Very nice,I like the finished product.Some friends have visited Peru and in the past, I had some contacts with a cooperative of braided women who had a small online market. I knew that in Catacos, almost on the border with Ecuador, very similar hats as Montecristi, were produced
(euphemism not to dislike the purists) the panama branded Montecriti, now become rare and overpaid, so by chance they would visit the area and have them sent to the store.
They brought home three unfinished hats of average quality, my gift was the most impressive
The straw woven is fine and well made, except for an error on the brim, so I thought I could complete it in Europe
I had ideas that I discarded for logistical difficulties, then Stefan told me about Fleur, a hatter in the Netherlands, and we found an agreement to complete the hat
For my rule I leave to the hatter the choice of how to finish the hat and also of its shape, a couple of messages and my only indication was to curl the brim and the color and height, proportionate to the crown, of the ribbon
The straw is a little bit soft and the brim needs some finishing not to be without shape
It was a little bit stiffened with a new shape. This the proportions. brim are 9 cm. and crown is 12 cm. with the purple ribbon at 5 cm.
Fleur of Penumbra Hat did a fantastic work with excellent choices and craftmanship.