Keith J

The free trapper pattern is actually the one that I have. But, the picture Jim included has given me an idea. It would appear that the hide has simply been brought forward from the back of the head, meets in the front and is covered by the badger face. A single one of my hides might not be big enough to do that, but I might be able to work something out by stitching the two together in some way. I think making a "muslin" of this would be a good way to start, cheaper to mess up fabric remnants that hide. You folks have been very helpful. Given my schedule this is going to be a multi-week project but all of you have given me some good ideas. Thanks very much for all you help. It is sincerely appreciated. If you think of anything else, keep the comments coming. The free trapper pattern is actually the one that I have. But, the picture Jim included has given me an idea. It would appear that the hide has simply been brought forward from the back of the head, meets in the front and is covered by the badger face. A single one of my hides might not be big enough to do that, but I might be able to work something out by stitching the two together in some way. I think making a "muslin" of this would be a good way to start, cheaper to mess up fabric remnants that hide. You folks have been very helpful. Given my schedule this is going to be a multi-week project but all of you have given me some good ideas. Thanks very much for all you help. It is sincerely appreciated. If you think of anything else, keep the comments coming.

I've checked the web and gotten some great pics of other hats. I do own at least one of the patterns mentioned, and it's just what I'm not looking for (strip of hide with a cricle sewn on top). Likewise I've seen the video and it describes pretty much the same method. I think my problem is going to be the hides themselves. Because I don't have a couple of hundred bucks invested in the hides, they aren't top quality. The fur isn't as full as on most hats that I've seen. I think the "bushiness" of the fur might be what gives a simple "strip and circle" type construction its fullness. Giving it a more rounded look as opposed to that sort of bellhop look I'm worried I might get. On the other hand, some of the hats seem to have an actual different configuration in the way they look. For instance, the one I posted seems a bit higher in the front, so I assume (never good to do) that it is cut different. I just can't seem to get a grip on the actual shape of the hide(s) as they are cut and placed together. I'm starting to think I might just go with the simplest thing (strip and cricle) and see what happens. Just hate to waste the hides if it turns out looking really bad. Suppose I could use the pieces for accents on bags if that happens.

DUH...Yeah, I guess if you're describing something a picture would be the most useful thing. Pardon my inability to think...which is probably why I'm having this problem in the first place. I realize mine woun't be this nice, but something similar would be good. My compliments to the fellow that did this one, outstanding.

Gents: I'm having a problem with a "mountain man" type hat design. I've worked leather, but nothing with fur and never a hat. Here's the rub: I've got two craft grade badger hides...not the best quality, but what I can afford. I want to turn them into a hat. I'm worried that after I cut and sew that it won't turn out how I'd like it to. I know I could just cut a strip and sew a circle on top but that's what I'm worried about. I don't want it to turn out looking like one of my mom's old pill box hats and think that's what it would like. I've got that more rounded look in mind but can't for the life of me come up with a way to achieve it. Any...and I do mean any...suggestions would be useful. I've been sitting on this project for a while since I don't want to mess the hides up...but it is time to start cutting. Just not sure how. Help. Keith J.