My re-blocking project. With Pictures!

[Aureliano]

So, for a while I've been trying to get a hold of a block to reshape the crown of one of my hats. These things usually end up being expensive or they're hard to find in the right size. Now, Looking into my hat "stuff" I found a thin, plastic insert that the guy at cappelleria Mutinelli, in Milan, gave me to protect a panama hat that I bought. I tried to use this plastic thing as a block but it will never go very deep into the crown: it will warp and bend. So I thought "what if I put my hat jack inside to make it sturdy?". I did and it worked. Take a look at the pictures.

Started by removing the sweat and liner:

Take a look at the way the crown looked after years of rain, snow, wind and being submerged in a river: a total cone-shaped mess.

After removing the sweat & Liner I proceeded to wet the crown thoroughly to make the felt realax. After the felt was soaked, it took far less effort than I expected to push my "block" inside:

Then steam until the dome shape started to form:

I left the hat with the "block" inside overnight. This is the final result. I'm thrilled!
Open crown:

With its new center dent:

 

[Mr. 'H']

Fantastic.

:eusa_clap

I prefer a hand crease afterwards anyway so having a round block is perfect. Did you clean the felt in any way when you wet it thoroughly?

 

[Aureliano]

Fantastic.

:eusa_clap

I prefer a hand crease afterwards anyway so having a round block is perfect. Did you clean the felt in any way when you wet it thoroughly?

Thanks! I brushed the crown constantly, following ALWAYS the direction of the grain. Never against it.

 

[Aureliano]

I wonder what Art would think about my rudimentary experiment...[huh]

 

[Mario]

Now that's...ingenious! :eusa_clap :eusa_clap

Great idea to use the hat jack on the plastic protector. Did you put the sweat and liner back in place on your own?

 

[jimmy the lid]

Helluva nice job! :eusa_clap

 

[RBH]

Helluva nice job! :eusa_clap

:arated:
Jimmy said it!!
Great job!

 

[Bassman]

Beautiful job!:eusa_clap

 

[zetwal]

Great job. And that's a nice little steamer you have there. I too look forward to the next installment when you replace the sweatband and liner. Well done!

 

[Aureliano]

Now that's...ingenious! :eusa_clap :eusa_clap

Great idea to use the hat jack on the plastic protector. Did you put the sweat and liner back in place on your own?

Indeed, I did!

 

[zetwal]

All right! way to go Aureliano.

 

[Aureliano]

Thank you gentlemen, it was fun to do it! and a bit scary too.

 

[CRH]

Practical, creative thinking and guts can take man far.

Well done, Aureliano! :eusa_clap

 

[GWD]

Great Job! :eusa_clap

 

[Aureliano]

Great job. And that's a nice little steamer you have there. I too look forward to the next installment when you replace the sweatband and liner. Well done!

That Jiffy Steamer is my best friend!

 

[Mario]

Indeed, I did!

Aureliano - this really takes some guts, my friend! I'm deeply impressed and doff my hat in admiration!!! :eusa_clap :eusa_clap

You put the original sweat back in? So you used the original thread holes?

The reason I ask is that I have a few hats that need to have their sweats replaced and I'd really love to do it on my own. Trouble is that whenever I think too hard about it, I get that scary shiver that ultimately prevents me from using a needle without risking dangerous, life threatening injuries to me or the poor hat in question (or anything in close proximity for that matter)...

 

[Aureliano]

Aureliano - this really takes some guts, my friend! I'm deeply impressed and doff my hat in admiration!!! :eusa_clap :eusa_clap

You put the original sweat back in? So you used the original thread holes?

The reason I ask this is that I have a few hats that need to have their sweats replaced and I'd really love to do it on my own. Trouble is that whenever I think too hard about it, I get that scary shiver that ultimately prevents me from threading a needle...

Thanks, Mario. I did use the original sweat. I wanted to preserve my old hat's integrity. That's why it's a a little bit wavy, age and wear. It curled like that after the river incident. It feels and fits fine, though. I used the original thread holes, yes. It isn't that hard. It requires patience, thin thread, a leather needle and precision as to not go, through the thread hole, to the other side too much under the ribbon and end up with exposed stitches. I learned how to sew in elementary school. Then my mom made me mend my own smelly socks when we were poor and couldn't afford new ones

 

[Spats McGee]

Wow! This is a project to be proud of, Aureliano. :eusa_clap

 

[Aureliano]

Wow! This is a project to be proud of, Aureliano. :eusa_clap

Thanks, Spats. Those are kind words.

 

[gtdean48]

... Now, Looking into my hat "stuff" I found a thin, plastic insert that the guy at cappelleria Mutinelli, in Milan, gave me to protect a panama hat that I bought. I tried to use this plastic thing as a block but it will never go very deep into the crown: it will warp and bend. So I thought "what if I put my hat jack inside to make it sturdy?". I did and it worked.

EXCELLENT work! :eusa_clap :eusa_clap :eusa_clap
I want one of those plastic things! Anybody know another source for such or similar?