kepi pattern

[32ndalainf]

i am trying to find a good authentic kepi pattern if anyone has any suggetions i would sure appreciate it ..........

[PvtHull48thovi]

I would suggest getting in contact with Diry Billy or some of the other good hat makers out there and asking them if they could send youn one!


Pvt. Shelby Forrest Hull
48th OVI
The Three Musketeers Mess

[Swag]

If you call Brad Keune he could help you out I'm sure. He makes excellent hats and his prices and service are top notch if you send me a pm I can give you his contact information.

Respectfully Yours,
Sean M. Lamb
The Bully Boys
http://thebullyboys.org

[PVTJethro]

If you're looking for a CS pattern,the CONFEDERATE SKETCHBOOK has a detailed drawing from the ROBERT ROYAL kepi. Clifford Earl Hyde

[Stonewall_Greyfox]

A couple points...

1. Most people in the business are more than happy to talk to you about cap construction; techniques, materials, sources for materials, pattern drafting from originals, etc...however, you will find that most will not share their patterns with you. Throughout history, patterns have been regarded as trade secrets...after all this is often a time-consuming process, and the basis for their business.

2. One of the biggest insults you can do is call up vendor X (whom you have no relation with), who does not sell patterns and ask for them to send you one. After all its stealing business from them, without any of the real work involved. It's about trust, what basis does the vendor have to trust that you and your friends won't mass produce these products? I understand that not everyone has access to original items to make their own patterns, but in getting started its all about trial and error, sometimes good pics of items may be enough to start with (and there are plenty of books and online sights with pics of original CW items).

3. Some advice I was given many years ago...Don't get discouraged, dive into the study of the material culture; take notes from every museum you go to (noting material, construction methods, etc...), look at every book and website...never stop learning.

[LtCol0802]

Paul, you are right on the money. I have been making kepi's for 14+ years and have improved my patterns numerous times. I would never consider just sending them out. I did a lot of research and "hands on" inspection of many original caps (taking detailed notes and photographs). Kepi construction is not easy and takes experience and many hard hours of labor to make them come out right. I would also tell you that there is a lot more involved than just having a basic pattern for sides, top, and band. If you want to make them, you need to start from the bottom and do the research.
Sinc,
LtCol John Owens

[32ndalainf]

oh yea i was not trying to have someone send me their patterns i was just wanting to know a good source of study on them i would not dare tell a vendor "hey i like your kepis so give me your pattern and i'll make my own " my mother is a seamstress and she puts in a lot of long hours so i agree that would be an insult i was just looking for reference material..........but thanks though