North Valley Fedora

[jimmy the lid]

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

 

[RBH]

SWEET!
Great hat and looks great on you!
I like that turned down brim.

 

[DOUGLAS]

Nice hat man!! I love the trademark braiding:eusa_clap :eusa_clap

 

[fatwoul]

...I like that turned down brim.

Haha you would! lol

Very nice hat, Jimmy. The little details really do make it something very special. The bash is yours? Your work is to be praised too. It's so neat.

Yes, very nice all round.

 

[Duck]

WOW!!!!

Jimmy, that is truely a beautiful hat and the green ribbon is wonderful.:eusa_clap :eusa_clap As always, your bash is impeccable.

 

[jimmy the lid]

Many thanks, Gents!

RBH -- From the get-go, I wanted this to have a turned down brim in the back, as I prefer that for an "outdoors" hat. The brim is 2 7/8", a la the Campdraft, and the open crown is 5 1/2". Given your Young Indy look as of late, it's not surprising that you like the turned down brim!

Fatwoul -- yes, the bash is mine (though Rodney prefers the term "crease")
Glad you like the lid!

Cheers,
JtL

 

[J.T.Marcus]

Love the hat! That braided stitch at the seam of the sweatband is wonderful. I've got to figure out how to do that! :eusa_clap :eusa_clap :eusa_clap

 

[LEUII]

Great looking hat. Looks good on you, too. Are the trout awaiting?

 

[deanglen]

What a classy looking hat! Very nice!


dean

 

[jimmy the lid]

Thanks, gents!

Great looking hat. Looks good on you, too. Are the trout awaiting?

That is too funny...I thought about dubbing it my "Field & Stream" fedora!

 

[K.D. Lightner]

Wow, nice hat Jimmy!

karol

 

[SHARPETOYS]

Looks great on you.

That is one of the finest hats I have seen in a long time or maybe ever... Way to go Rodney...:eusa_clap :eusa_clap

 

[L HATLEY]

"THAT IS ONE FINE HAT":eusa_clap

 

[Duck]

Thanks, gents!



That is too funny...I thought about dubbing it my "Field & Stream" fedora!

Now that you mention it, a trout fly on the bow would be quite the touch.

 

[Art Fawcett]

Another gorgeous piece of work !!!! It's great to finally have one of Rodneys hats appear here. He is top notch by all accounts and a good guy to boot!!
Congrats JTL!!!

 

[jimmy the lid]

Thanks for the kind words, Gentlemen.

It's great to finally have one of Rodneys hats appear here. He is top notch by all accounts and a good guy to boot!!

I couldn't agree more!

Cheers,
JtL

 

[nulty]

Nice selection Jimmy..Good Choice....

 

[indycop]

That's a great looking hat! it's making me really want my grey Camptown.

 

[Technonut]

Now, THAT is a fine looking hat.... :eusa_clap You wear it well...

 

[Tango Yankee]

Looks like all of your objectives were met... in spades! Congrats to you for the vision and Rodney for carrying it out with flair.:eusa_clap

And thanks for introducing me to the work of another fantastic hatter! So many hatters, so little money...

Cheers,
Tom