Experimenting with paper mache - making a hat block

I tried to find some info on making paper mache hat blocks, without success. So this video is me experimenting, and making a mess!
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[@tiffytattoo2450]

You're such a delight to watch!

[@evelynewheeler5915]

I was very interested on your take on making your blocks using espartrie/spartre. It is very hard to find instructions on how to make shapes and blocks with this classic millinery material. When I learnt this subject in the sixty’s and seventy’s we would make the shape using a ‘skinned join’ to create a smooth finish, it would be wired and bound with tarleton and then ‘tabbed’. These were strips of left over spartre (we saved every bit because it was expensive to buy even then) which were moulded in your hand to fit the curve of the shape and stitched to the inside of the block. The next stage was to reinforce the tabs by stitching with herring bone stitch to hold the layers together. The last stage was to paint it with something called ‘Spartalac’ which was very smelly. The end result is a block that can last for a long time and that you can pin into it easily. It won’t last as long as a wooden block but depending on how well it is made you can use it for years. Short of watching someone making one,the best illustration of the process I know is in The Hat Magazine no3, which I possess. It has pictures and instructions. I apologise for the long message but I know you are such an enthusiastic promoter of all things hats and the only way for the knowledge to survive is to pass it on, which you do with your videos. Keep up the good work .👍

[@SHMillinery]

Oh, wow, your method sounds so much better. I will have to look up that article. I love that all the experimenting brings so much experience to light, and brings lots of discussion ✨️ ☺️

[@annlidslot8212]

Hi, I have to admit that I don't understand what you mean and not only because English isn't my first language. I'm intrigued by the words I do understand, though. I'm interested in hats and the making of them, so thank you for the reference. I'll have to see if I can find the article through our local library. Yours, Ann

[@hilarymillinery]

I enjoyed watching Thank you!

[@elizharber3564]

Thank you for going through all of that for us!

[@aiyannabellisima4907]

It WAS interesting watching. ❤ Thank you for sharing.

[@nancyfelkner9782]

I enjoyed the video!

[@ClassicRoyal]

My! it is truly beautiful!

[@mattrobinson4728]

Although you said it wasn't worth the time . I still appreciate the video . Because now I know not to try it for myself lol . So thank you. Keep up the videos.

[@SHMillinery]

🤣👍

[@Madrepa59]

Precious information for me !Thank you very much!

[@anne-mariehofman8330]

If you never tried you would never have know how it worked. I also find the bucket list for millinery has me trying to make things that you could buy but I just have to try my way,Thanks

[@SHMillinery]

Yup, my bucket list keeps me busy 🤣🤣

[@donna9374]

Wow your so inspirational.❤️

[@annlidslot8212]

Hi, As usual I'm a bit late to the party. I really like the hat you made with the block, with the little piece of lace. I hope to see it on somebody's head come the coronation time. I understand there are going to be a bunch of functions that aren't going to be tiata only, around that time. Yours, Ann

[@ClassicRoyal]

What about liquid fabric starch? Seems like we used that years ago for paper mâché.

[@SHMillinery]

Yes you could make your own liquid starch from flour. I haven't tried it but would expect it to work

[@annaholler-sf1cg]

Appreciate the video, thank you for uploading it!

[@angelescantalapiedra238]

Thank you for sharing x

[@mattrobinson4728]

Great watch

[@jeanieyates2912]

You are funny. Made me laugh. I think we could be great buddies.

[@SHMillinery]

Thank you 😀😀