Kind of OT but still vintage: What the heck is this wood thing? Spool? Knitting thing?

crinolinegirl

crinolinegirl

Alumni
I got this wood thingamagig in a box full of 1920's and 30's accessories but haven't a clue what it is!

Is it for spinning wool? Some kind of spool for wool when your're knitting?

It unscrews in the middle so you can make it longer to 9" from 7 1/2 so maybe some kind of stretcher for something?

Would this be considered Treen too?

Help!!

woodthing.jpg


Lei
 
I agree - hat stretcher. It's not unlike some you can still get today but certainly had better wood turnings.

Hollis
 
Do a search on e-bay for "hat stretcher" and you can see what a modern one looks like. The new ones aren't nearly as stylish as Lei's.

My husband has hat stretchers for his Panama hats, because they tend to shrink over time.
 
Are you sure that this is a hat stretcher? It's not like any of the hat block forms I've come across. The 'modern' ones are actually traditional hat stretchers. You need the whole circumference to stretch the rim of a hat.
 
Originally posted by vertugarde
Good to know Melody. Thank you. Mainly for felt or straw or both?
Click to expand...

Felt or straw. If you want to make the hat a little larger you can steam the inside and crank the stretcher tight. This will add some room. The ribbon inside a womens hat is usually rayon so it will stretch too. If you need a hat to be much larger you have to remove the ribbon and stretch in stages but for that it's best to use a full hat stretcher with a 2 pc. metal head block.

Melody
 
I am always attracted to things like that because of the wood and the interesting patina it takes on even if it didn'thave a real fashion related use.
 
Hat stretcher it is then! :D

I always thought hat stretchers were roundish block things too but I guess this was a "personal" one for home use.
Hmm, wonder if I should keep it to stretch hats out for me and Gary's big ole heads?!!:lol:

Lei
 
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