My first stitched hood

[Fawkes]

Took a look at this thread:
http://www.falconryforum.co.uk/showthread.php?t=6528

and was inspired to try my hand at a stitched hood. As I don't have a bird, it is well modeled by the stuffed peregrine my family gave me. A perfect fit! :lol:
Just used some left over leather from my glove making and followed Blackbird's instructions (with some help from Phillip Glasiers book). Great thread BB!

So SakerJack.. think I'm worthy of a deal on a block or two? :wink:

[Fawkes]

and another picture..

[Barbary Boy]

good god allmighty man! is the chin strap wide enough? i thought my hoods were bad!!!!!!!!!

[Afshimo]

lol, i got that pere, a red kite an a huge bald eagle lol. amas pressies from years ago!

[SakerJack]

Fawkes,
Not bad for the first time the top knot looks very good!! As for blocks if you are going to do that style of hood you certainly DO NOT NEED blocks. After your hood is completely dry,, try slightly dampening the eye panels and rounding them from the inside with a the end of a sewing awl or even a the end of a rolling pin.. Practice on that style,, then when you have mastered that ,,then we will get you a few blocks,, Take your time and get good at one style then move on..
Sakerjack
Ken Hooke
Falconry Hoods International

[Fawkes]

Barbary boy - I just copied a pattern in Glasiers book, and have no real bird to model it on. Ontop of that, it was a spur of the moment thing and was just having a go.. didn't try awful hard! How wide are they supposed to be?

SakerJack, I know these hoods don't need blocks - thats why I was trying one of these. As for the eye panels, my stitch-holes weren't made great so I dont know if it would get much better. I will give it a go though, and maybe try another one tonight (this time being more careful :P)

[Tim Laycock]

Nothing wrong with that hood, push comes to shove it would work.
I only started making hoods again last year after a long, long break
This was my first(see first picture)

With a little practice and some decent blocks you can suprise yourself!
(See second picture<g>)

[Finnish]

That's pritty cool for the first time.:supz:

[Fawkes]

Thanks BB and Finnish! (gotta love constructive comments :D)
Went ahead and made another tonight tho, a little more patience goes a lot way! Got 90% of my stitch holes poked correctly, and spent a little more time with the drying and moulding process. There are a few flaws, most of these stemming from the fact that the hood was small (Glasier's sparrowhawk pattern) and the leather wasnt so great. What do you think?

[Talon]

getting better there m8.
bb they are smart home made hoods. especaily the second one.

[Tim Laycock]

Getting better Fawkes! :D

Talon, Each one I do makes the last one look silly! :supz:

[Fawkes]

Anything you'd suggest I do better on the next one, BB? (other than not break the chinstrap with the throat lash - that ones obvious.)

Does getting some different leather help much? All I have is glove tan at the moment.

[Tim Laycock]

Anything you'd suggest I do better on the next one, BB? (other than not break the chinstrap with the throat lash - that ones obvious.)

Does getting some different leather help much? All I have is glove tan at the moment.

Good leather is the key without doubt!

A surgical scalpel blade is best for cutting and trimming the gape/eye seams and a sharp chisel makes the brace and throat slits much neater.

Other than that, Practice makes perfect :D

[Fawkes]

how do you guys cut the beak openings so nice? Before you make the hood, moistened, just with a really sharp knife...? I cant get the beveled edge right ... And how do you do that lovely rolled edge on the bottom?

going to get some decent leather tomorrow with birthday money and want to have another go. Watch this space for more pictures this weekend.. :D

[SakerJack]

Fawkes,
I cut all my beak opening except dutch before I sew and block.. I would say cut it dry with a fresh sharp blade for every beak opening. Cut in on the bottom of the beak opening 45 degrees in wards, then around the sides of the BO I cut a bit more than a 45, straight cut around the cere then repeat the same on the other side of the b opening.
Sew and block your hood, complete it, put any finish on it etc, then when it is dry another new blade then, carefully cut the ridges you will see on the inside of the hood around the face, bevell it with your knife, do the same on the bottom of the beak opening and WHALLA!! Then you can slightly moisten the area and use you finger to open and flare out the sides to your liking or let the customer do it on their own..
Sakrejack
Ken Hooke
Falconry Hoods International

[Fawkes]

I bought some dye and tried it out.. only now that I've read other threads over again I have a feeling I've only bought the wrong stuff. I got some alcohol based dye - is that no good, or does it only need to dry for a while? Thing is I dyed it and then started poking stitch holes and stitching and my hands came out all black (ick :P) and the hood (now drying with no braces/thoatlash etc) looks like its been used for a good hard season around the eyes.

