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.
This post contains affiliate links. If you click an affiliate link and make a purchase, Red Shoes. Red Wine. will earn a small commission for the referral at no cost to you. Read more about affiliates & disclaimers here. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.
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)
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
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
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.
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!
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
Please follow me on Instagram @redshoesredwine for almost daily updates, adventures, and stories! All tutorials, patterns, travel tips, and packing lists are provided free on my blog. I do not charge for them nor allow advertising on my site, but if you would like to donate towards my domain/hosting costs or craft supplies, consider buying me a “coffee”: https://ko-fi.com/redshoesredwine -Thank you, and cheers!