Trove Pattern Project - A 1930 "Smart Little Turban"

The earliest vintage hat pattern I have so far used is this turban from 1930. I keep thinking of it as 1920s, and it almost is, but we can probably all agree it is at least in a very 20s style. I've seen other very similar patterns shared on Pinterest, but this one is from my great-great-grandfather's favourite newspaper to write letters to, the Brisbane Courier, from the 7th of August, 1930. You can access the original article here.

I think it is designed to be tied on and arranged each time you wear it, but I've chosen to sew the draping in place so it is ready to go. I'm not sure this is the best option but it works.

Materials

You can use either stretch or woven material, a piece at least 16 by 60 inches. If you are sewing it in place as I did, stretch is best. Your choice of fabric will naturally be determined by whether you intend to wear it for "theatre and restaurant wear in the evening" or for "motoring and sports wear during the daylight hours".

Pattern

As always, they don't have all the measurements you might want, but it was certainly enough to work from. The first one I made (the green) was a little small for my 22-22.5 inch head. It does fit, but doesn't sit where I'd like and the fabric stretch is needed. On a friend with a 21 inch head, this size was perfect. For my second attempt (pink), I added an inch or two to the length and width of the rectangle, and an inch or two around the curved edge too. This is a much better fit, but still on the small side, especially as my hair has grown longer.

Making

I sewed this turban by hand, as instructed. It was a good in-front-of-the-TV task and didn't take too long. After getting the arrangement how I wanted on the mannequin, I hand stitched it into place at a few points. The instructions were relatively straightforward, and the draping diagrams were actually quite helpful! I'm not completely clear on the different ways they suggest tucking the various bits, but since they assure me that this way, with the ends twisted across the top, is the most flattering to the older woman, that's all I need to know, right? I'm told it adds dignity, and will provide balance for "the somewhat heavier outline of the average matron." Hmmm. 

Wearing

If you are good with tying head wraps and scarves, it might suit you better to make the turban and tie it each time. For me, sewing it up seemed like the better option. Still, it requires adjusting when you put it on, and if you were using a non-stretch fabric I imagine that you would want to tie it each time. It's a pretty easy-to-wear item either way, and great for bad hair days/weeks/years. I also like the smooth front section as a place to add a bit of bling, in the form of a hat pin or brooch.

What do you think of this one? And would you prefer to wear it motoring or to the theatre?

1940s Felt Turban collaboration with Rockagirl

I've been lucky to collaborate with some amazing people in the last few years, and the images from these collaborations always take my breath away.

Last year I worked with Polish pin-up model Maja, known as Rockagirl. She was interested in a 40s-inspired shoot, in collaboration with some other brands, and was taken by my previous wool turban.

I love how this turban looks in the burgundy colour, and with these outfits and the beautiful Rockagirl, it is simply stunning.

Collaborations can be a lot of stress, especially with my unpredictable work schedule as a work-from-home-mum, but I always end up feeling very proud of my work when it is displayed to such advantage.

I don't actually know anything about the location for this photoshoot, but the lines in he background complement the folds and grooves in the hat so beautifully!

When I return from maternity leave, it may be some time before I get back to doing much in the way of collaborations, since my time will be so much more limited, but I know there will be more eventually, because results like this can't be ignored!

This turban is currently listed in my Etsy shop, but remember that I'll be closing that for maternity leave very soon - in about a week, in fact.

This will be my last pre-maternity blog post too, so I'll see you when I'm a mother of two! Yikes.

Model: Rockagirl (FB: www.facebook.com/rockagirl, IG: @rockagirl)
Photographer: Joanna Mucha (FB: www.facebook.com/darcoalt, IG: jeanne_darco)

More Winter Felts and 1940s-Style Turbans

Today is going to be a picture-heavy post focusing on some hats I've been making and finally taking photos of recently.

If you follow me on Instagram, or subscribe to the newsletter, you might be getting sick of this 1940s-reproduction turban made from wool felt, because I just LOVE it, so I keep sharing it! (Oh, and you can custom order your own in your size and any colour.)

This was the first version of this style of turban, and it turned out a bit small for me, and also for my model, but you get the idea!

This one is made from thermofelt, which I've talked about before. It has the benefit of the bounce-back qualities of that material, but being thinner, it has a less full and lush feel, I think.

Away from specifically vintage styles, I still think this winter felt hat with faux fur trim has a vintage feel to it. Maybe it's just the way it softly frames the face.

 

Jasmine just managed to turn up in coats that matched the colours of the hats I brought to the photoshoot!

I shared another hat made from this same vintage hat block earlier, but I played with faux fur trim on this one for a different look.

My favourite thing about it is how it looks like completely fur from one side, and almost all felt from the other side.

I think I will be continuing to experiment with this block. I think I still haven't worked it out to my satisfaction.

This purple fur beret is also from a block you've seen before, and, again, I'm still working it out. It is a little large and I need to work out how to make that still work for me. Still, I love the colour of this one. I love bright purple in winter outfits.

What is your favourite colour and style of hat for winter? Leave me a comment and let me know! I love finding out what people like to wear.

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