Any help?

(going to go through and finish it anyways.. will post pictures tomorrow)

[Fawkes]

So heres the efforts of my weekend, lined up in order of size.
From left to right: my first attempt with vegetable tanned tooling leather and dye, before I got any leather sheen, my latest (still wet from shaping), one from last night that I thought I'd try a rolled edge on but havent got around to it yet (also tried a smaller beak opening on this one), and another from last night that I finished the turks knot and throatlash today - this was the first one after figuring out my dying techniques.
What a difference the leather makes! The beak openings seem a bit big, but I dont have a bird to try it on (or a good hood to look at). What do you think?

[Fawkes]

and another photo of the best one yet.. (though none have braces yet. going to put red ones on here.)

[Tim Laycock]

Looking good:D :cool:

[GriffMJ]

Where did you get those brass beads from Fawkes, was it on the internet?

SMUG MODE
http://www.westbergholtfc.co.uk/Images/lookas/Kryten2.jpg

http://www.m-jhoods.co.uk/images/Mavro/newMav.jpg

[Fawkes]

No Griff.. got them at a local beading shop, nice though hey?

You still havent told me how you do your rolled edge :)

I'm beginning to take a particular liking to this style, the dye's done it good.
Attempting to fit one for a friend's FHH - will see how it goes! Going up to see her in two weeks, if I've got one that fits will take pics for sure - gotta be able to show off you know :wink:

[Fawkes]

Ok, so here's my latest effort.
Constructive critisms?

[GregMik]

Ok, so here's my latest effort.
Constructive critisms?

Looks good to me.....I don't know how to make hoods tho....:)

Greg

[Fawkes]

So, I've learned alot - like seams come out better if you sew them dry (and its easier :P), leather makes a huge difference - so do sharp blades, its easier to cut the gape if you angle the blade and cut from the skin side, and I need some thinner tooling hide for my topknots.
However, I still have no idea how they fit real birds. Blast.
Still looking for more comments/suggestions - any word from the pros out there?

[Tim Laycock]

The latest hood look good!
Have you been sewing the seams wet :shock:

[Fawkes]

well.. not wet per se, just damp. But I hadnt heard otherwise anywhere!
I poke the holes when it's damp otherwise it tends to rip, and then I had been stitching it the same evening. I didnt have time with this one so stitched it dry the next day.
I'm teaching myself here so I have to pick up these little things by experimentation (unless of course you pros want to start handing out tips - even if they seem obvious ;))

You've been a great help, BB. Thank you.
I seem to have lost SakerJack.....

[Tim Laycock]

If your tearing the leather while poking holes you need something sharper.
Are you waxing the thread before and as you sew the hood?
For tighter stitches its worth a try.

[KowalKempl]

I'm making anglo-indian a little bit different.
10912

10913

10914
I'm cureous about your opinions about this hood.

[Fawkes]

I've been using prewaxed thread from Tandy's, not sure if that has the same qualities?

As for sharper, it pokes holes fine, but maybe it's too wide? It rips further back along the awl? Ach.. maybe I should just spring for the proper scratch awl ;)
It's probably a lot better than what I'm using in ways I haven't thought of.

[KowalKempl]

I've been using prewaxed thread from Tandy's, not sure if that has the same qualities?

As for sharper, it pokes holes fine, but maybe it's too wide? It rips further back along the awl? Ach.. maybe I should just spring for the proper scratch awl ;)
It's probably a lot better than what I'm using in ways I haven't thought of.
For now I'm using not waxed thread. And to make holes wider I use simply wider awl (Poland) :wink:.

[FlameHairedFalconer]

I make the holes when the leather is dry with an awl I made myself shaped for the job. I always sew my hoods up wet. I use beading thread. Some people recommend dental floss, but I have always been concerned about it rotting quicker than other threads.

Pics of some hoods, one on the left is an anglo indian for my female ferru and the one on the right is a pattern of my own.

FHF

[Fawkes]

FHF - can you post a picture of your awl?

[FlameHairedFalconer]

Hi Fawkes - dont know if you can see the difference. Basically it is flattened and slightly curved as well as being very sharp.

