Panama Hat Thread

[Aureliano]

Another quick question about re-blocking my PB Cuenca Fino Brisa... I will be ordering a hat block from a local maker but how essential is the "tipper" or "creaser" which matches the top of the block and is used to push the crown down into the block while it is still soft from the steam? I was wondering if a home-made solution such as a cotton bag filled with rice and a weight on the top would be sufficient or whether I really should pay the extra for a matching tipper?

It'd say the tipper really helps but it's not vital. You can use your hands to shape the straw to the block. The rice bag, in my opinion, wouldn't work...

 

[Panamabob]

Another quick question about re-blocking my PB Cuenca Fino Brisa... I will be ordering a hat block from a local maker but how essential is the "tipper" or "creaser" which matches the top of the block and is used to push the crown down into the block while it is still soft from the steam? I was wondering if a home-made solution such as a cotton bag filled with rice and a weight on the top would be sufficient or whether I really should pay the extra for a matching tipper?

I've seen the rice bag technique in Ecuador. From Microwave to the top of the hat.

 

[DanielCoffey]

I guess if what you have is a rice bag, then you use a rice bag - nice tip on heating it like a neckpad in the microwave though. As it happens I have ordered a wooden brim and crown block plus matching tipper (made in resin) from a UK millinery supplier. It is more expensive than the Cuenca was but means I can clean the hat at the end of each season and have it looking sharp again. I'll post pics once I have re-blocked the Cuenca.

 

[The Wiser Hatter]

I just use a portable steamer to adjust hats both Panama and Fur felt.

http://www.amazon.com/Conair-Gs1-Portable-Fabric-Steamer/dp/B002XH0KLM/ref=pd_sbs_hg_2

Does a great job and is simple to use.

 

[Ordinary Guy]

I just use a portable steamer to adjust hats both Panama and Fur felt.

http://www.amazon.com/Conair-Gs1-Portable-Fabric-Steamer/dp/B002XH0KLM/ref=pd_sbs_hg_2

Does a great job and is simple to use.

do you have any problems with it clogging?

If so , how hard is it to clean?

 

[The Wiser Hatter]

No problems at all on mine the top comes off an I just put it under the sink faucet to fill. Holds enough water to work with a hat for a half an hour. Which is enough for me.

 

[Ordinary Guy]

No problems at all on mine the top comes off an I just put it under the sink faucet to fill. Holds enough water to work with a hat for a half an hour. Which is enough for me.

Thanks, one is on order now.....

 

[Wildblue]

That is fantastic! Thanks so much for the pointer.

 

[The Wiser Hatter]

The portable steam I have is my wife's I just use it.

 

[delectans]

Vintage Panama, '40s-'50s

We have had two consecutive days of gorgeous, sunny weather here in Minnesota, with incredibly blue skies, puffy white clouds, and high temps in the 60s, so I felt it was time to take out the straws.

Old Panama which came out of Hastings, Minnesota. Size 7-1/2, and a perfect fit. Exceptional condition but no hat company identifying logos on the sweatband. Possibly originally attached chin-cord, which appears to be a color-matched old shoelace!


Crown: 4-1/2".
Ribbon: 1-1/2".
Brim: 3".
Sweatband: 1-3/4".

 

[Ordinary Guy]

Very nice !!!:eusa_clap

 

[delectans]

Thanks, Ordinary Guy!

 

[Lloyd]

sweet!

 

[delectans]

Lloyd, thank you!

 

[alanfgag]

Old Panama which came out of Hastings, Minnesota. Size 7-1/2, and a perfect fit. Exceptional condition but no hat company identifying logos on the sweatband. Possibly originally attached chin-cord, which appears to be a color-matched old shoelace!

Lovely character to that weave... accentuated in your excellent photographs!

 

[delectans]

I appreciate your kind words, Alan. There is something about the patination of vintage straw that is hard to resist, as you well know!

 

[alanfgag]

Yes... it's my only weakness.

:essen:

 

[daizawaguy]

Another one of my Panama from Panama Bobs newsletter offers showing the weave and patina

 

[WineGuy]

This could be cleaned with a bleaching.

I tried bleaching and four or five other solvents and they didn't make a dent. Only the hydrogen peroxide faded it to the point that the hat is wearable in public.

 

[Lefty]

Has anyone tried dying a panama with tea? The idea has been swimming around in my head for a while.