GOOD WORK

THE HANDY HATTER

By KIRK PRESCOTT, BAR XP PHOTO

Getting to know the man behind Prairie Wind Hatworks,

Sampson Moss.

A STATEMENT

OF style and a reflection of personality – a cowboy’s hat is boldly significant. Sampson Moss, age 28 and founder of Prairie Wind Hatworks, has begun to make his mark in the industry and stands by his motto, “Wear Your Own Kind of Hat.” From ridin’ buckin’ horses to drivin’ tractors, Moss is no stranger to the western way of life. He attributes his father for the opportunity to experience agriculture and the beef sector from a young age. His “hat” fixation began early when young Sampson literally wore anything that fit his head. From buckets to fine felt, Moss has adapted his style with wisdom. His expertise and adoration of the craft has steadily refined. Moss began shaping hats with a kitchen kettle, for himself and friends, during his college-rodeo days. Soon, his request list grew and his attraction to the trade flourished. Experiencing some difficulty finding a hat that fit well pushed Moss to the goal of learning to make his own. He hasn’t looked back since.

Initially rebuilding and cleaning hats, Moss notes that he was primarily self-taught. In January of 2020, he travelled to Newcastle, Utah where his friend and mentor, Chaz Mitchell took Moss on as an apprentice. The two remain in contact and Moss’ unique style bears homage to Mitchell’s direction. Moss himself, prefers a wide, low brim. His personal favourite is what he calls the “Sampson Crown” and a couple of his own hats are shaped in this fashion. Moss finds inspiration for his craft from all over, but reveres the talent of local hatter, Vern Elliot. Most of Moss’ friends and acquaintances have a lid made by Elliot and Moss strives to one-day be someone who people come to, without question, when they find themselves in need of a new lid. Everything Moss does to his hats is by hand. Being one hundred percent handcrafted means that everything from blocking, pouncing, flanging, shaping, stitching, and sewing is given the ultimate attention to detail.

Moss takes pride in the product he creates and aspires to match his clients’ personality and style with each piece. When making a hat “fit” someone, Moss notes that there are many factors to consider. He stated, “No two people are the same, so I really try to look at their jawline, neck, shoulders, height, the shape of their face along with their personal character.” Moss strives for quality over quantity and values the appreciation of local, handmade goods. In keeping a good-reputation, Moss makes his customers’ wish top-priority and eats a little of his time and resources to keep them grinning. Each of his custom creations comes with a warranty and leaves at a fair price. His main goal is to finish the job right.

From a tea kettle in a college kitchen to hatting for musicians, top-notch cowboys and cattlemen alike, Moss has mapped out his ambitions. He aspires to be hatting fulltime, one-day. Despite having a degree in Agribusiness and being a heavy equipment technician by trade, this avid snowboarder and bit-collector finds his future in horses, cattle and hats. Moss is passionate about what he does and his western roots shine through effortlessly. He’s an artist of variety and lyrical composition is another one of his gifts. Moss remarked, “I still have to work on my metering, but cowboy poetry is a fun way to tell a story, share your thoughts and opinions and keep folks laughing or crying; I love the emotion attached to it.” “Sport coats, Slacks, Brilliant socks and all of that. Don’t separate character If you must wear that crap. Nah, the first thing I look at Above shoes, above clothes. One thing that really makes people chat Is your statement of Identity: Wear your own kind of hat” -Sampson Moss

If Moss isn’t busy with work as a ranchhand or hatting, you just might find him enjoying a milkshake from the Hitchin’ Post in High River, recording his thoughts in rustic rhyme. With that, we’ll leave you with his words and encourage you to give this unique cowboy consideration for your next custom creation. WHR