Fashionably Forties Felt Tilt Topper

A DIY Project for Gene Marshall & Friends

Gene Marshall

You can easily make stylish hats for your favorite fashion doll diva by using simple objects as a hat block.  Miss Marshall's smartly tailored felt topper uses the bottom of a travel size bottle to form the crown.  

The first thing you'll need is an appropriate bottle for your hat.  You might just find the perfect one in your kitchen or bathroom.  If not, check out the beauty and skincare aisle at your local drugstore.  Make sure the bottle is long enough to allow for the felt to stretch down, and that it is the same size or smaller than your doll's head.  The bottle used for this project measures 4" in circumference and is 3-1/4" long.

Additional Supplies Needed:

• Wool Felt, I used a 9" x 11" piece
• Foil
• Saran Wrap
• A thick rubber band
• A glass or other round object for tracing a circle
• Dressmaker chalk or other marking tool
• Emery board
• Sewing needle and matching thread
• Scissors
• Ruler or tape measure
• Lightweight Buckram, available at most fabric stores or millinery supply shops
• Assorted trims

To begin, prepare your "hat block" by first covering the bottom of the bottle with foil.  Cover the foil with saran wrap as shown above.

Thoroughly wet felt under the faucet with hot water, stretching the felt in all directions.  This will loosen the fibers and make it easier to stretch and smooth.  Blot excess moisture with a paper towel.  Center the felt over the bottle, smooth down sides, and secure with a rubber band.  Position the rubber band approximately 1/2" or more below the position of your cutting line to ensure a smooth finish.  Begin pulling and stretching the excess felt below the rubber band until it is smooth and wrinkle-free above the rubber band.  Take your time.  Once you are satisfied with the results, let it dry for at least 24 hours.

Once the felt has completely dried, measure the desired height of the crown and mark for cutting before removing it from the "hat block" as shown above.  Tip:  If the bottom of your bottle is slightly rounded, place a small flat ruler or other small flat object on top of the crown and measure down with a tape measure and mark the location with chalk.  This will help you keep an even line around the circumference of the crown.  You are now ready to carefully remove the felt from the "hat block" and cut following your marked cutting line.

To keep the cut edge of the crown from stretching, cut a 1/4" wide strip of buckram the length of the circumference of your "hat block" plus approximately 1/2" or slightly more to allow for overlapping.  Stitch to secure as shown above, then slide off the "hat block".

Insert the buckram inside the crown positioning it so that it is even with the cut edge.  Stitch close to the edge as shown above.  Your trim will hide your stitches.  I found this technique makes it easier to attach the crown to the brim.

For the brim, cut a circle of felt in the desired size.  For Miss Marshall's hat, a 2 1/2" diameter circle was used.  Soften the cut edge by lightly sanding the edge with the fine side of an emery board.  Center the crown over the brim and whip stitch the bottom of the crown to the brim with matching thread as shown above.  To indent the top of the crown, I used the round portion of a wooden chess piece available at most craft stores.  You are now ready to trim your hat as desired.  The hat is secured to the hair with a straight pin.  Because wool felt retains its shape, you can easily adjust the brim to the desired look.

Resources:

Wool felt is available from Edinburgh Imports.com.  They offer an excellent weight felt for doll hats and it comes in a wide assortment of yummy colors.  The felt can be purchased by the yard or by the piece.  The piece size is 9 x 11 inches.  Wool felt may also be available at some fabric and craft stores such as JoAnn Fabrics.  Be sure to purchase wool felt, not synthetic craft felt.

Gene Marshall

Costume Credits:  Tweed jacket from Robert Tonner's Brenda Starr Collection.  Skirt from Sandra Stillwell.  Handbag from Madame Alexander.  Hat, gloves, scarf, jewels, and styling are from The Couture Touch. 
White Orchid Gene Marshall is from Jamieshow.

Costume Credits for the first photo:  Jacket and gloves are from Ashton Drake.  "Fur" muff is from Integrity.  Brooch from Robert Tonner.  Bracelet from Facets by Marcia.  Scarf from an unknown designer.  Hat, earrings, and styling are from The Couture Touch.
Cocoa Crisp Gene Marshall is from Integrity.

One Sheath Dress...Three Quick Changes

Transform a simple dress with a dash of bold color...a froth of tulle...the luxury of mink.

A classic, black silk sheath from Bogue's Vogues provides the perfect backdrop for accessory changes.  Famous film star Miss Gene Marshall generously agrees to model three different looks for us.

