Editor’s letter #107 | November 2025


As always, our November issue comes with the Hat Magazine wall planner for the year ahead. The 2026 edition includes a handy reference guide to different types of stiffener on the reverse side. That’s not the only bonus: because we had so much information to share in the magazine this time, we’ve added four extra pages to fit it all in. Our main theme in this issue is one close to every milliner’s and hat maker’s heart: hat blocks. Few things bring more excitement to a studio than the arrival of a new – or newly acquired vintage – block. Yet as blocks are a considerable investment and customers or inspiration often call for something slightly different, it’s worth knowing how to adapt what you already have or even make your own block from the ground up. Several experienced milliners share their go-to methods for creating made-to-measure blocks from a range of materials, offering practical insights for anyone wanting to experiment. In this issue’s Workroom Technique, Ian Bennett also demonstrates, step by step, how to transform a simple dome block into any shape you like, using just paper card and masking tape.


If making your own blocks sounds a little too hands-on, you’ll be pleased to read about the Luton Hat Company – a new venture from Nick Horn of millinery supplier Baxter Hart & Abraham. The company offers a wide range of aluminium blocks in multiple shapes and sizes, made for use on blocking presses. More about this exciting project can be found on page xxx. And for those who prefer to turn to traditional craftsmanship in wood, we spoke with three established block makers – Sébastien Tessier in France, Kacprzak in Poland and Hat Blocks Australia – who know exactly how to create your new favourite block from scratch.


Elly Stemerdink Meet The Hat Magazine team


Elly Stemerdink Editor-in-chief


Lauren Ritchie Editor and content creator


Greg Commons Content editor


Katy Mackenzie Ad sales manager


Susan Gleijm Graphic designer


the HatMagazine


Writers-at-large : Mary Jane Baxter Clair Hughes Denise Innes-Spencer Wies Mauduit Lauren Ritchie


Graphic design : Chubaloo Elly Stemerdink


Photography : Pieter de Meijer Elly Stemerdink


Advertising


: Katy Mackenzie adsales@thehatmagazine.com


Published by The Hat Magazine Ltd Mindspace Properties 9 Appold Street London EC2A 2AP United Kingdom Tel: +44 (0)20 7247 1120 info@thehatmagazine.com www.thehatmagazine.com


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©2025 The Hat Magazine is fully protected by copyright ISSN 1471-7441


november 2025 | 5


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