I recently came across a Vintage witch hat being sold on Etsy and I couldn't help but admire its unique and nostalgic charm. This hat, dating back to the early 20th century, is a true representation of the timeless appeal of vintage fashion. The intricate details and craftsmanship of the hat are simply remarkable. One of the standout features of this vintage witch hat is its dramatic silhouette. Its pointed crown and wide brim create a sense of mystery and allure, allowing the wearer to channel their inner witch or sorceress. The hat is made from high-quality materials such as velour or satin, adding to its luxurious feel.

An Interview with Shala Jones of Black Purl Magic

This month we got the chance to chat with our July Pom MAL sponsor, Shala of Black Purl Magic and dig deeper into her work-life balance. She shared about having a spot in this large sea of makers and how she landed on her iconic vinyl accessories.

How did you come up with the name Black Purl Magic and what does the name represent for you?

Black Purl Magic is a play on the hashtag #blackgirlmagic. "Black girl magic" means knowing that it may be more difficult at times but no one can stop you from what you wish to achieve in life because of the color of your skin. As a BIPOC knitter, this resonates with me because knitting is a craft not often associated with women of color but we can do it too!

Where did the journey begin for BPM and how has it changed with time?

BPM was born in 2018 as a maker of stitch markers and pins. Bags were never on the agenda but we saw a need and filled it! I started bag making in 2019 with no prior sewing experience. It began with cotton bags and finally arrived at vinyl bags in 2021 when BPM became my full-time gig. I was able to bring so many ideas to life operating at 100% capacity.

Your bags are ICONIC and we wonder how you decided to venture into vinyl (fabric)?

Thank you sooooo much! Whew! It has been a journey with the vinyl, for sure. As a neurodivergent knitter I lose A LOT of notions and even projects. Transparent project bags were a clear solution for me. That plus being a mom to a gymnast, I needed something to throw around and my precious suede and leather bags weren’t up for that challenge.

Speaking of vinyl, we know that can be tricky to work with, was that a huge learning curve for you?

Yes and no. Vinyl is a heavy material and attempting to sew it on my domestic machine was CRAZY! This pushed me to invest in an industrial machine and that made the task 95% easier. There are still tips and tricks that I’ve learned along the way but I’d say the machine upgrade was my saving grace.

Did you always know this was the direction you wanted to take your business? Project bags, maker tools, etc?

Yes. Black Purl Magic was founded with the intention of bringing functional maker tools to the table. Project bags were an add on and vinyl bags were completely unexpected.

What is your favourite product you have created?

This is a tough one. I’ve made some pretty cool creations! I think my favorite would have to be the BAB (big ass bag). It’s just larger than life and fun! My go-to festival shopping and beach bag.

What’s your advice on staying motivated while running a small business?

Slow and steady wins the race. Move at your own pace and know that no matter what other people bring to the table, your vibe will attract the right people. Your people will find you. They will wait for you. They will show up for you and they will carry you.

What is the most stressful part of your business or what do you wish your audience understood better about your business?

Definitely, the time and dedication that goes into each piece. I’m a solopreneur and extremely type A. This means that things move a little slower around here but the results are almost always on point as I am triple-checking each item. Lol.

What new things should folks look out for from Black Purl Magic in the future?

New materials! Vinyl has been an amazing wave for us! We are really looking forward to exploring different textures and bringing more bags to life.

How can people find your products for sale?

Our products are sold through our website blackpurlmagic.com. We also do a few in-person shows each year which we usually announce over on Instagram.