Costume Credits:  Detachable mink cuffs are from The Couture Touch.  The hat from Ashton Drake's Star Wardrobe Collection begs for embellishment i.e., the floral trim.  Necklace is from PD Root.  Cigarette holder from Mystyna.  Gloves are from Sandra Stillwell.  The belt from Ashton Drake's Little Black Dress is positioned backwards.  The "buckle" is a brooch from Robert Tonner's Tiny Kitty Collection.

Costume Credits:  Jacket is from Integrity's It's A Wrap costume.  The floral corsage was recycled from Ashton Drake's White Hyacinth.  Hat is from The Couture Touch.  Gloves from Sandra Stillwell.  Cigarette holder is from Ashton Drake.  An Integrity cuff bracelet has been enhanced with jewels.

Costume Credits:  The tulle overskirt is from El Morocco, and the floral hat is from First Stop Chicago; both Ashton Drake.  Gloves are from PD Root.  Handbag is from The Couture Touch.  Jewels are from D.A.E. Originals.

"That's a wrap Miss Marshall.  Thank you!"

White Orchid Gene Marshall appears courtesy Monolithic Studios and Jamieshow.

Photo shoot styled by The Couture Touch.

August Seasonal Accessorizing

Pair a dark dress with a hat and matching bag in rich, saturated hues such as jewel-tone colors.

Monolithic Studios' film star Gene Marshall pairs a burgundy suede pillbox and matching handbag with a black silk cocktail dress from Bogue's Vogues.  Fur shoulder drape is from PD Root.  Gloves from Ashton Drake.  Jewels from an unknown designer.  Cigarette holder is from Mystyna.  Hat, handbag, and styling are from The Couture Touch.  White Orchid Gene Marshall is from Jamieshow.

Turquoise provides a pop of color for Miss Marshall's chic black satin dress from Integrity.  Gloves are from Ashton Drake.  Hat, handbag, belt, earrings, and styling are from The Couture Touch.  Cocoa Crisp Gene Marshall is from Integrity.

Man-Tailored Glam

Select a tailored jacket that takes its cue from menswear.....Add stylish accessories......The result is effortless forties sophistication.

Monolithic Studios' film star Gene Marshall wears the ultimate man-tailored jacket borrowed from Mattel's James Bond.  Hat, handbag, and earrings are from Ashton Drake.  Gloves and brooch are from Integrity.  Scarf is from Sandra Stillwell.  Skirt from The Couture Touch.  Phoenix Gene Marshall is from Jamieshow.

Film diva Joan Crawford in a double-breasted pinstriped suit from Robert Tonner's Brenda Starr Collection.  Hat and gloves are from The Couture Touch.  The dramatic fur is from PD Root.  Top from Sandra Stillwell.  Shoes from Integrity.  Cigarette holder is from Ashton Drake.  Miss Crawford is a repainted "Pin-Up" Gene Marshall from Ashton Drake, artist unknown.

Miss Marshall strikes a pose in the jacket from Ashton Drake's Star Wardrobe Collection.  Vintage buttons replace the original ones.  Hat, gloves, scarf, and corsage are from The Couture Touch.  Cigarette holder is from Mystyna.  Skirt from Sandra Stillwell.  Handbag unknown.  White Orchid Gene Marshall is from Jamieshow.

Additional Credits:

Styling from The Couture Touch.

More Felts with Forties Flair

What better way to refresh a tailored suit for a new season than with a new hat.  Monolithic Studios' stars Madra Lord and Gene Marshall choose their favorite felt with a decidedly forties flair.

Madra Lord

Luscious spring blooms and a coordinating grosgrain hat band accents Miss Lord's stylish topper.  Suit is from Integrity.  Gloves and scarf are from Ashton Drake.  Handbag from PD Root. 

Gene Marshall

Miss Marshall's asymmetric hat features a dramatic floral trimmed bow and a scarf draped to one side.  Jacket is from Ashton Drake.  Skirt and gloves are from Sandra Stillwell.  Earrings from Facets by Marcia. 

Spotted in Manhattan Madra Lord and White Orchid Gene Marshall are from Jamieshow.

Hats and styling are from The Couture Touch.

Creative Hat Designs

The stars from Monolithic Studios display their individual style with fashionable forties hats just in time for the new season.  By reshaping and trimming an old hat or making a new one from an unexpected source, a clever lady can easily have a wardrobe of new hats.

