North Valley Fedora

[Benny Holiday]

Congrats on a great purchase Jimmy! That felt looks so smooth and pliable, you just wanna reach out and touch it!

 

[apipeguy]

very nice! looks good on you. wear it with confidence.

 

[Flitcraft]

Great Looking Hat....

Really admire the attention to detail as well!

 

[AlanC]

A very fine hat--congratulations!

I enjoyed your story of finding inspiration and making your vision come alive. That's the great joy of working with a custom hatter, I think.

 

[jimmy the lid]

Thanks to all for the kind comments!

Cheers,
JtL

 

[SHARPETOYS]

I keep looking at your hat...

Jimmy,
Does Rodney use silk or satin on his liners ? I know he makes his own sweat bands.

 

[carter]

JTL, WOW! That is a BEAUTIFUL hat!

Thanks for posting some terrific photos.

When do we get to see this in action with a fly rod?

:eusa_clap :eusa_clap :eusa_clap

 

[jimmy the lid]

Does Rodney use silk or satin on his liners ?

I'm pretty certain that Rodney uses satin liners. Glad you're enjoying the lid!

Cheers,
JtL

 

[jimmy the lid]

JTL, WOW! That is a BEAUTIFUL hat!

Thanks for posting some terrific photos.

When do we get to see this in action with a fly rod?

:eusa_clap :eusa_clap :eusa_clap

Many thanks, Carter. Can't wait to field-test it!


Cheers,
JtL

 

[VegasMike]

Wow, I'm jealous, that is one fine hat!

 

[BJBAmerica]

Looks Great!!

 

[mrwilmoth]

Awesome touch on the bow inside the liner!

The inspiration for this lid came from an auction on the Bay a few months back: a hat made by Stetson for the New York State Conservation Service -- a fawn-colored open-crowned hat with a beautiful green ribbon that I thought would look beautiful as a fedora. But, since it wasn't my size, I contacted Rodney Allison of North Valley Hat Company. It just so happened that Rodney had some gorgeous vintage green ribbon on hand, and, as soon as I saw the sample, I thought it would make for a great lid.

The objective was to come up with a hat that would be rugged enough to use regularly as an outdoor hat, but still have looks suitable for more civilized settings. So, I went with a medium weight pure beaver felt. The medium weight is outstanding -- substantial, but still soft and flexible.

I truly cannot say enough good things about this hat. The workmanship is impeccable, the components are first-rate, and Rodney is an absolute pleasure to work with. His principal concern is that things are perfect with the hat, and it shows. The finish on this felt is just amazing -- smooth as a baby's bottom. Just beautiful. And, the hat features Rodney's trademark braiding at the back of the sweat -- done in green to complement the ribbon, which is a great touch.

Amazing work, Rodney -- thank you. (Hope you like the crease!)

Cheers,
JtL