#Hatmakers

[why-are-all-the-users-taken]

Brb rereading all my comfort books/series' :3

[lilareviewsbooks]

May Reading Wrap-Up: 8 SFF Books :)

Hey guys! Happy Pride Month! I have my reading month to share with you all - it's the first month of summer and so things are picking up here on the reading end. And honestly, I couldn't be more excited and happy to be reading :) Let's see what I read!

Lagoon, by Nnedi Okorafor

no rating | 306 pages | queer main characters!

This was the last book I finished before leaving school and coming home! I took a super cool sci-fi class last semester and read all sorts of books from all over the world - this was my professor's pick for Nigeria! I haven't rated it since I read under circumstances that bias me towards rating it lower than I should - aka class.

Regardless, I'll tell you my thoughts: this book tells the stories of a series of interconnected people living in Lagos, and how their lives are affected by the arrival of aliens. I love a good first contact story, so I was excited! But unfortuantely I didn't find myself liking this book too much.

The problem I have with Ms. Okorafur's writing is her pacing. I find things move too quickly to my liking, and too much attention is spared for the things I am not concerned about, while major events feel glossed-over. I had much the same feelings as I had with her Binti trilogy: I think the plot is fun, and I'm intrigued, but the writing turns me off completely. This time, I was even more into it, as Ms. Okorafur was focused on the arrival of aliens in the third world, and that was a lot more realistic, fun and unique than our typical narratives of first-contact-in-the-US - especially for a fellow third world-er.

Overall, I don't not recommend it. Give it a try! But if Binti felt rushed for you, I don't think this one will be your cup of tea, either.

The Dallergut Dream Department Store, by Lee Mi-Ye

2.5 stars | 306 pages | no queer rep :(

Oh, The Dallergut Dream Department Store... I wrote a full review on this one, so I won't dally too much, but suffice it to say it wasn't that enjoyable of an experience! The story follows Penny as she begins to work at a Dream Store people visit while they sleep.

Although definitely cozy, I thought the story really lacked direction. There's no over-arching plot, and everything feels like a sequence of short stories. At the end, the author seems to realize her mistake and attempt to insert some semblance of a plot, but it falls completely through given that it's so close to the finish line. The main character is also dreadful, with no personality, no agency, and basically no point to existing besides asking the right questions at the right times. Other characters were plenty more enjoyable and could've been amazing main characters.

Some of the vignettes were fun, but it just made me wish more and more that an editor had looked at this one more time. It has potential, but it feels like a rough draft. After a semester spent workshopping scripts, I couldn't help feeling like this was one of fellow classmates' drafts, and that I needed to help them improve. Overall, I wouldn't recommend!

A Taste of Gold and Iron, by Alexandra Rowland

4 stars | 512 pages | MLM main couple

Okay, so. I don't usually read speculative romance, and I guess I should make it clear, as it means I'm not thaaat good of a judge on the genre. But I wanted something that would make me gush, and didn't have the brain power for anything like the more complicated political fantasies I'm usually into. So was born my era of queer romantasy, which is already continuing into June.

Help. I've become quite addicted.

A Taste of Gold and Iron is, as far as I'm concerned, a delightful example of the genre. It follows a shy, anxious prince and his new bodyguard (who might resent him just the tinniest bit). They are thrust into a mystery they must unravel, as well as deal with their own personal afflictions, and - of course - navigate their feelings towards each other.

I thought the two main characters, particularly Kadou, the prince, were very well constructed. Their dynamic - "sworn to protect the prince" and "the prince" - is also treated very well throughout the book, as both of them address the implications of this particular relationship. And their relationship is so good, that it had an - uncharacteristic, let me add - effect on me: I sat up on my bed and squealed.

So, yeah! This is a good one! I will caution people who, like me, are coming from non-romance fantasy, that the main plotline outside of the relationship is very simple and silly at times. (It was comped with The Goblin Emperor, which is simply not true and a comparison I resent very much). I didn't mind it though, involved as I was with their love for each other! Highly recommend!

The Last Binding Trilogy [A Marvellous Light; A Restless Truth & A Power Unbound], by Freya Marske

3 stars (as a whole) | 400ish pages | MLM & WLW rep :)

This was my first endeavor into my search for queer Bridgerton, which has not yet proven a 100% successful, but will definitely have its own post!! Anyway, this a series set in magical Edwardian England, where a group of gays finds each other and get embroiled into a mysterious plot. Each book follows a different couple, which is a good gimmick, but there's also an over-arching plot, so you do need to read them in order.

I found myself having fun with the romances, but not impressed in the least by the plot. I found it dull, unoriginal and full of mustache-twirling villains - which is the worst offense, in my opinion. Nuance is mandatory in my favorite characters! I found the last book to be the worst offender, which is why I rated it the lowest.

I have a longer review in which I get into the nitty-gritty of this topic in particular, but also found it extremely disappointing that racism or the trans-atlantic slave trade's consequences in general were not explored at all in the books. This was worsened by the fact that other social prejudices are plenty explored - in fact, it's practically one by book: homophobia in the first, sexism in the second, and classism in the third. And although I have no expectations that all books explore all topics, given the importance and the relevance of this debate to the time period and the fact that other prejudices were unpacked, it definitely left a gapping hole.

