My Second Hat Project

[DoctorJ]

I found this red cowboy hat in an antique store -- had to rescue it. Still needs some work.

<img src="http://i656.photobucket.com/albums/uu287/DoctorJ0014/th_redhatbefore.jpg" border="0" alt="Before" ></a>
<a href="http://s656.photobucket.com/albums/uu287/DoctorJ0014/?action=view&current=redhat1.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i656.photobucket.com/albums/uu287/DoctorJ0014/th_redhat1.jpg" border="0" alt="After" ></a>
<a href="http://s656.photobucket.com/albums/uu287/DoctorJ0014/?action=view&current=redhat2.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i656.photobucket.com/albums/uu287/DoctorJ0014/th_redhat2.jpg" border="0" alt="After" ></a>
<a href="http://s656.photobucket.com/albums/uu287/DoctorJ0014/?action=view&current=redhat3.jpg" target="_blank"><img src="http://i656.photobucket.com/albums/uu287/DoctorJ0014/th_redhat3.jpg" border="0" alt="After" ></a>
</center>

 

[carter]

That's a striking transformation! Great color. Looking forward to seeing it on your noggin.

 

[zetwal]

Impressively done! Bravo

 

[RBH]

Well done!

 

[DoctorJ]

Thanks guys! Here's the official mugshot.

 

[PabloElFlamenco]

That mug shot does it, dottore! Fits your noggin like a glove, and such self-done work commends great respect.

Paul

EDIT: That cowboy hat looks a lot like one I have (except the color). Would you happen to know what kind of hat this is (brand, model, year?) Thanks if you do!

 

[gtdean48]

Very nice job! :eusa_clap :eusa_clap :eusa_clap

 

[tonyb]

Me like it.

Looks like you left the crown the same open height but took it down some with that fedora shaping. Izzat right?

Did you leave the original sweatband and liner in it?

Nice bow, doc. Where'd you score the ribbon?

 

[animator]

That is a nice looking hat! Great job!

 

[carter]

Thanks guys! Here's the official mugshot.

BRAVO! :eusa_clap :eusa_clap :eusa_clap

 

[DoctorJ]

To answer Paul's and Tony's questions:

I wish I could say the felt was of higher quality. This is (was) an Eddy Bros made of "Durofelt". No particular model or year mentioned. With it being ten percent fur, I figured it would be something that would let me at least work with it a bit... Oh, and it was twelve bucks, so I had nothing but time to lose, and experience to gain.

I took out the liner and sweatband; it was all synthetic and gaudy and the fake leather started disintegrating as soon as I held it.
It was three sizes too small, so a lot of stretching was done while I steamed out the original shape. Then, having a clean palette so to speak, I took to bashing the fedora shape.

I think, Tony, this is what you were asking if I did. A lot of the terminology is new to me.

The ribbon I found in the same antique mall after much searching. There were caches of vintage ribbon still in packages hidden all around, but none of it grosgrain. When I finally found this wine colored grosgrain, I was just glad to have any. I originally wanted to go higher contrast, but this matched eerily perfectly. It was not packaged, so I'm not sure how old it is. I've been reading about how to curl it, and I still need to do that. I suppose I'll find out then.

I then took my Mach3 razor and shaved the whole thing, which I should have done at an earlier stage but I hadn't yet thought of it. It worked beautifully! The pictures don't show it, but you'd never know it was the same scouring pad surface that I brought home.

So I'll definitely post a picture of the new lining and sweatband when that's done. I think i'm going to do it all from scratch....should be interesting.

 

[Stoney]

Simply Fantastic

I enjoy doing my own hat work and really like to see others do so as well.
You've done a fine job and have every right to be proud of the results.
I love it!
:eusa_clap :eusa_clap

 

[tonyb]

You did precisely what I advise any would-be hat renovator to do -- get a beater hat cheap and see what you can do with it. That hat will more often than not be a Western hat because that's what is most commonly available 'round these parts.

So I take it you did not block the crown, then?

Came out well, I'd say.

 

[DoctorJ]

For now, I just used my hands and some miscellaneous household items, like aquarium tubing for molding the corners around. I think I'll construct a block eventually.

This is definitely one of those hobbies that requires the process to be its own reward -- When you're successful no one knows you made it yourself.

-Except of course, fellow FedoraLoungers.

 

[bolthead]

You did a Great job.....

For now, I just used my hands and some miscellaneous household items, like aquarium tubing for molding the corners around. I think I'll construct a block eventually.

This is definitely one of those hobbies that requires the process to be its own reward -- When you're successful no one knows you made it yourself.

-Except of course, fellow FedoraLoungers.

I can't believe how the Ribbon matches the felt color, almost perfectly. :eusa_clap

 

[Wil Tam]

I dig it!!


I love it, impressive work doc & you wear it well! welcome to the DIY club, you my friend, have arrived
----------------
Now playing: R.E.M. - Electrolite
via FoxyTunes

 

[lc1484]

DoctorJ,

very nice job!

Larry:eusa_clap