As artisans, we at Robert Kline Art believe in the power of creating with heart and conscience. This resonates deeply in the world of millinery, where the magic of hatmaking intertwines beautifully with sustainability.
This gift guide is dedicated to those seeking to delight the milliner in their life with presents that reflect a commitment to both craftsmanship and our planet. From ethically sourced materials to vintage treasures, we’ll explore a range of sustainable hat gift ideas that are as kind to the earth as they are inspiring to create with.
Natural and Sustainable Millinery Materials
In a world striving for conscious consumption, these gift ideas champion a gentler approach to hatmaking without compromising on quality or style:
1. Ethically Sourced Millinery Grosgrain
This ribbon, a blend of 56% cotton and 44% viscose rayon, boasts a graceful drape and the coveted sawtooth edge. It’s a milliner’s dream, perfect for head-size ribbons and eye-catching outer trims.
What makes it truly special is its transparent and traceable origin story. The cotton, sourced from Egypt, is spun in Northern France and dyed alongside the viscose fiber. Speaking of which, the viscose is sourced from a supplier renowned for their sustainable practices, utilizing wood from responsibly managed forests. And here’s the best part – the spinning and dyeing processes are all carried out within a 30-mile radius of the ribbon facility, minimizing the carbon footprint.
Price: Starting from $1.60 per yard.
Where to Buy: Judith M Millinery Supplies (USA)
2. Shellac Stiffener: A Natural Resin with a Legacy
Shellac, a natural resin secreted by the female lac bug, is a staple in a milliner’s toolkit. It’s a renewable resource, completely natural and when mixed with water, safe enough to be used as a food glaze.
For millinery purposes, shellac is commonly mixed with ethanol, an alcohol solvent derived from corn. It works wonders on both felts and straws, providing structure and finesse.
Price: Varies, starting at $5.10
Where to Buy: Hats by Leko (USA)
3. Natural Dye Kit: Paint Your Palette with Nature’s Hues
Before the advent of chemical dyes, the art of dyeing textiles was a beautiful dance between nature’s bounty and human creativity. Natural dye kits offer a wonderful way to rediscover this ancient craft while minimizing environmental impact.
Imagine the joy of transforming hat bodies and trims with colors extracted from plants, shellfish, or minerals! It’s a mindful and rewarding experience that results in truly unique pieces.
Price: Varies, one example is $48.95
Where to buy: The Love of Colour (CA)
“Working with natural dyes elevates my craft to a new level,” says renowned milliner, Emily Carter. “The process is meditative, and the resulting colors possess a depth and richness unmatched by synthetic alternatives.”
Sustainable Straws for Stunning Hat Creations
The world of sustainable straws offers a wonderful array of textures and hues, each with a story to tell:
4. Sinamay Straw: A Sustainable Fiber with a Rich History
Sinamay, a natural leaf fiber derived from a relative of the banana tree, is a popular choice for special occasion hats. Its journey from the Philippines, where it’s sustainably harvested, to a stunning headpiece is a testament to ethical sourcing.
This incredibly strong fiber, recognized by the United Nations as a “Future Fiber,” is a beacon of sustainability. Its cultivation benefits the environment, its waste serves as organic fertilizer, and its production empowers local communities.
Price: Varies, starting at $6 for a half yard
Where to Buy: Judith M Millinery Supplies (USA)
5. Buntal Straw: Handwoven Elegance from the Philippines
Buntal straw, with its rich history in hatmaking, embodies sustainable luxury. Harvested from the stalks of the sustainably grown Buri Palm in the Philippines, it’s a testament to tradition and environmental consciousness.
Imagine the skilled hands of master craftsmen, weaving this robust yet pliable fiber on traditional wooden looms. The result? A hat that carries the legacy of heritage and mindful craftsmanship.
Price: Varies, fascinator bases start at $15
Where to Buy: B Unique Millinery (US/CA/AUS/UK)
6. Toquilla Palm Straw: A Legacy of Ecuadorian Craftsmanship
Often referred to as “Panama hats,” hats crafted from Toquilla Palm straw, are a true embodiment of Ecuadorian artistry. But the journey of this remarkable fiber begins in the Manabi region of coastal Ecuador.
This rapidly renewable resource thrives at high altitudes, making its way into the hands of skilled artisans in Montecristi or Cuenca. Each handwoven hat speaks volumes about Ecuador’s cultural heritage, recognized by UNESCO in 2012.
Price: Varies, starting at $25
Where to Buy: World Hat Company (US)
Eco-Conscious Choices for Felt Hat Lovers
When it comes to felt, responsible sourcing and ethical practices are paramount:
7. Merino Wool Felt: A Renewable and Biodegradable Choice
For those who adore the luxurious feel of felt, Merino wool is a sustainable and ethical option. This renewable fiber, prized for its softness, is primarily sourced from New Zealand, a country renowned for its high standards of animal welfare.
Merino wool felt is not only biodegradable but also incredibly versatile. From classic fedoras to whimsical creations, the possibilities are endless.
Price: Varies, hoods or cones start at $16, capelines at $28.80
Where to Buy: Hats by Leko (USA)
8. Nutria (Coypu) Fur Felt: A Sustainable Alternative with a Story
Nutria, also known as Coypu, is experiencing a resurgence in the fashion world. This sustainable alternative to beaver fur felt comes with a compelling narrative of environmental balance.
Once considered a pest due to its impact on ecosystems, nutria fur is now recognized as a responsible choice, promoting the control of invasive species.
Price: Dress weight starts at $105, Western weight at $150
Where to Buy: Sunrise Hat Supplies (US)
Essential Tools for the Sustainable Milliner
No millinery studio is complete without these indispensable tools:
9. Sustainably-Sourced Wooden Hat Blocks
Hat blocks, the unsung heroes of hatmaking, also deserve a place in the sustainable spotlight. Guy Morse-Brown, a renowned hat block maker, champions this ethos by crafting blocks from European lime sourced from a PEFC-certified supplier. This ensures that the wood used is harvested responsibly, respecting the delicate balance of our forests.
Price: Varies, starting at $65
Where to Buy: Guy Morse-Brown (UK)
10. Vintage Deadstock Supplies: Treasures from the Past, Reimagined
For the ultimate sustainable statement, consider gifting vintage millinery supplies. Petershams, a treasure trove of both new and vintage millinery finds, offers a curated selection of past-era elegance. From luxurious fur felt hat bodies to shimmering sequins, these pre-loved treasures are waiting to be given a new lease of life.
Price: Varies
Where to Buy: Petershams (UK)
Conclusion: Embrace Sustainable Hatmaking with Robert Kline Art
As you embark on your quest for the perfect gift for the milliner in your life, remember that each sustainable choice is a step towards a more conscious and compassionate craft. By supporting ethical sourcing, embracing natural materials, and cherishing vintage finds, we can create a world where style and sustainability go hand in hand.
Join us at Robert Kline Art as we celebrate the art of millinery, where creativity knows no bounds and sustainability is woven into every stitch. Don’t forget to share your creations and inspire others to embrace the beauty of sustainable hatmaking!