Another DIY

[warmentrout]

This is a Cavanauhg I won on ebay. It had a permanent crease, almost a tear, from the bash. The only way I could hide it was to make it a porkpie and hide it in the valley of the porkpie bash. I re-dyed it a dark auburn color with hair coloring as per J.T. Marcus suggestions. The darker coloring on the right is just a shadow. It came out very well I think. The reed was ripping out of the sweatband so I replaced it along with the ribbon, a forrest green. The lining was pretty dirty and didn't come all the way clean but is not too bad. This is my first complete overhaul.

Before

After

 

[HarpPlayerGene]

See my comments in the New Hats thread...

 

[Wil Tam]

Nice work!

:eusa_clap :eusa_clap :eusa_clap
very nicely done! please tell me more on how you did the hair-dye method, I was going to use RIT on one of my lids.

 

[warmentrout]

:eusa_clap :eusa_clap :eusa_clap
very nicely done! please tell me more on how you did the hair-dye method, I was going to use RIT on one of my lids.

I got the info from J.T. Marcus. Follow the directions that come with the hair color. DO NOT USE THE CONDITIONER AT ALL FOR ANYTHING. Throw it away. I did two coats. The first one I diluted the coloring with water for better absorbtion. The second coat I used the coloring straight. Use rubber gloves to keep your hands from getting colored. Rub the stuff int the felt real well let it sit for 25 - 30 minutes, rinse off the excess and let it dry. Make sure the hat is clean before you start. It's kinda like staining wood, anything that's there before hand will show through. Check with J.T. he has more experience than me. This was my first attempt.