A Natural History of Dragons, by Marie Brennan

4 stars | 334 pages | no queer rep!

In my desperate need for historical speculative fiction, as well as my attempts to read as many books as possible for my r/Fantasy Bingo card, I ended up with the Memoirs of Lady Trent series. It has long been in my TBR and so I was very excited!

It definitely fulfilled my expectations! The series chronicles the life of Isabella, or Lady Trent, a gentlewoman in "Victorian England" - it's not England and it's not Victorian, it's a made-up country, but let's leave it at that - who has an obsession with dragons (who exist, in this world!). Fighting against sexist prejudices, Isabella eventually becomes one of the major specialists in dragons of her time, and the series chronicles her various expeditions and experiences.

The novel is certainly slow, told in the more subdued voice that readers of Isabella's time period would find suitable. But this doesn't make it less exciting! I found myself particularly compelled by the exploration, however slight, of what it means to be a stranger in a place. To be visiting, and living in other peoples' houses, and exploring their culture and nature for science. Of the particular awkwardness that brings, but also of the joys, when a cross-cultural connection is made.

I'm excited to continue on with the series - I'm about halfway through book two and loving it just as much, so I expect it'll be a lot of fun for me :)

The Hatmakers, by Tamzin Merchant

4 stars | 368 pages | very minor queer side characters, but they do have a moment to shine and it's pretty cute!

Apart from historical fantasy, I also had a craving for middle grade! I loooove reading middle grade stories, and so hunted the internet for recommendations until I found this one! It's delightful: it tells the story of Cordelia, a girl whose family are magical hatmakers. One day, while out searching for ingredients to make even cooler hats, Cordelia's father is lost at sea, and Cordelia is the only one who believes he's still alive...

And imagine my delight when I found out this was set in the Regency period! It was a crazy coincidence, but it definitely helped my enjoyment. I thought the world building was nice, even if we didn't get too deep into it for this first book, and there's some politics here, too, which was fun!

My main complaints are that the book tied too many loose ends to make me compelled to read this as series. I'll definitely want to pick up book two, just 'cause, but I wonder if it wasn't best to have a bit more of a cliff-hanger with the plot points that are important in the second-half of the book. I also don't know if I agree with the way the book is approaching Cordelia's grief for her father, but I obviously haven't read the whole series, and so can't speak on the project as a whole.

Apart from this, I found the story charming, the characters delightful, and the magic system interesting, even if a little funky. I'm excited to read more in this world and from this author!

That's it for my month! I'd love to hear from you, so please let me know what you're reading, too, if you'd like, or disagree with me and we can discuss these books :)

[triangleshat]

Painted hard black leather casquette 6パネルのレザーキャスケット。 部分的にブリーチ加工して、白っぽくしたブラックのレザーを使用しています。 形にしてから、ワックスやペイントで汚しをいれました。 • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • #triangleshat #hat #帽子屋 #hatshop #帽子好き #帽子専門店 #帽子店#1点もの #帽子ブランド #hatmakers #トライアングルズハット #キャスケット #casquette #leathercraft https://www.instagram.com/p/Co62irXPWNk/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[fancifulfibres]

The Mouse hat

My Shop

[tasty-littl-snack]

Weird and or wonderful world show really shows that your life can be wonderful if you find the wonderful in your everyday.

I think it's the best season of this show and here's some reasons why.

I waited to make this post after the entire season aired to see if the hatmaking episode really is the best episode of that show, (partially because they hyped it up on their podcast). But I also think that a complete breakdown of that post is too spoilery so I might wait with me gushing about it when it posts on youtube (anyway it is really good and you should watch it.)

In fact you should watch the entire show but this post isn't about that.

This post is about how they go to places in LA and highlight the things that you don't think about at first glance. (and that anyone can learn woodworking or djing, or that you don't need any of it to just have a good time with your friend in a store).

This post is about appreciating the entire crew behind making this show what it is (I honestly think Charlie Clay's editing is as much a part of the show as Shane and Ryan goofing around).

This season is so good because it highlights so many different things and I think it combines the community aspect of season 2, and the whimsy spirit of the very first episodes which is Shane taking Ryan places and them having a good time.

And I think the season finale really encapsulates that you don't need to even go to things that do anything. In the season finale they visit a chandelier store and they could've just gone and try to be normal we would've watched anyway. But you can also have a wonderful time if you dress up and pretend this is some fancy location.

I find that fascinating. You can really make things like a trip to a store seem more wonderful and appreciate things around you if you stop and look at them and I think that's great.

[newyorkthegoldenage]

A lady passing by the shop of Mr. John, milliner to the stars, is attracted by an extravagant model in the window. 57th Street, ca. 1950.

Photo: Al Barry via Three Lions/Getty Images

[theomancycos]

Razputin Aquato's aviator cap, made by me.

The cap itself is made out of goatskin leather, with wool felt around the edges.