FHF

[SakerJack]

Flamehaired, Fawkes,
I have been very busy at work and making hoods. Just got a huge order of hoods over 300 and do not have much free time. Both your hoods look good.. Fawkes a couple of things, the last picture, as it sits on the table, there seems to be a great V angle? Is that want you want , I prefer that the hoods sits almost flat. That is just me though but I am not sure how it would fit on a bird? Have you tried one.. Perhaps a different pattern? I will gladly send you some patterns, nice angle patterns that are proven and easy to make.. Your sewing has improved as has the balcnce of the hood, maybe a different pattern?? Just a thought..
F Haired, your hoods look good I really like the one on the right, the black one it appears,, You mentioned awls, I went thru 5 different types to get one that I liked and have stuck with,, I have not heard many putting holes while the hood was wet? But if it works? Reason again, I missed something in some previous posts..
You both can PM anytime,, it may take awhile for an answer but I am only to willing to help..
Sakerjack
Ken Hooke

[SakerJack]

Kowal,
I like the sewing of your anglo,, Good for you, be an innovator,, Great to see others trying something different,,
Great job on the hood!!
Sakerjack
Ken Hooke

[FlameHairedFalconer]

F Haired, your hoods look good I really like the one on the right, the black one it appears,, You mentioned awls, I went thru 5 different types to get one that I liked and have stuck with,, I have not heard many putting holes while the hood was wet? But if it works? Reason again, I missed something in some previous posts..
You both can PM anytime,, it may take awhile for an answer but I am only to willing to help..
Sakerjack
Ken Hooke
Falconry Hoods International

Hi Ken - Thanks, I dont make the holes when wet, but when the leather is dry, then sew up wet. Have tried many types of awl, but eventually made my own as then I could get the angle I wanted. :D

FHF

[Fawkes]

Finally done classes and had some time to try a few more hoods. I thought I'd try the Slijper's canon pattern, but then liked the look of the eyeseams better if they had been wet beaten. Modified the pattern to have 4 stitches in the back on the last two - seemed to make a better shape. The pictures dont show it very well, but they're black, green, and red.
And I know I need to work on those topknots - this is only the second time I've tried it with vegetable tanned leather and its tricky. :D

[Barbary Boy]

Thanks BB and Finnish! (gotta love constructive comments :D)
Went ahead and made another tonight tho, a little more patience goes a lot way! Got 90% of my stitch holes poked correctly, and spent a little more time with the drying and moulding process. There are a few flaws, most of these stemming from the fact that the hood was small (Glasier's sparrowhawk pattern) and the leather wasnt so great. What do you think?
****? next?

[Tim Laycock]

****? next?

:-? .......................................

[Pink_Eagle]

i tried the type of stichin show in bb's thread and it looks good, but how do u stich so tht u cant see the stiches?

[FlameHairedFalconer]

i tried the type of stichin show in bb's thread and it looks good, but how do u stich so tht u cant see the stiches?

You turn it inside out after you have stitched the hood.

FHF

[Pink_Eagle]

o rite i c, didnt think it was tht simple lol

[TiercelJim]

****? next?
****? next?

[Palmer]

****? next?

:confused: :confused:

well done fawkes I think its good mate well done.:supz:
I certainly could'nt do better.:!:

[Fawkes]

i tried the type of stichin show in bb's thread and it looks good, but how do u stich so tht u cant see the stiches?

You can - I've just used black upholstry thread thats hard to see :D

[Fawkes]

I tried some practice turk's knots this morning because I haven't liked the look of my last few and didnt want to wreck one of my freshly made hoods. How do all you experts get them so tight? I think this is 1-2 oz vegetable tanned cowhide, the top one was done wet on suggestion of my father, the bottom one dry. They both still look kinda bulky to me.. ?

[GregMik]

The top one looks alot tighter than the bottom one.

Greg

[Big JoeJoe]

I cant and I have no intention of trying to make a hood as I would prefer to buy them. Fawkes I admire your determination and your spirt for making hoods and I say good luck to you and carry on fella. I think BB is in order with his opinions wether others like it or not, after all the hoods fawkes is making my seem ok to some but not to others and Fawkes did ask for opinions.

Cheers BJJ

[Kevin Massey]

Where did you get those brass beads from Fawkes, was it on the internet?

https://www.connectstores.com/pjminerals/images/2987.jpghttps://www.connectstores.com/pjminerals/images/2988.jpg





https://www.connectstores.com/pjminerals/sp_23421.html

[Tim Laycock]

Fawkes, the best way to tighten up your turks knots is to use your awl.
Follow each thread of the knot individualy from start to finish, pulling each individual loop from start to finish before moving on to the next thread of the knot.
Go round and around again dont try to tighten it all at once or the result will turn out lopsided :yawinkle:

_______________________________________

:evil:
Barbary Boy is entitled to his opinion but why voice it in such an abrupt and abrasive manner?
If he thinks the work is "****" why not explain why and lay down his thoughts on how it may be made better?

