About the Alchemist

I've always had a love affair with hats.

I think it’s their power to make a statement, transform you, and express what you’re feeling in a given moment.

As a kid, I almost always had a hat.

The pink princess tiara? Feeling regal

The grubby ball cap? Feel like playing hard.

My father’s old army hat? Don’t mess with me today.

Over the years, I’ve had a lot of hats. Fishing hats, dress hats, cowboy hats.

Several years ago, I received my own custom-made cowboy hat. I loved it. The curl of the brim, the just right fit, the color, and the beautiful quality of the material captivated me.

So much so, I took it apart. (Don’t worry, I later put it back together.)

As a life long fiber worker, I couldn’t help it. I needed to see just how it was made.

Shortly after that, I started experimenting with my own creations. I started in cheap wool to get a feel for blocking and shaping and soon moved to rabbit, beaver, and nutria/coypu.

Over the past few years, I’ve had the extraordinary good fortune to learn the art of making both Western hats and dress hats (like fedoras) from some of the best in the business.

And now, I’m making them for you. I use the highest quality felts, hand sew the sweatbands and brim bands, and add a little magic of my own so that you get a life time (or more) hat that reflects your taste and personality.

If you know what you want, I can make it.

If you’re not sure, I can help you decide color and style based on your face and hair, body type, coloring, and preferences.

Give me a call or send an email and we’ll get started on the process.