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Vilnius, Lithuania

Vytautas Šumacheris

Shumahats
Milliner

A new adventure with hats

  • Vytautas creates classic hats using natural dyes and wool
  • The millinery equipment and tools he uses are made by him
  • He sees each hat like a painting or a tiny universe

Vytautas Šumacheris sees his hat making as an expression of his artistic side. He started making hats when the Covid-19 pandemic hit, leaving his profession as a massage therapist behind. "I love working with his hands, I am always looking for new paths and I am not afraid of change. My life as a milliner is now full of new adventures," Vytautas says. Through numerous trials, he learned how to shape hats and treat their surfaces on his own. He also created some of the tools and moulds he uses for the hats. His hats are elegant, classic and eye-catching in their colours. They are are made from natural wool and dyed with natural dyes that his wife Indrė creates from her own plants. "There is nothing difficult about this craft if you enjoy what you are doing," Vytautas says.


Interview

©All rights reserved
©All rights reserved
How did you get into millinery?
I decided to make a hat for myself when I could not find what I was looking for during the Covid-19 pandemic. It seemed impossible at first, but then I bought a woodworking machine and watched tutorials. Of course, the first hat was a bit crooked – it took me a year to nail the felting process.
What is your relationship with tradition?
I make classic hats using steam, heat and handwork. I work with wooden tools, wooden hat moulds and traditional techniques for hardening the hats. Although the shape comes off as traditional, the pieces are usually dyed with vegetable dyes, so they feature an original design.
Do you collaborate with other artisans?
My wife Indrė and I work together. I make the hats from scratch and she takes charge of its final look. She collects plants and uses them to make dyes. She decides what colour and design the hat will feature. I am responsible for the craftsmanship and the technical aspects.
What do you like most about your craft?
While working, I only see the material and colour, so I am always surprised when I see the hat taking shape. What fascinates me most is seeing how the hat can change completely depending who wears it and how. It is a very strong accessory that can give a person uniqueness and even change their life.
Vytautas Šumacheris is a rising star he began his career in 2021

Where


Vytautas Šumacheris

Address: Address upon request, Vilnius, Lithuania
Hours: By appointment only
Phone: +370 69989001
Languages: Lithuanian, English, Russian
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