Friday 22 August 2014

My First Vintage Hat Repair Project: Before

Earlier this year, I floated the idea of adding repair of genuine vintage hats to my handmade millinery, and the suggestion was met with approval. Which is great, because I really wanted to do it, and probably would have anyway! It's nice to be supported by other people as well though!

I have since then obtained a significant number of vintage hats in need of varying degrees of love and attention. Today I want to show you the first project I intend to take on.


It's a bit of a doozy.


Perhaps I should have started with something easier...


The listing suggested this was 1930s or 1940s, but I would suggest 1950s is a better bet. (The yellow dots are my pins, by the way, holding it on to the head.)


The veiling is a bit limp and lifeless, but not in terrible condition. This whole job will be mostly mending, reshaping, cleaning, and reattachment.


I have to do my best to work out which way around it goes, and how exactly the shape and trims would have gone, which is not going to be easy. I'd love to hear your wise opinions!


The good thing at least, is that I can hardly make this hat too much worse! That's exactly the kind of project I love.


What can I say? Wish me luck!
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6 comments

  1. Looks like this hat has been so, so pretty as new! can't wait to see how it will end up looking :)

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    1. I hope I can make it just as pretty again!

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  2. Wow, good luck! I love the fabric and what I can see of the style, but that look like a lot of repair work. I can't wait to see how it comes out.

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    1. I hope I haven't bitten off more than I can chew! It will be a fun experiment, regardless!

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  3. That hat has such beautiful, whimsically lovely bones to it. I can already envision the elegance and new life you're going to breath into it (and I agree, it's much more 50s looking to me as well - maybe 40s, but I'd be super surprised if it was any earlier, and do highly suspect it's from the 50s).

    Wishing you tons of luck!
    ♥ Jessica

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    1. I'm glad you agree with my dating :) It is a charming little hat despite its condition. I hope I can bring that all out again!

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