Madra Lord

Miss Lord tops a 40's tailored suit with a sophisticated asymmetric tilt hat fashioned from the 1930's cloche worn by Greta Garbo in Madame Alexander's Grand Hotel costume.  OOAK suit is from The Couture Touch.  Fur from PD Root.  Scarf from Mattel.  Gloves from Ashton Drake.  Cigarette holder from Mystyna.  Black Widow Madra Lord, enhanced with an Integrity articulated body, is from Ashton Drake.

Gene Marshall

A pillbox from a Robert Tonner Kitty Collier costume gets a repeat performance as the perfect WWII era hat for Miss Marshall's traveling ensemble.  Jacket, scarf, and gloves are from The Couture Touch.  Skirt from Sandra Stillwell.  White Orchid Gene Marshall is from Jamieshow.

Ivy Jordan

A ponytail scrunchie is transformed into a chic turban for Miss Jordan.  The new fabric hats do remarkable things in the way of softening a woman's features, freshening her outlook!  Dress and gloves are from Ashton Drake.  Hat, fur muff, and waist corsage are from The Couture Touch.  The detachable collar was recycled from another doll.  Lady Director Ivy Jordan is from Integrity.

Madra Lord

The original trim from Violet Water's My Sunday Chapeau hat was replaced with new feather detailing to complement Miss Lord's tailored ensemble.  OOAK suit, gloves, and fur muff are from The Couture Touch.  Hat and blouse are from Ashton Drake.  Shoes from Integrity.  Cigarette holder from Mystyna.  Pool Pose Madra Lord is from Integrity.

The Pinkie Hat

An Easy DIY Project for Gene Marshall & Friends

This captivating hat gets its name from the crown which was fashioned from the pinkie finger of a vintage ladies glove.  A hidden pipe cleaner provides the unique shaping reminiscent of the whimsical hats of the late 1930's and early 1940's.

Miss Violet Waters

Jazz Singer Violet Waters tops her smart ensemble with a delightful red felt hat accented with a shaped, brown leather crown and trimmed with fall berries.  Dress, gloves, handbag, and bow are from Ashton Drake.  The restyled leopard plastron is from D.A.E. Originals' Charmed Traveler set.   Hat, belt, jewels, and styling are from The Couture Touch.

Here's what you will need to make Violet's Hat:

A ladies leather or suede glove.  I used a size 6.

Pipe cleaner.

Wool felt.  (Approximately a 3" square).

Scissors.

Hand sewing needle.

Thread to match felt.

Dressmaker chalk.

A glass or other round object for tracing a circle.

Emery board.

Assorted trims.

Glue (Optional).

To begin, trace a 1-3/4" diameter circle on to wool felt and cut out.  Soften the cut edge by lightly sanding with the fine side of an emery board.  Cut a slit in the circle of felt as shown in Fig. 1 above.  Overlap the edge 1/2".  From the underside, whip-stitch in place.  This will give a little shaping to the brim of your hat.

To make the crown, cut off the pinkie finger close to the body of the glove (Fig.2).  The cut end is turned under approximately 1/4".  Bend a pipe cleaner as shown in Fig. 3 and insert it into the finger.  Trim off excess.  Center the crown on the brim and either glue or stab stitch in place.  To finish, apply trim.  If using glue, let it dry thoroughly before adjusting the crown to the desired shape.

Gene Marshall

Miss Marshall wears a charming feathered variation.  To make the brim, cut a 1-3/4" diameter circle out of lightweight buckram.  Cut the same size circle out of felt.  Glue small feathers to the buckram circle starting at the outer edge.  Position the feathers approximately 1/4" beyond the edge.  Let dry thoroughly.  Glue the felt circle to the underside of the brim.  The navy doeskin leather crown was glued to the feathered brim.  A satin bow completes the look.  Jacket from Diane Wagner.  Scarf from Fashion Blvd.  Earrings from Ashton Drake.  White Orchid Gene Marshall is from Jamieshow.

Gene Marshall

For this version, the tip was gently pushed inside the crown using a small wooden chop stick to make the process easier.  Fur cape is from Denis Bastien's Affordable Designs.  The dress underneath is from Madame Alexander.  Bracelet from Integrity.  Cigarette holder from Mystyna.  Hat, gloves, earrings, and styling are from The Couture Touch.  White Orchid Gene Marshall is from Jamieshow.

Madra Lord

Miss Lord wears a dramatic alternative utilizing the middle finger of a navy doeskin leather glove.  A circle of waist banding was inserted and the tip pushed in for a high-crown, stove-top treatment.  A 2" diameter buckram base was covered with the suit fabric.  (For a tutorial on covering buckram with fabric, click HERE .)  Grosgrain ribbon enhanced with beading and marabou feathers complete the look.  OOAK ensemble from The Couture Touch.  C'est Moi Madra Lord is from Integrity.

