Warfield Island Hat #1: The Weighty Fez (in progress)

Fig. 1: The Weighty Fez

Materials: Black jersey strips (“t-yarn”), green bulky wool (KnitPicks, “oregano” colorway); madras shirt samples, small beads, a barrette

Construction method: crochet, handsewn embellishment

Description: This is a startlingly heavy object, which must be worn with some care as it is oversized and will crush the wearer’s ears if it is not placed and balanced correctly. It is worn to convey the solemn authority of the island’s leadership, and requires the wearer to move with an attitude of grave thoughtfulness; this visual impression is sometimes enhanced with a long black cloak, somewhat reminiscent of priestly or judicial garments. This fez may also be used as a container, though this function has not yet been studied in detail.