..another steaming question??

[flipper]

Hello! New to your forum but old on the topic. My question, I recently acquired an old Champ fedora, very reasonably priced (10 bucks, how could I go wrong?). It was in pretty rough shape though, not stored properly, creases in grosgrain band, very lumpy and out of shape overall etc. etc. But I knew it had potential. Took the steam kettle to it and did a good job of getting it back into shape. It looks almost perfect, even got the creases out of the band. The only problem is, the band seems to be just slightly looser on the hat now. It's hardly noticible but is there a way to tighten it up any to improve the overall look? Thank you all in advance, Mark

 

[Colby Jack]

Welcome to the Lounge Flipper...
Sounds like the hat might have shrunk down a bit, or the ribbon stretched a bit. Either way...One of our hatters will chime in and have a better answer and a solution for you.
Again...welcome to the lounge!:eusa_clap :eusa_clap :eusa_clap

 

[bolthead]

Dampen the ribbon with cool water, around the whole thing (using your finger) and let it dry. it should shrink some, but not seeing it, I don't know how much it actually puckered? [huh]

 

[flipper]

Thanks Jack and Bolthead,
I'm trying the water method around the band but I think Jack might be on to somethin', the hat may have shrunk slightly. The band isn't puckered at all, just slightly pulled away about 1/16" under where it's bashed in front. At any rate, I'm hopin' for the best and I'm not out anything money wise. This is just a cool lookin' old hat that I can knock around in and not have to worry about keeping it in pristine condition. The pristine hat is the old Dobbs (ca. mid-late 40's) thats in the box on the top shelf. What a great forum this is and I do appreciate the warm welcome.
Mark

 

[CRH]

...The band isn't puckered at all, just slightly pulled away about 1/16" under where it's bashed in front. ...

Ahh, yah... Just keeping your front pinch above the ribbon should fix that.

 

[bolthead]

Can we see it? [huh]

 

[flipper]

Champ fedora

the loose ribbon...better now

 

[CRH]

Champ fedora

the loose ribbon...better now

Hey, Flipper, I don't think that's so abnormal on a lumpy old hat. Your hands have done it well.

You might be on to something. Check my sig.

 

[Razzman]

Welcome to the lounge flipper. Nice job on the hat. It looks great.:eusa_clap

 

[flipper]

Thanks for the compliments and I do appreciate the warm welcome. Flip