This is a prototype I am currently working on.




As you can hopefully see in the pictures, there are ringed ridges along the crown of what will one day be a tam. This technique has produced a weave that is incredibly thick and strong. It is rather time consuming, at least for now, as I am not familiar with the technique, but I am getting better at it.

I am not so sure on how it looks though. It does make the hat, at least in my eye, look vaguely Celtic with the circular pattern spreading outward. I am not so sure what to think though, and the hat is not yet done. Most tams have smooth tops... This design however adds considerable thickness, density, and strength, which would probably make this an excellent cold weather companion. If I did it double stranded, it'd probably be over a half of an inch thick. As it is now, it is somewhere around 1/8th of an inch thick, considerably thicker than most tams. When I get done with this one though, the wearer will definately know something is on his skull. The colour I used for the prototype is Army Olive Drab.

I have found that most kilt wearers admire quality and durability in their items... And while I make very good dreadlock tams, I am still trying to perfect the ideal "bulletproof bonnet."

Any feedback, advice, or opinions would be greatly appreciated.