Australian made Hat Blocks available thru my online store.

JAMB Hats and Millinery
JAMB Hats and Millinery
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      • About
      • My Story
      • Why Hats?
      • How are JAMB Hats made?
      • Quality
      • Sustainability
      • Australian Fibres
      • Past Exhibitions and Work
    • Gallery
    • Workshops
      • Make your own hat
      • Upcoming workshop
      • Felt Flower Workshop
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  • Home
  • About
    • About
    • My Story
    • Why Hats?
    • How are JAMB Hats made?
    • Quality
    • Sustainability
    • Australian Fibres
    • Past Exhibitions and Work
  • Gallery
  • Workshops
    • Make your own hat
    • Upcoming workshop
    • Felt Flower Workshop
  • Calendar
  • Subscribe
  • Shop
  • BLOG & Stories
  • FAQ
  • Contact
  • Newsletters

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My Passion......

My Story


My passion for textiles began at a very young age, with my grandmother teaching me to sew as a child. I studied Textiles and Design throughout my schooling and then went onto study Applied Science specialising in Textiles at University. This led me working in a textile mill (spinning, knitting, dyeing and finishing mill) as a technician. My work within the Textiles Industry continued for many years where I took on many different roles for various companies including teaching in universities. 

Being a lover of fibres, textiles, fashion, agriculture and having an interest in hats, learning the art of felting years ago has enabled me to blend these passions, where I get to work with Australian agricultural produce (fibres) to create beautiful, unique, stylish and functional hats. I have been making hats for over 18 years and have been creating wet felt hats for over 5 years. I have recently given up my full-time high school teaching job to allow me to focus on my farm and on my hand felted hats.

I am qualified and experienced in a range of areas including textiles, education and training and agriculture.

Having an education background, I am always interested in opportunities to share my skills, love of Australian Textile fibres and experiences with others, so they too can appreciate the benefits of the great creative art of felting and hat making using beautiful fibres. This has led me down the path of running hand felted hat workshops.

I am an felter, textile artist, hat maker, educator, farmer, mother, partner and friend

Jo Barr


Navy blue Australian Merino hand made felt fedora with white whispy detail  and feather son the side

Why Hats?

At JAMB Hats and Millinery, we believe that hats are more than an accessory. The reasons for wearing hats are diverse and multifaceted, ranging from practical and functional purposes to cultural, fashion, and personal preferences. Hats have a long history of being both utilitarian and expressive, serving a wide range of needs and purposes in different cultures and societies. They are a way to express yourself and show the world who you are. That's why we are passionate about creating unique hats.

2 pair of hands working on the brims of 2 kakhi hand felted hats in a wet felt hat workshop

How are JAMB Hats created?

JAMB Hats are hand made from felt that is created using a technique known as wet felting. This is a traditional textile technique that involves matting together wool fibres to create a dense and sturdy fabric by hand. This process is achieved by combining wool, water and soap using hand agitation and friction. The hand made felt is then blocked and shaped by hand into 3D forms/shapes ie hats of varying styles.

Our Quality

We arecommitted to providing our customers with the highest quality hats that are unique and made completely by hand. That's why we carefully source Australian fibres and work with Autsrlian breeders and artisans (where possible) who take pride in their products. When you buy a hat from JAMB Hats and Millinery, you can be sure that you are getting a product that will last.

Sustainability

 Felting involves using natural fibers like wool, which is a renewable and biodegradable material. By using sustainable materials and techniques, felting can align with eco-friendly practices.

JAMB Hats use a range of different Australian fibres ....

Australian Fine Merino (19 Micron)

Australian Fine Merino (19 Micron)

Australian Fine Merino (19 Micron)

 Australian Fine Merino fibres are highly regarded in the textile industry for their exceptional quality, softness, and fine texture. Merino wool comes from Merino sheep, and Australia is known for producing some of the finest and most sought-after Merino wool in the world. Merino wool has natural antimicrobial properties that inhibit the growth of odour-causing bacteria, this along with its ability to absorb 30% of its weight in water without feeling wet and its breathability make it an excellent choice for hats. 

Baby Alpaca

Australian Fine Merino (19 Micron)

Australian Fine Merino (19 Micron)

Baby alpaca fibre is a highly prized and luxurious natural material known for its exceptional softness, warmth, and fine texture. Baby alpaca fibre is obtained from the first shearing of a young alpaca, typically around one year old. Alpaca fibre is naturally hypoallergenic and less likely to cause allergic reactions than some other fibres. 

Polwarth

Polwarth

Polwarth

Polwarth fibres typically refer to the wool fibres produced by Polwarth sheep. These fibres are known for their softness, fineness, and versatility, making them a popular choice among fibre enthusiasts and textile producers. The Polwarth fibres used in JAMB Hats is sourced from Tarndwarncoort in Victoria, these coloured fibres are sourced from the breeders/family that developed Polwarth sheep. – Australia’s first breed of sheep.

Possum

Polwarth

Polwarth

 Possum fibre is not a common choice for felting, but it can be used in combination with other fibres like Merino wool to create unique and luxurious felted items. Possum fibre comes from the common brushtail possum (Trichosurus vulpecula) found in Australia and New Zealand. It is known for its softness and warmth, making it an attractive option for blending with other fibres in felting projects. The possum used in JAMB Hats is legally and ethically sourced.

Past Exhibitions and Workshops

Lady wearing a hat standing in an art gallery standing next to a table with 6  hand felted wool hats

2023

  • Highly commended Woolcraft competition at Teh Sheep and Wool Show - Bendigo
  • Merriway Art Gallery Joint Exhibition
  • Deepwater Art Show Display and workshop
  •  Moree Council/Arts North West/ Rural Advisor Mental Health Program Community engagement felt hat workshops in 4 different communities in rural NSW
  • Biloelia Creative Capers - Workshops in Rural Qld.
  • Hive and Gobbler - Workshops
  • Makers Shed - Workshop
  • Tamworth Regional Art Gallery - Workshop
  • NERAM Gallery - Workshop
  • Kalang Community Hall - workshops
  • Studio 81 - Workshops


2022

  • Seasons of New England Artisan  Function - Exhibitor
  • Seasons of New England Creative workshop
  • Nundle Wool Mill - workshops
  • Walcha Handmade - workshop
  • Uralla Community - workshop


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