A Wardrobe Pick-Me Up

An Easy DIY Hat for Gene Marshall & Friends

When your favorite Hollywood star's wardrobe is in need of a pick-me up, here is an idea for a simply chic hat that makes use of a style of hat you just might already have in your collection.  The half-hat [or sometimes referred to as a headband or bandeau hat] was a popular design beginning in the mid-1940's and continued throughout the 1950's.  Several costumes from the wardrobe department at Monolithic Studios included this hat style such as Ashton Drake's Embassy Luncheon and Spotted in the Park.

Violet Waters

This stylish tilt topper pairs the petal half-hat from Embassy Luncheon with a circle of wool felt.  Because wool felt retains its shape, you can easily adjust it to the desired look.  Continue reading for complete instructions for making this hat.   Costume Credits:  Jacket is from JamieShow's J'Adore Gene Marshall.  Scarf, bow, and gloves are from Ashton Drake.  Brooch is from Mattel.  Belt from Integrity.  Umbrella is from Fashion Royalty.  Skirt and styling are from The Couture Touch.

Gene Marshall

For this variation 1/4" black trim was formed into a spiral shape and paired with the hat from Spotted in the Park.  Costume Credits:   Dyed dress is from Ashton Drake's Croquet, Anyone?.  Train case from D.A.E. Originals.  Jacket, gloves, and styling are from The Couture Touch.

Madra Lord

Consider alternative shapes such as a triangle with rounded corners.  The half-hat utilized for this style is from Integrity's Adele Makeda Suited Luxury ensemble.  Costume Credits:  Blouse is from Bogue's Vogues.  Bow and gloves are from Ashton Drake.  Handbag from Mark Middendorf.  Skirt from Sandra Stillwell.  Jacket, earrings, and styling are from The Couture Touch.

To make Violet's hat, here's what you will need:

Half-hats.  Shown above from top to bottom:  Adele Makeda Suited Luxury from Integrity, Embassy Luncheon and Spotted in the Park both from Ashton Drake.
Wool Felt.
Scissors.
Dressmaker chalk or other marking tool.
Emery board.
Ruler or tape measure.
A glass or other round object for tracing a circle.
Saran Wrap.
Needle-nose pliers found in the jewelry-making section of your local craft store (Optional).

1. Trace a 2-1/2" diameter circle on wool felt and cut out.  Soften the cut edge by lightly sanding with the fine side of an emery board.
2. In the center of the circle, mark position for two small slits with chalk.  Fold the circle in half and carefully cut open with scissors.  The length of the slits and how far apart they are will depend on which half-hat you are using.  For Violet's hat, the slits measure 1/2" apart and 1/2" in length (fig.3).
3. You are now ready to insert your half-hat through the cut slits.  Tip:  Cover the ends with Saran wrap to protect any embellishment.  It can easily be removed from the underside.  Tip:  A needle-nose plier will make it easier to adjust the ends of your half-hat. 
4. For Madra's hat, first make a template from paper of the desired shape.  Place the template on the felt.  Trace around it with chalk and cut out.  Finish in the same manner as for Violet's version.  (fig.1 shows the underside of the completed hat.)
5. For Gene's hat, 1/4" black trim was formed into a spiral shape leaving room between stitches for Spotted in the Park's hat (fig.2).  Click HERE for a tutorial on making a spiral hat base.

The Couture Touch thanks the following stars for graciously appearing in this tutorial:

Sunset Serenade Violet Waters from Integrity.
Fashion Plot Gene Marshall from Ashton Drake.
Careless Kisses Madra Lord from Integrity.