Course Description

Weave yourself a made to measure traditional rush hat, whether a trilby or a full sized sombrero it will keep you cool on those hot summer days, whether in the garden or dressed up to wear to Ascot.

You will start the day by making a woven rectangle of thick stems that will become the crown of the hat. The rectangle will then be pinned or tied with string on to the hat block to start weaving the sides of the crown in a simple under and over weave. When the sides are deep enough two rounds of pairing will be used to mark the transition from the crown to the brim of the hat. The rushes are then spread out flat on the table to weave the brim of the hat as deep as you want it. It is then time to remove the hat from your block and model your new hat.

If you have ANY questions regarding making your hat block please contact Catherine BEFORE signing up to the course.

Preparation

In order to fully participate in this class you MUST bring with you a hat block (made to the size you want). If you are lucky enough to own a simple wooden hat block that is great - but it is not necessary. You can make a perfectly functional hat block out of corrugated cardboard and parcel tape (folded strips of newspaper or cut strips of yoga mat will also work well). At a push you can use a pudding basin with the same measurement as your head but this is not ideal, as basins are round and heads are oval!

To make a hat block, you will need a tape measure, strips of corrugated card is the best option (or folded paper strips), and parcel tape.

1. Measure your head around the forehead and above the ears, where a hat band would sit - this will be the size of your block around the straight part. Cut strips of corrugated card 3 / 3.5 / 4" deep depending on the depth of the crown you require
2. Make a fold about 2.5" along the strip, then tightly coil the strips around, adding new strips as needed to create an oval the same size as your head measurement (picture 1, hat block base coil). Use plenty of parcel tape as you go to stop the coil springing open
3. Cut out a series of ovals to make the crown of the hat your desired size (picture 2, hat block domed top)
4. Wrap the whole hat block with parcel tape to create a complete block (picture 3, completed hat block)

Suitable For

This course is suitable for beginners or improvers alike, however you do need reasonable dexterity and strength in both of your hands in order to be able to manipulate the rushes.

Requirements List

Note, the rushes are harvested from the river and occasionally people experience a snuffly nose due to the spores that are naturally present. Please bring your antihistamines if you think this may apply to you.

Materials Cost

There will be a charge of £10 to cover the cost of all tools and materials. This is payable directly to the tutor.