe repair supplies should stock it.
ReplyDeleteThe style suits your face. Maybe just a tad smaller would be great.
ReplyDeleteI love this. I have been looking for a pattern for this hat and like you have not found that many that are right, they are either do not have enough drape (my husband likes the ones with lots of drape unlike most modern ones) or the brim isn't right. I am thinking of trying the pattern that you posted the link to the other day, it does look promising.
ReplyDeleteBrandy, I highly recommend drafting your own brim -- it will take 5 minutes. Many I've seen are simply too wide (for my face anyway). Measure from the ends of the eyebrows (or temples) and make sure the brim extends no further. Also shape the brim so the inside edge mirrors the shape of the wearer's forehead. And use something flexible to form it -- not hard plastic which won't take a soft curved shape.
DeleteThank you. I have now officially added making a newsboy hat to my todo list. :) I love the finished hat, I think it looks perfect.
DeleteThe cap looks good, but I agree with others who said it's a bit large. Hopefully adding the band and lining will remedy that.
ReplyDeleteI agree that it's too big.
DeleteWould you consider making your pattern available?
ReplyDeleteYes, certainly, Alice.
DeleteI was going to ask the same thing...I think it's a great idea, especially for those of us (like me!) who are rather hopeless at pattern drafting.
DeleteI second Alice's request - I'd love to buy a copy :)
ReplyDeletei would steer clear of cardboard for the brim.....my concern would be what would it look like if it got wet???
ReplyDeleteare all 8 panels really the same?
ReplyDeleteGreat job, looks great on you. Can't wait to see the finished hat. You even matched the plaid? Yes pleas make it available!
ReplyDeleteWhen I make hats with brims, the best stiffener I found was the lightweight plastic that is used for three ring binders. It has just right amount of flexibility balanced with the right amount of stiffness, as well as being waterproof. Also the plastic is easy to cut with scissors. I get plastic binders at the thrift stores to save money.
ReplyDeleteHello, I just want to say thank you for the inspiration! I've just made a beret version of your hat (so, without the peak) in leather and it's a bit rad. I've now got plans and fabrics for many more!
ReplyDeleteFantastic! You are an inspiration! Thank you so much for sharing your mad skills!
ReplyDeleteI'm a little late discovering this but wow! Thanks for the great tutorial. I'll be giving it a try today!
ReplyDeleteGreat project, Peter! I am trying to follow your lead by recycling a silk houndstooth jacket. To stiffen the brim, I used layers of vinyl grip liner with some success -- it is flexible, sewable, and washable.
ReplyDelete