The apple cap is a floppy newsboy hat with a soft brim. In the 1970s, a young Michael Jackson often performed on stage wearing an apple cap. His hat was made up of a series of 8 triangles sewn together. Mine is a 6-gored version, but the triangular panels still form a full “apple” shape. …
Author Archives: tracyj
Reversible bucket hat: the inner workings
Deciding on two compatible fabrics for a reversible hat is the first step in the creation of a reversible bucket hat. Preshrinking washable natural fabrics allows shrinkage to happen before construction. The completed hat can then be washed rather than dry cleaned. The choice of interfacing fabric(s) will determine the weight and structure of the …
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Switching Seasons
“Forecast for Metro Vancouver: Cloudy with 60% chance of showers. Winds SE 40 kilometres per hour, gusting to 60, except gusting to 80 near the Straight of Georgia near noon. High 12. UV index 1 or low. Low 5.” Environment Canada’s Weather Phone On the British Columbia Coast, we can experience sunshine, clouds, showers, rain, …
Be My Valentine
Is colourful clothing just for babies and children? Have a look in your closet and check out what colours prevail. My wardrobe gravitates toward black. Black has been considered stylish, serious, and elegant, as well as slimming. Grey is a neutral that often signals maturity and tranquility; it doesn’t call attention to you. Some say …
Colourways
I want to show you the effect different yarns—their colours and patterns—can have on the look of a hat. In the design world, the term colourway is used to describe a colour or combination of colours applied to yarn, cloth, paper, and wallpaper. When it comes to yarn, the fibres can be dyed and patterned …
Crochet Beret
What do Che Guevara, Rembrandt, and Lauren Bacall have in common? The flat wool disc of a hat that is a beret! Over the centuries, the beret has found its way onto the heads of peasants, artists, actresses, revolutionaries, and military personnel. Today, wearing a beret can be chic and fashionable and worn by both …
Hats in Vancouver
Hat Morphing
I enjoy taking a good basic hat pattern and morphing it into other interesting looks. Usually the first time around, I’ll construct the hat following the instructions of the pattern. Then, based on the outcome, I modify by adding and subtracting elements. This Savannah Slouch Hat (designed by Rebecca Langford) with herringbone stitch is an …
“O” Slouch Beanie
This slouch beanie, designed by Norwegians Lilly Secilie Brand and Bente Myhrer, was inspired by the Olympic Hat. To the left, it is shown in an Irish tweed yarn which blends cashmere and silk with merino wool. “Arranmore is spun in a mill that traces its roots to the homespun tweed industry of 19th century …
Hat Colour
If you are new to wearing hats, you might want your first hat in a neutral colour such as beige, brown, grey, navy, or black. A hat sits close to and frames the face, so choose a shade that is flattering to your complexion and your hair. The hat colour should make your skin tone glow, not …
Hats by Tracy J 