The Vessel Project - "Pillbox Hat"

What is great about The Vessel Project is that we get to see a variety of concepts executed from the same brief. This project is a wonderful way to see how different designers interpret a project and how we can use felt in a variety of ways! This feature is from the recent graduate from Humber College, Kathryn Sturino with her felt hat.

Does the head hold the hat, or does the hat hold the head? This vessel attempts to bring the question to mind! Felt is a commonly used material in the creation of hats and headpieces. We were really impressed that Kathryn went through these great lengths to manipulate the felt to meet her needs. It just shows the extraordinary possibilities that can be done with a little imagination when using felt. A lengthy process of steaming and stretching was used in order to create the “pillbox” shape. Kool-Aid drink mix was used to dye the purple felt pieces (This is successful with felt that has a very high wool content). After testing many methods of folding the felt and cutting different shapes for the decals Kathryn used circles so the design may remain simple yet intriguing by layering various sizes of the circles. Once dried and hardened, a puffed piece of tulle was added to create height and to add a bit of “cheekiness”. Kathryn’s pillbox hat, like all of her design work, makes an attempt to find a sense of whimsy and delight in things which may seem simple and uncomplicated. It is great to see Kathryn’s personality and experimentation in this Pillbox Felt Hat!

Materials Used
- Remnant Felt
- Kool Aid
- Tulle

For more information on this project or any other project contact us at The Felt Store at salesinfo@thefeltstore.com! If you would like to contact the designer, Kathryn Sturino directly, e-mail her at kathryn@principalsofdesign.com.