Whats that now ... Plan G?

For the last week I have been playing about with the construction of the Geles. Although tying them is relatively simple, they are not designed to be worn several times without re-tying them. This means that in order for them to be used for several performances they need to be more sturdy/ substantial around the head band as the fabric begins to unravel once it is taken off the head. I have been exploring ways to strength the part of the Gele that ties around the head. One option is to use a Sinamay product which is a stiff, straw like material that is weaved to make hat bases, mainly used for fascinators and are around £5.00 each. Notwithstanding this products uses, it does not work in this situation as they are only 5 inches in diameter, whereas, I need something that will start at the back of the head and cover all over to the forehead. 

Sinamay Hat Base

A further option is to use a felt hat base that can be steamed over a hat block into the desired shape and then cut to size. I did some Internet research into these products and also visited two millinery supply shops, Milliner Warehouse and Macculloch and Wallis, in London to see firsthand what products could be used. I found that a Wool felt cone hat base was around £6.00 and a Velour felt cone was £21.00, so even using the cheaper product 12 hats would add up to over £70.00 which did not include the rest of the fabric to make the Gele. This was TOO much ... especially as we don’t have an extensive budget. 

Felt Hat Base

Plan three was the possible use of wire/ corset boning or similar to make a head band that could be inserted into the headdress or manipulated to make the size skull cap that would be needed. The final decision taken was to buy some black felt; that in itself is relatively cheap, that can then be steamed into shape over the hat block. When these have been prepared the fabric can then be stitched to the base and built up around it to make a sturdy head piece that will last the course of all the performances.