You can follow the BPM journey on instagram at @BlackPurlMagic and shop their maker tools at BlackPurlMagic.com

Black Magic - Ready to Ship

Size Spider Strands Variant sold out or unavailable Spark of Madness Variant sold out or unavailable 4 Plies of the Apocalypse Variant sold out or unavailable Best of the Worsted Variant sold out or unavailable Fluff Master Variant sold out or unavailable Chonky Boi Variant sold out or unavailable

Increase quantity for Black Magic - Ready to Ship

• 2 Ply Sock/Fingering Weight
• 80% Superwash Merino
• 20% Silk
• 100 grams / about 400 yards

Spark of Madness

• 2 ply sock yarn
• 75% superwash merino, 20% nylon, 5% silver stellina
• 100g
• about 438 yards

4 Plies of the Apocalypse

• 4 ply sock yarn
• 25% nylon and 75% superwash merino
• 100g
• about 436 yards

Best of the Worsted/DK

• 8 ply light worsted/DK yarn
• 100% superwash merino
• 100g
• about 218 yards

• 3 Ply Heavy Worsted / Aran Weight
• 100% Superwash Merino
• 100 grams / about 181 yards

• 3 ply bulky yarn
• 100% superwash merino
• 100g
• about 106 yards

*All yarns are dyed in a home with dogs. Animals are not allowed to play with the yarn, but their hair tends to travel. Please be aware if you have allergies.

The hat is made from high-quality materials such as velour or satin, adding to its luxurious feel. I was particularly drawn to the hat's intricate embellishments. Some vintage witch hats on Etsy are adorned with feathers, lace, or ribbons, which further enhance their whimsical and enchanting aesthetic.

Care information

To retain bright colors, do not store in direct sunlight. Items crafted from this yarn should be handwashed (or machine washed in delicate /handwash cycle) and then either laid flat or hung to dry.

Colors should be bright and permanent, but if you find any of the dye running from your fabric or yarn, soak in hot water with a bit of acid citric acid or vinegar) then rinse well. Do not dry in a machine.

These embellishments not only add texture and depth to the hat but also give it a personalized touch. Another fascinating aspect of this vintage witch hat is its historical significance. Owning a piece of fashion history allows one to connect with the past and appreciate the craftsmanship of previous eras. Vintage items like this hat tell a story and have a certain nostalgic value that cannot be replicated. Etsy provides a platform for sellers to showcase and sell their vintage items, allowing people from all over the world to discover and own a piece of the past. The availability of this vintage witch hat on Etsy makes it accessible to a wide range of individuals who appreciate the beauty and uniqueness of vintage fashion. In conclusion, the vintage witch hat being sold on Etsy is a testament to the enduring allure of vintage fashion. Its dramatic silhouette, intricate embellishments, and historical significance make it a standout piece for collectors and fashion enthusiasts alike. If you're looking to add a touch of witchy charm to your wardrobe or simply appreciate the beauty of vintage fashion, this hat is definitely worth considering..

Reviews for "Witchy Wonders: Exploring Vintage Witch Hats on Etsy"

- Samantha - 2/5 - I was really disappointed with the vintage witch hat I purchased from Etsy. The description stated that it was in "excellent condition," but when I received it, it was clearly worn and had several stains that couldn't be removed. The hat also had a strange odor, making it unwearable. I reached out to the seller to express my dissatisfaction, but they were unresponsive. Overall, I wouldn't recommend buying this hat as it didn't live up to its advertised condition.

- Jacob - 1/5 - This vintage witch hat was a complete waste of money. It arrived with significant damage, including tears and loose stitching. The hat was also much smaller than expected, despite the measurements listed in the description. The seller's customer service was terrible, as they refused to refund or replace the hat. I was extremely dissatisfied with this purchase and would not recommend buying from this seller on Etsy.

- Emily - 3/5 - Although I didn't have a terrible experience with this vintage witch hat, I can't say I was overly impressed either. The hat was average in quality and didn't have any major flaws, but it also didn't meet my expectations. It just felt like a regular witch hat and had a few loose threads. The price was also a bit high compared to other similar items I found elsewhere. Overall, it was an okay purchase, but I wouldn't buy it again or recommend it to others.

- Alex - 2/5 - The vintage witch hat I received from Etsy was not as described. The photos showed a hat with vibrant colors and intricate details, but the one I got was noticeably faded and the details were barely visible. It looked nothing like the picture. The shipping was also ridiculously slow, taking almost twice the estimated time. I reached out to the seller, but they were unhelpful and didn't offer any solutions. I was really disappointed with this purchase and wouldn't recommend buying from this seller.

Witchy Chic: Vintage Witch Hats for the Stylish Sorceress