1950's hat for Twinwood - Trials and tribulations

Ok so I made my dress (photo's/blog post coming soon) and I needed a hat...well I couldn't go to Twinwood and not have the full 50s ensemble.
Now the problem is, I didn't have the money to buy one or have one made...I couldn't find anything in local vintage shop. Hiring one was too much fuss plus I'd be scared it would get ruined. so I had to make one myself. Unfortunately I decided this even more last minute than I decided to make the dress. So it would have to be cobbled together with what I had to hand.
Firstly I needed to decide on a style. Initially I wanted a close 'cap' or headband style.

But this really didn't look right on me. It sat oddly and wanted to slide off...

So Next I thought with 3 days to go...I'll try the saucer shape hats.

It was simple to make I used a plate, covered the flat base with felt disk padded out with old tights to make my 'mold'. I then made a framework of masking tape. then came the messy bit I used the left over gummed paper tape from my dress form to create the hat.

Note: If you try this over the plate with something like felt or fabric or something or else the gummed paper sticks to the plate and you can't get it off without ripping some of the brim and leaving the plate with paper stuck to it. ooops!

I soon *ahem* rectified the error covering the rips and using some paper covered wire to reenforce the brim. Covering it in another layer of gummed paper.

I then added my decorations, and superglued the comb onto the underside.

I hope noone coments on how its paper. A bit make do and mend I know. But with a few modifications I can see how I could use this technique to make a stiff layer without having to use buckram.

Yes, I've made a paper dress form!

I've been reserching dressforms for a while now. I don't have any help with fitting so it usually involves a mirror and lots of mumbling under my breath. So my solution was a dress form. I can't really fork out a lot of money so I decided to make my own (with a little help from my friend and her cat). I read every blog post, forum comment and website on the subject. Worked out all the dos and don'ts.

It also helped me decide I wanted paper and not duct tape dress form. I also like that paper would be the more vintage/historically authentic way.

Here she is...

Trying to decide on a name I thought maybe Sally or as references to me being in armour were mande during her construction maybe Xena or Bouddica would be more appropriate? ;)

Details of note...
Used 2 layers of paper 3 over the bust area. Used a cheap t-shirt from primark. Drew lines on before cutting out to make it easier to line up when the back is rejoined. Its handy to have someone who knows how to cut of bandages and plaster casts on the other end of the scissors. You CAN eat dinner while in the 'cast' (its tricky but possible). If I do it again need another layer on hips so it doesn't crumple when stood on its base*. The top of the cast dries quickest so I would recommend hanging the drying dress form like I have by the shoulders.
It took 1 roll of 36mmx35meter roll per layer and approx 2.5hours in total. I only had 2 rolls.
I measured it and its aprox. an inch out. That's fine for me as I like a bit of ease. at least I know if something is snug on the dress form it will fit me with breathing space.

Next I need to stuff the dress form. Mount it somehow (maybe use a hanger as I don't have a stand?) and then I'm going to paint and varnish it. I have some modge podge which I hope will do the job.

*You can see the crumple in the photo.