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
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.
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.
Past Exhibitions and Workshops
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