School: Clomanto
- Location:
- Clomantagh Upper, Co. Kilkenny
- Teacher: Liam Mac Óda
Archival Reference
The Schools’ Collection, Volume 0867, Page 338
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- XML School: Clomanto
- XML Page 338
- XML “Hat-Making”
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- These were made by a Mrs Katherine Ryan - Clomantagh Upper - mother of Mrs Jack Haide Clomantagh.
The hats were made from wheaten straw. Straws were cut in lengths of about 15 inches each - placed lengthwise in a wooden box. An earthenware vessel was packed into the centre of the straws and brimstone set on fire in the vessel. The box was covered with a wooden lid and a sack to prevent smoke (fumes) escaping. When the straws were taken out 'they were as white as the fallin snow'. Nine straws were taken and tied at one end. A long plait (sufficient to make a hat) was made five straws in the plait. When sufficient had been plaited the whole length was ironed with a warm iron. The hat was then sewed with a skein (strong thread). The top and sides of the crown were made from the same plait. The leaf was then sown on. When finished the hat was painted with glue and left out to dry. When dry it was ironed with hot iron on a damp cloth. The hats were sold for 2/6d each. Mrs Ryan would sew three hats in a day. her mother also was a hat maker. Mrs Haide who gave me above description never 'tried her hand at making a hat'.
- Collector
- Liam Mac Óda
- Gender
- Male
- Occupation
- Múinteoir
- Informant
- Mrs Haide
- Gender
- Female
- Age
- 68
