Been working on a new hat the past few nights from some tanned fur. Used the pattern from Edna Wilder’s book Secrets of Eskimo Skin Sewing. I did all river otter with beaver for the front, felted wool liner. Pretty easy going once you get the pattern from the book dialed in. Makes a good use for any tanned fur you’ve got laying around. This sucker is going to be warm out on the ice.

Did you use the beaver belly fur for the front flap ....if not ..those long guard hairs get in your eyes. I have a beaver hat...with an otter front flap.

I used beaver back, down near the tail. I see what you mean, but I oriented them up and not much of a problem the way this hat fits.

Looks Great

Very nice

looks good ,

Nice. And I can't even get my fur put up. You have a great talent.

Careful , people will be ordering from You!

Haha. Thanks. I’ve never sewn anything in my life other than some rips and tears. I was surprised at how simple the process was. Made some earmuffs for ladies in the family at Christmas. Mitts are next.

Looks really good!

Looks great!

Nice job, nice fur, great looking hat. Lots of guys have trappers hats up here in AK. That is the best pattern. When you're done with that one make another but use fur only on the ear flaps and front and a lighter, breathable cloth material elsewhere. Full fur is great for sitting on the ice or on a snow machine but if you exert much at all they are too warm. Most guys wear theirs at 1/2 flap (tied in back) most of the time. When it's really cold full flaps (tied under chin) or it too warm no flaps (tied on top).

Just a great job

Absolutely beautiful hat. Great job. Where were you able to find the book?

Thanks for the tips, it really does seem like the best pattern for outdoor use, vs the ushanka type. I’m planning to do a couple with wool or leather outsides next for being more active. My wife wants muskrat and wool. I could see that this is going to be too warm for moving.

I believe I found it on Amazon earlier this year. It takes some fooling around with a copier as the pattern is scaled down in the book. My relative success is a testament to how simple the pattern is, very easy to tweak for fit.

Thanks for the information Coos. It was out of stock on Amazon but I found it on Barnes & Noble.

Great hat. I just ordered the book from Abe books, a used book Web site.

Very nice

Leather does not breathe well either unless braintain buckskin which is still pretty warm of it's own right. Chrome tan and veg tan are both tight. Wool and a whole lot of other fabrics work well. Fleece breaths but/and is warm. Lots of weight options too.
Trapper hat looks best too! Bomber style is not as good.