We are all waiting with baited breath!

Why not strive to bring something to the table other than distain for the efforts of others who apply themselves :?:

[Fawkes]

Thanks BB, worked a treat. Here's my latest practice knots.
As I was making them I was thinking that 4 would probably look silly on a hood, after I finished, I think 3 would be the most I'd try.

[GregMik]

Those are lookin nice!!

Greg

[Midland hawker]

all that matters fawkes is if they dont hurt the bird in anyway and u like them mate i think there looking good now mate better than i could do :supz:

[Fawkes]

Heres what I did with the unfinished green one in the last set of hood pics.
It was the first time I'd tried a sewn rolled edge, so you'll have to excuse the stitching - my second try on a different hood was much better. Was going to put 3 topknots in, but then one of the strands broke - always has to happen on the hood and not the practice ones :roll: Despite the flaws, I think this one is the best I've done yet :D

Next time I go up to work I'm going to try it on the tiercel peregrine I trained last summer (my avatar). I think it'll fit, but after reading some other posts about what size slijper's fits what kind of bird, I think it might be too big (size 50). I guess I'll find out!

[Tim Laycock]

Thanks BB, worked a treat. Here's my latest practice knots.
As I was making them I was thinking that 4 would probably look silly on a hood, after I finished, I think 3 would be the most I'd try.

Easy when you know how :yawinkle:

[Fawkes]

And todays work...
Think I'm going to pass this one off to my local leather store owner - he's helped me out a lot. Gives me all my 1-2 oz vegetable tanned stuff for free, and last time gave me a big bag of old work glove s****s he couldnt sell - they make good size number patches :D
And this is one of those hood that looks great, but might not work so well on a bird. The top knot is a little loose and theres a *tiny* spot of light that comes through one of the eye seams. Of course that could be fixed with a little patch but was going to give the guy one anyways.

[GregMik]

You are gettin better and better!! Keep makin them. Would be nice to see how they fit on a bird.

Greg

[Sean]

fawkes i take it u dont want these blocks then lol?

[Fawkes]

And one from the last few days, also modeled on my gore-tex braces thread.
SakerJack suggested I get some lacing from Tandy's for the top knot (3/32") works a treat. Less of a hassle to get it tight.

You'll have to excuse the picture quality, taken in bad lighting and can't be bothered to redo it :roll:

[Tim Laycock]

When stitching the throat strap go back around and fill in the gaps.
It gives a much more polished look to the hood 8-)

[Biarmicus]

Hello Fawkes,

Nice falconry hoods! Good work! :supz: :cool:

Are you interested in making some hoods out of thin lizard hide?
If so, on the raptorsnest.com website I found an advertisement in the equipment section that someone in Montana has three boxes of thin lizard hide for sale in bulk…

http://www.raptorsnest.com/
(I tried to put a direct link to the advertisement but it links to the homepage. Click on enter the nest and it will take you to the different categories: e.g. raptors, equipment etc.)

Brittney

[Fawkes]

yeah I saw that - thanks for the referal tho Brittney :D. A bit expensive for the likes of me yet ;)

Might come in handy to someone else!

[Jack Merlin]

I've been using prewaxed thread from Tandy's, not sure if that has the same qualities?

As for sharper, it pokes holes fine, but maybe it's too wide? It rips further back along the awl? Ach.. maybe I should just spring for the proper scratch awl ;)
It's probably a lot better than what I'm using in ways I haven't thought of.

Excellent work! It is good to see more people making hoods.

As you ask, here are a few points. Use an awl with a fine triangular point. You might be able to beg some fine surgical needles if you know a tame vet. Othewise, Ebay? Surgical needles are designed to cut flesh, so that pattern is ideal for sewing leather. Also, your stitches will look neater if you use a thinner thread and pull it tight. You can make an awl by gluing one of these needles into a handle.

You can stiffen hoods by using albumen. No mystery here. A good source is egg white or even blood! Just rub it into the dry leather on the inside.

Yes, I always used to work the leather dry. But when finished, damped the seams and tap them gently while using something as a former on the inside (a broom handle works!). That will help close the stitch holes.

