It all started out with the purchase of this hand operated Junker & Ruh shoe sole stitching machine. I love the old iron, and this machine looked to cool not to have, so now I'm forced to learn to put it to good use. You may never want to get in this particular queue though my friend. I expect...
I learned the ferrule dealio from Jim at JW Hats when he was still with us. He was a wealth of information and was always willing to take the time to share it. I actually trim my reeds a little longer as well, but I think 1/2" is a good minimum depending on the hatter's preference.
Your welcome Z. I'm still chipping away at the last few hats in the custom queue and will decide where to go from there. The cobbler's art is calling me pretty strongly right now. I'm working on my first pair of custom shoes in my spare time so we'll see how it goes. I try never to cross a...
Considered me both embarrassed and honored Robert. Your words warm my crusty old heart.
To quote my role model, Peter Pan, "If growing up means it would be beneath my dignity to climb a tree, I'll never grow up, never grow up, never grow up. Not me!"
Remove the plastic reed from sweatband and trim sweatband to desired length then:
1. Re-insert reed and trim to about 1/2" longer than sweatband
2. Crimp ferrule in the middle
3. Insert reed ends into ferrule
4. Starting from rear of sweatband, stitch through the reed tape to draw the sweatband...
That's a rare beauty Randall. I've found that those old guitars will sing again with only some basic repairs. If anyone ever thinks that a guitar is "too far gone" then they should take a lesson from Willie's old Martin N-20 guitar Trigger. She ain't pretty, but she sure can sing.
Quality, uniform, repetitive results will definitely make you a fine craftsman Robert. Add to that an eye towards individual expression and personal creativity and you will become an artist.
Sorry, but no website and I'm currently on hiatus from custom hat making. Thanks for your interest though. There are so many excellent established and up and coming hatters out there right now that I'm sure you'll have no problem finding just the hat you're looking for.
Thanks Regan. I'm happy that you're still getting some good use out your hats. I've wanted one of your "Virginia Trekker" hats for a while and finally have one. I should mention that it's only because I made this one in the wrong color and was forced to keep it for myself. I'm chalking it up to...
Thanks Brent. I had great fun collaborating on your hats over the years. I'm always impressed by your hat lineup and happy to be a small part of it. You are truly a "patron of the arts" when it comes to new and established custom hat makers. Kudos my friend.
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