Following yesterday’s post on my Steampunk Seamstress thread spool bandolier, I’m sharing the build on the bowler hat. The hat presented three challenges: making a child size hat fit and look feminine, using only items from my surplus craft supplies, and honoring the principle that all steampunk accoutrements be functional.
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With an exception of the hat itself, all trim and accoutrements were solely from my craft stash. And before making the thread spool bandolier, I set aside a few spools for the hat. I had zero plans as to how I wanted the hat to be decorated, I just went with the flow! When the hat came in the mail, I stretched it over a wig mannequin in the hot garage while I gathered items that might work on the hat. I have a “smedium” size head, so it didn’t need much stretching to fit me.
Bowler hat (mini/child size): YAOSEN Parent-Child Classic Wool Bowler Hat Soild Color Derby Hat (Children, Black)
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I knew I wanted to incorporate a tomato pin cushion and strawberry needle sharpener into the costume somewhere. Tempted as I was to purchase these things on Etsy, I decided to make my own. I used felt squares, embroidery thread, buttons, and ground up wine corks (as stuffing) and had these little darlings finished in about an hour. I ended up using the strawberry on the hat, and the tomato on one of my arm bracers.
Felt squares: flic-flac 44PCS 4 x 4 inches (10 x10cm) Assorted Color Felt Fabric Sheets Patchwork Sewing DIY Craft 1mm Thick
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First things first, I added an antique gold ribbon band, gathered lace over the band, an antique gold bow, and curled feathers to the hat to feminize and otherwise masculine hat. I then clustered embroidery scissors, thread spools, a vintage hat pin, and the little felt strawberry on the side front. Liking how this was beginning to shape up, I tried to figure out the best way to attatch everything permanantly but useable if needed in a mending emergency.
Antique gold ribbon: Dyna Antique Gold Satin Ribbon, 13/8″ x 100 Yds (1 Roll) – BOWS-5100-9-974
Ostrich feathers: Sowder 14-16inch(35-40cm) Ostrich Feathers Plume for Wedding Centerpieces Home Decoration Pack of 10pcs(White)
Pheasant feathers: Celine lin 10PCS Natural Pheasant Feathers Pheasant Tails 14-16inch(35-40CM),Natural
Embroidery scissors: BIHRTC Vintage European Style Scissors for Embroidery, Sewing, Craft, Art Work & Everyday Use
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Really proud of myself for thinking of this: I installed the scissors with a leather strip and bronze snaps going through the brim, and the sharp edge shoved into a thread spool that I glued in place. This way the scissors, which were a gift from a friend, can be removed and used at home when the hat isn’t worn. Using leather cording, I tied an old measuring tape to the scissors. The thred spools and strawberry are glued in place, but the needles are removeable. I also added velvet ribbon with some wee buttons because I just love buttons.
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I’m really pleased (surprised?) it turned out so well! Up next are the arm bracers, utility belt, and the rest of the outfit. Cheerio!
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More Steampunk Seamstress costume posts on Red Shoes. Red Wine.
Steampunk Seamstress: The Utility Belt, etc.
Steampunk Seamstress: Arm Bracers
Steampunk Seamstress: The Bowler Hat
Steampunk Seamstress: The Bandolier
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