Generally, it is advisable to hide the stitching on the outside if you can. That's because hawks occasionally scratch at the hood and if the stitching is exposed, it will wear or even catch a talon.

Haven't tried it, but another falconer suggested tapering the leather at the beak opening using a Dremel with a sander or grinder, rather than a scalpel. Sounds like a good idea to me.

The bottom line is the fit! Looks really don't matter that much. However pretty the hood, it is still going to get pushed into a pocket in the excitement of the flush, dropped in the mud and trodden on, retrieved by the dog, etc. however good your intentions! The best hood is the one that retains its fit in the field despite all this treatment and which the hawk still finds comfortable.

Last, learn to make your own tools!<g> Watch your local sadler. I find it fascinating just seeing how they make thread, etc.

Keep up the good work!!

[Fawkes]

Finally got some pictures of one of my hoods on a bird.
This is a female peregrine who has been very hard to find a good fitting hood for. She seemed to like this one! It was one of my less manicured hoods, never got around to tapering the beak hole more after it was stitched. Looks like it needs a little trimming but over all very encouraging! :D

[SakerJack]

Fawkes, you are making great strides the hood looks great. Keep at it..
Sakerjack
Ken Hooke
Falconry Hoods International

[AmateurAustringer]

That seems very impressive to me Fawkes in such a short space of time your hood making skills seem to have improved no end.

How many hoods has it taken from your first effort?

[Fawkes]

Thanks guys for all the compliments! :D :supz:
Starting summer work again and have a directed studies project to work on as well, not sure how many more will get made in the next little while.

[Venividevenatio]

I note that many commercial hoodmakers here use dental floss (split if necessary) for stiching hoods. Tried it myself, seems to work well for an amateur as well!!

[Tim Laycock]

Good Job Fawkes :supz:

[Fawkes]

My latest... and possibly the first one to sell to my boss for use on a bird. fits her very well (same peregrine as in the last set of pics) I made her another of the same size but in green and black. Its hard to tell in this picture but the hood is a very dark green (nearly black) with black topknot and rolled edge. Looks a treat on her, just need to put the size in it.

Ken Hooke (SakerJack) very kindly sent me a bunch of patterns in the mail, just got them today. I have a few days off so will likely try my hand at a few of those. Thanks again, Ken!

[Fawkes]

Hmm.. can't see any colour in that. I will have to get another pic in the sun when you can see it's green.

[TiercelJim]

nice looking hood mate:grin:

[Fawkes]

There, now you can see the colours properly :D

[Claire]

In a little over 4 months you have gone from this http://www.falconryforum.co.uk/attachment.php?attachmentid=9953&stc=1&d=1138570873
to this
http://www.falconryforum.co.uk/attachment.php?attachmentid=15517&stc=1&d=1150262965
that really is quite an achievement, and they are still getting better :)
its nice to see your progress on here

[Fawkes]

Thanks Claire :D I feel like I've come a long ways too, doesnt take me half as long to stitch them now, and with each one I look at the last and it makes me laugh. I'm working myself to get some hood blocks soon - I think a blocked slijpers would be neat, along with the patterns that Ken sent me, and of course dutch hoods too.
I'm just off to go get some blue dye and maybe a few tools to try that end of things.. more to come!

[Fawkes]

Tried one of the patterns Ken sent me - this is a Maynes Hawk hood, supposed to fit a MHH (not sure what the size number is for that). I think I like the tongue bit that keeps the feathers from getting pinched in the braces. Helps make the hood rounder too without blocking. Obviously no braces yet, I have to get around to making another batch of goretex ones.

[Fawkes]

Now all I need is a trademark name to put on the inside along with the hood size. Any suggestions guys?

[Athene]

Now all I need is a trademark name to put on the inside along with the hood size. Any suggestions guys?

What about "Fawkes"? :P

[Fawkes]

Wow, I haven't posted on here in a while. I've done a few hoods since but mostly busy with trapping and hunting. I borrowed some plaster blocks (2) from the same fellow who lent me Harriet (FHH) and have had a go with stitching it inside out and then blocking it - not sure how this is done with an anglo-indian hood that is open at the back? I understand dutch hoods are cut off the block, but the patterns are different. Not sure how to do this with a one piece hood. So really I just used the blocks to shape the eyes of it. Here's one I did a month ago that turned out just a little too small for Harriet, and another in progress as I lost the green one I was using with her.