Have fun creating your own unique looks for the ladies of Monolithic Studios!

Twosomes - Color Matched Hats & Gloves

Distinctive styles personally chosen by famous Hollywood stars.  Matchy-matchy never looked so chic.

Miss Gene Marshall*

During the 1930s and 40s, it was not unusual for manufacturers of quality women's accessories to partner in the dyeing of exact matching colors.

This delightful illustration from the editorial pages of the 1939 Spring Forecast issue of Vogue highlights a pair of Tiger-lily gloves from Kislav along with a Koret striped linen handbag featuring dyed to match handles.

Black is the perfect backdrop for accent color.  Madra Lord chooses a pair of suede gauntlet gloves in a rich brick color and matching chapeau inspired by a 1937 hat pattern designed by Ruth Wyeth Spears.  Suit, hat, gloves, belt, and scarf are from The Couture Touch.  Fur from Integrity.  Hat box from Robert Tonner.  Cigarette holder from Mystyna.

Director Ivy Jordan selects a striking tilt topper with matching gloves to complement her classic tailored suit - 1940 edition.  Suit, hat, and gloves are from The Couture Touch.  Blouse from Ashton Drake.  Fur from PD Root.

Sears assembled beautifully matched accessories in striking colors for their catalog, circa 1940's.  I want them all.

Gene Marshall dares to flaunt her colors with a bold pair of suede gauntlet gloves matched to the feather in her hat.  Shoulder cape, skirt, gloves, brooch, and belt are from The Couture Touch.  Top from Ashton Drake.  Portfolio from Mattel.  The updated hat is from Robert Tonner's Arrival at Port costume.

The following stars appear courtesy Monolithic Studios and Integrity:

C'est Moi Madra Lord
Pearls and Pink Ivy Jordan
Cocoa Crisp Gene Marshall

*White Orchid Gene Marshall is from JamieShow.  Costume Credits:  Hat, gloves, scarf, and crochet pin are from The Couture Touch.  Train case and restyled suit are from Ashton Drake.

Window Shopping

The Couture Touch recreates a spring display inspired by the wonderful department store windows of the 1940's and 50's.  The mannequins, bearing a striking resemblance to film stars Gene Marshall and Madra Lord, have been dressed in their finest spring regalia.

The Costumes:  Left - Shirtwaist dress is from Sandra Stillwell.  Belt from Integrity.  Gloves from Ashton Drake.  Purse from Mattel.  Right - Suit and jewels are from D.A.E. Originals.  Gloves from Ashton Drake.  Hat from The Couture Touch.  Umbrella from Fashion Boulevard.  A mannequin head, looking very much like star Zita Charles, displays a delightful floral hat from Hunter-Goldblatt Designs.

The Mannequins:  White Orchid Gene Marshall and Spotted in Manhattan Madra Lord are from JamieShow.  Azalea Ice Zita Charles is from Integrity.

Stars In Their Easter Bonnet

A parade of not your traditional bonnets, from smart toppers to floral fancies, the stars choose their favorite styles just in time for Easter.

Ashton Drake's luscious "Paradise in Pink" suit from the Gene Marshall Collection is the perfect fit for Ms. Crawford.  Hat and brooch are from The Couture Touch.  Handbag from PD Root.  Earrings are from Bogue's Vogues.  Gloves from Sandra Stillwell.  Fur from Mattel.  Awards Night Joan Crawford is from Robert Tonner.

Monolithic Studios' lady director Ivy Jordan pairs the delightful floral hat from Madra Lord's "Jeweled Cat" costume with Miss Lord's "Rich Girl" ensemble, both Integrity.  Brooch is from Facets by Marcia.  Glammed Up Ivy Jordan is from Integrity.

Chic Carole Landis is a veritable "Lady in Blue" in a stylish turban accented with florals.  A perfect pairing with a simple, tailored dress.  Photo courtesy anthropoetics.ucla.edu.

A whimsical felt tops Gene Marshall's tailored yet sophisticated look.  Jacket and cigarette holder are from Ashton Drake.  Hat, brooch, gloves, scarf, and skirt are from The Couture Touch.  Fur from PD Root.  White Orchid Gene Marshall is from JamieShow.