[redwizardhats]

Knitted Red Hat The First (by the Wizard's own hand)

Hello and welcome!

I am The Red Wizard, and I'm here to talk about a hat I made.

Once upon a time, I acquired a hat (not pictured). This was a very nice hat, thick felt, tall point, very wizardy. I am very fond of it. But I didn't know how to reliably replace it, what if it became damaged, or got lost? I would be very sad, AND I wouldn't have a wizard hat of excellent quality!

So I began pondering my orb trying to figure out how best to learn how to felt hats, and I consulted those around me better experienced in fibre arts.

This has resulted in me slowly learning how to make hats, all in the hopes of creating a worthy successor to the hat I got many years ago.

But it turns out that in order to be good at doing a thing, you have to do that thing, over and over again?? Who came up with that idea.

On the other hand I do love making things!!!!

The Hat I acquired many years ago was not knitted, but I reasoned that knitting combined with felting could be one way in which I achieve satisfying wizardiness, and it would allow for a seamless object, as if made by magic! After observing my very dear friend @moon-shooter knit a hat so I could try felting one, I puzzled my way through this one without really knowing what I was doing, and it worked out okay! I knitted until I thought the brim would be big enough, and then used some leftover yarn to do a rough embroidery detail so the hat would have a front and back.

I did not anticipate the wiggly brim, but that has since become the feature of it that everyone seems to especially be enthusiastic about! I also did not felt it enough for it to look like it wasn't knitted, which you shall see I fixed in later hats! Overall I was pretty pleased with how nice it looked, and for a first knitted hat it was certainly both striking and comfortable!!

Thank you for reading, and I hope you stick around for more hats!!

[badassindistress]

I have a bit of craft time left today, so I'm going to get a start on turning this broken straw hat into something more historical

[fyeahmillinery]

Philip Treacy worked on the 2005 film 'Harry Potter And The Goblet Of Fire', making 28 identical hats for schoolgirls from the Beauxbatons Academy of Magic.

The Beauxbatons hat was designed as a pointed 'wizarding' version of a trilby.

Clémence Poésy, who played Fleur Delacour, wearing one of the prototype hats, showing the buckram framework, which felt fabric would be stretched over.

[styledby]

joseph martin

[moonsinkfoxgirl]

A foxgirl in a witch hat: do the ears stay nested inside the cone of the hat, or should it have cutouts for the ears to peek out of?

cutouts of course without question, it gets way too insufferably hot in a witch hat if you just leave your ears nested inside, plus the way they have to fold inwards with the shape of the hat is super uncomfortable

if you're like going somewhere very cold you can instead get a modified witch hat that has little extra ear-shaped parts above the cutouts that keep the ears warm, but it has to be super cold for that to be necessary usually the ear fur is enough

[triangleshat]

Charcoal roll up fedora hat. バーン加工した中折れハット。 フロント部分を下げても、上げても被る事が可能です。 飾りには、バーンしたブラックのレザーを巻いています。 【 WEB SHOP 】 https://triangleshat.shop • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • #triangleshat #hat #帽子屋 #hatshop #帽子好き #帽子専門店 #帽子店#1点もの #帽子ブランド #hatmakers #トライアングルズハット #mahokochi #中折れハット #fedora https://www.instagram.com/p/Co4QIm8Pf1e/?igshid=NGJjMDIxMWI=

[beatricebidelaire]

"Mr. Kensicle," a deferential bow as greeting, same as what Monty Kensicle remembers from his last visit to the store. He nods back as greeting. "Same as usual?"

"No," Monty Kensicle says. "A different style this time, please." He's been caught on camera a few times recently - granted, none of those managed to capture his face, but some very sharp detectives who are very observant have managed to recognize his hat, and used that to trace down his more recent movements amongst many, many photos that contained the same hat. It's not a particularly fancy hat, nor that unique, at least in his own opinion, but apparently it's gone out of style and fewer and fewer people are wearing it. Plus, there are some stains on the hat that made it more recognizable amongst the hats.

Amongst some of the very sharp, very observant detectives, a few were his associates, once. He is proud of them, and their abilities, but not ready to run into them again yet. He is on the run, and frankly, preferring not to run into anyone from his past at the moment. Anyone too close, anyway. Mere acquaintances who only know him as 'Monty Kensicle' are .... an acceptable risk, if infrequent enough. If for an important purpose.

Getting a nice, suitable hat is an important purpose. So here he is, taking the chance of being back in The City, visiting the hatmaker's store at the Victorious Finance District.

He picks out a few new hats for himself.

After their usual back and forth negotiation, he and the hatmaker finally agree on a price that he thinks is just barely better than an extortion (there's a reason that the hatmaker managed to set up business in such a district, after all). Satisfied, Lemony Snicket walked out of the hatmaker's store.

[fancifulfibres]

Last month I did this amazing wizard hat commission for a friend to aid with his orb pondering made with cardboard and scrap fabric. I also added about 250g of beads and sequins.

Smokey for scale

My Shop

[kungsljus]

My first piece for artfight this year. This is Hatmakers Mac.