Yes, that's the cause of the green bulge, often seen in the back of vintage hats.
Google is your friend
JG - Thanks for posting the picture of the rounding jack et. al. Very cool stuff.
I do have a question about the hatter's irons: aren't they curved? The hatter's irons I've seen are curved to go around the crown. Do the ones pictured work as well?
We're thinking about making a sandbag too. Be interested in your progress. We may be moving premises so will hold fire for now.Thanks Hatter4. I was wondering if it was for creating a recess for the reed to rest in after it is flared. I'm not getting the reeds to set down as nice as I would like, although they flare ok. Any tips are appreciated.
I'm thinking about making a sandbag. Maybe I should have bought that flanging tool above, which just sold on eBay.
Hear hear, the information you guys share here is priceless. I am very grateful. And the Tumwater Hat Co blog is a great resource, thanks John for the heads up. You should add your name to the list of fine contributors for your generous sharing of your trials and successes.He told me the same thing. I (carefully) use the cutter on a pair of needle nose pliers to do this.
------------------------------------------
Caveat - Long, boring slightly preachy & self indulgent rant follows:
------------------------------------------
While I'm on my soapbox, I'll take this opportunity to thank the proprietor of Tumwater Hat Co. (I don't know his name, which kind of supports my point) for his brim binding tutorial - referred to me by buddy Terry Jones:
http://tumwaterhatco.tumblr.com/page/5
Returning to theme a bit, with the heavy "Canton" flanging felt (I hope) that I purchased on eBay. I went with natural. Auction photo. Beats the unnamed hatter's price by tens of dollars a yard.
"FABULOUS THICK CANTON Flannel backed Twill Natural & White Fabric 100% cotton[natural on natural]"
http://bit.ly/1h5hZgO
Sad irons represented real and every day practical technology at the time and they were made and were used for many different tasks. Some were true flat irons used for clothing, but there also were crimping irons, sleeve irons, collar irons, tailor's irons, etc . [...]
You should add your name to the list of fine contributors for your generous sharing of your trials and successes.
I wish I could contribute more myself, all I have are questions and I'm a little short of time, three small boys and a hat business to run.
I did use a great pattern cutting tutorial yesterday for making hat linings. I will post details of the book I used.