Diva Madra Lord chooses the jacket from Gene Marshall's "J'Adore" costume and pairs it with black and white for a sophisticated look.  Hat, skirt, and belt are from The Couture Touch.  Fur from PD Root.  Handbag, gloves, and jewels are from Ashton Drake.  Spotted in Manhattan Madra Lord is from JamieShow.

Happy Easter!

Green + Brown = Sophistication

The color green symbolizes the bountiful gardens and trees found in nature.   Green, particularly the darker shades, is calming and restful.   When combined with the timeless elegance of a neutral such as brown, green becomes classically chic and sophisticated.

The green top and coordinating cardigan from Ashton Drake's Hi-Fi costume is paired with the brown skirt from Press Conference for a smart look perfect for an active day of errands.  Hat and earrings are from The Couture Touch.  Brooch is from Robert Tonner's Tiny Kitty Collection.  Handbag from D.A.E. Originals.  Necklace and gloves are from Ashton Drake.  White Orchid Gene Marshall is from JamieShow.

The form-fitting sheath from Ashton Drake's Stormy Weather costume set comes out of hiding to reveal a delightful brown and green print.  Accessories include a brown velveteen pillbox accented with a dramatic feather, brooch, and earrings, all from The Couture Touch.  Cigarette holder from Mystyna.  Phoenix Gene Marshall is from JamieShow.

A brown afternoon frock with soft draping details is accented with green suede embroidered gauntlet gloves and a matching fur-trimmed hat, all from The Couture Touch.  A simply elegant look just right for dinner and cocktails.  Fur stole is from miniature furrier to the stars PD Root.  Handbag from an unknown designer.  Creme de Cassis Gene Marshall is from Ashton Drake.

Source:

Fashion and Color by Mary Garthe.

Jump Ahead To Spring

Begin with a classic suit that can be worn now as well as later.

Film star Gene Marshall updates her smart traveling suit from Diane on Whidbey Island with a hunter green suede tilt topper, leopard suede gauntlet gloves, and her favorite scarf from The Couture Touch.  Train case is from D.A.E. Originals.

As the weather warms, Miss Marshall will turn to a dramatic straw topper inspired by a 1939 Schiaparelli hat.  Hat, scarf, and gloves are from The Couture Touch.  Handbag is from D.A.E. Originals.  Jewels from Ashton Drake.  Click HERE for more on this striking hat.

White Orchid Gene Marshall is from JamieShow.

Fashion Plot Gene Marshall is from Ashton Drake.

Say It with Pearls

Who wouldn't love a gift of an elegant strand of genuine cultured pearls.  However faux pearls have long been popular as an affordable alternative.  One of the premier manufacturers of faux pearls during the early part of the Twentieth Century was Richelieu.

From the October 1942 issue of Harper's Bazaar, this Richelieu ad shows three chic choker styles referred to as a duchess collar.  And by the way....LOVE the hats!

Film star Gene Marshall endorses the look with a twist on the stylish duchess collar.  Two separate pearl necklaces are combined to create her 4-strand choker perfect for the jewel neckline of the top from A Lady Knows, all from Ashton Drake.  Hat, gloves, cabochon pearl earrings, and fur muff are from The Couture Touch.  White Orchid Gene Marshall is from JamieShow.

Dressed To Travel

Whether it's crossing the continent by train or a transatlantic crossing aboard a luxury ocean liner, the stars from Monolithic Studios will be dressed to impress.

Gene Marshall

The jacket from Sparkling Sepia is dressed up with a fur collar recycled from a 1.6 scale jacket.  The original collar now becomes detachable cuffs.  A delightful restyled hat from PD Root tops the smart new look.  Suit from Integrity.  Gloves and earrings are from Ashton Drake.  Brooch from Mattel.  Train case from Robert Tonner.  White Orchid Gene Marshall is from JamieShow.

Madra Lord

A change of accessories updates the sheath and matching stadium coat from Miss Lord's Cat Walk costume.  You can't beat the power of red and black to impress the fans.  Hat and belt are from The Couture Touch.  Handbag, gloves, and necklace are from Ashton Drake.  Willow Madra Lord is from Integrity.  Cat Walk was designed exclusively for Ashton Drake's Madra Lord premiere collection by Jose Ferrand.

Gene Marshall

The ultimate travel ensemble....Fit for a Queen.  Hat and scarf are from The Couture Touch.  Brooch from Mattel.  Suit, cape, and train case are from Ashton Drake's Fit for a Queen costume set designed by Lynne Day.  The Star Wardrobe Collection's embroidered gloves and Love, Paris Gene Marshall are also from Ashton Drake.

Bon Voyage Ladies!