Kiltedfirepiper Caubeen

**O'Neille** · 1st September 06, 11:50 PM

O.K. I didn't think I'd get to this so quickly. I was at a charity shop today and found some heavy green wool that would make a couple great hats for a buck. I took Kiltedfirepipers instructions http://www.xmarksthescot.com/forum/s...5&postcount=34 and went to work. First off thanks for the great instructions I would never have thought of making a hat if you hadn't clued me in. Second, This is truly a caubeen made with a self color band and two pieces making the top of the hat. I just made the band instead of using dicing. Here is my assembly photo guide to accompany the great instructions.

Here are the liner and the top two pieces all sewn. I've not turned the wool right side out.

Here I have stuffed the lining in the wool (turned right side out) and sewn it around the opening to hold it in place. I've also made a hat band and lined it.

Wrapped the band around my noggin and sewed it to fit. Serged the inside edges to keep them from unraveling. Then I eyeballed the hat and the band and serged the opening a little bigger on the hat and finished the edge in one step (not shown in photo).

Sewed the band to the hat, and it was done

next the unveiling

**O'Neille** · 2nd September 06, 12:00 AM

Here is my Caubeen with a POW/MIA badge. I used the circle I cut out of the wool to make a stiffener inside the hat behind the badge (just sew it or fuse it together).

Compare that to an an original issue Irish Brigade Pipers Caubeen and badge.

Tomorrow I'll wet it and shape it.
Man I look tired, I'd better get to bed. O'Neille

**Kilted KT** · 2nd September 06, 12:01 AM

you aren't a re-incarnated Scottish kiltmaker, are you?

great pics!

**O'Neille** · 2nd September 06, 12:07 AM

Originally Posted by Kilted KT

you aren't a re-incarnated Scottish kiltmaker, are you?

great pics!

Funny you should say that. While visiting Blair Castle when I was eleven, I had an ability to know where every room and cranny was and I'd never been there before. It really creeped out my Grandma MacKellar (she was really a great aunt). She wouldn't go to anymore castles with me. O'Neille

**Kiltedfirepiper** · 2nd September 06, 12:24 AM

HOLY SNIKIES!!!!!!

that WAS quick!!!

I have a little secret though..........

are you ready?.............

wait for it........

I didnt make mine ........I bought it at Estrella War!

HOWEVER....I DO have enough knowledge of sewing to figure out how he did it!
I'm glad it came out so good! otherwise I wouldnt have been able to show my head around the sewing circle anymore

I really like it without the ribbon on the back! I'm sure it makes for a better fit as well

Looking good O'Neille!!!

**David Dalglish** · 2nd September 06, 12:37 AM

Is there no end to this mans skills

**Panache** · 2nd September 06, 07:43 AM

O'Neille,

Wow! Ok you make kilts, sporrans, and now hats. A very talented gentleman indeed. Now you need to tackle an argyle jacket and ghillie brogues...JUST KIDDING!!! Great work.

Cheers

(meanwhile O'Neille measures his feet and starts tracing a pattern on a bit spare leather he had sitting around...)

**Tattoo Bradley** · 2nd September 06, 08:32 AM

Looking good!

**MacWage** · 2nd September 06, 06:27 PM

Nice Caubeen!!!

Note to other readers: Kiltedfirepiper's is a balmoral.

After MUCH research, I am convinced that a caubeen is largely a simplified (no toorie, cockade, or ribbon) version of the Balmoral that was adopted by the Irish, much like the kilt. The construction is the same. I studied (by many, many pics in books and on-line) various balmorals, military and civilian and noted several types (which will be discussed in my very soon to be revived thread on flat-cap/bonnet types).

2 questions?
1. Did you use the 11" circle?
2. How high/wide is the headband portion? THAT is the one area I cannot get to look quite right on mine (though I doubt ANYONE will notice the different ones on my caps - OR CARE). I am building a personal mental-data base on the various porpotions used on the head part and how it affects the top portion.

Again, nice bonnet!

**O'Neille** · 2nd September 06, 10:29 PM

Originally Posted by MacWage

Nice Caubeen!!!

Note to other readers: Kiltedfirepiper's is a balmoral.

2 questions?
1. Did you use the 11" circle?
2. How high/wide is the headband portion? THAT is the one area I cannot get to look quite right on mine (though I doubt ANYONE will notice the different ones on my caps - OR CARE). I am building a personal mental-data base on the various porpotions used on the head part and how it affects the top portion.

Again, nice bonnet!

Thanks, The exposed portion of the hat band is 1.5" exactly. I used an 11" circle. Other tools included a stoneware dinner plate, a tupperware bowl and a compass. The final circle width ended up closer to 2" for my head size. I will probably make the next one 11.5" to get it looking a little more standard although I think this one will be my favorite hat next to my Glengarry. O'Neille