The Conversion Corral

[MikePotts]

Many Thanks Randooch & spoiler,
There's a little glue on the hemmed ends of the bow, that darned synthetic ribbon just won't hold a crease worth a darn, I think I've seen some of the real stuff on Etsy.

The entire project, overall, was quicker, easier and turned out better than I expected, although it is FAR from perfect it is definitely wearable in public!

No matter how I tried I could not get the ribbon to cover this sweat stitching at the back, and here's a close up of my bow:eeek:

MP

 

[thespoiler]

Thanks, the crown is 6", brim 2 7/8, ribbon 2"

 

[Mario]

2 7/8"? Now that's quite a beefy brim, even though it doesn't really look like it with that tall crown.

 

[bowlerman]

B-Man, I really dig that brim shape. You are a born hat-wearer. :eusa_clap

Thanks Randooch! I just gotta convince my wife of that...

Mike-- awesome job on that Resistol!

 

[MikePotts]

Thank You bowlerman, I am truly honoured. My small accomplishment is as naught compared to some of your creations. I always look forward to seeing them.


MP

 

[bowlerman]

Well, here's affirmation that perhaps I need help... My Stetson 25 OR that I had listed in the classifieds last week has taken on a new life and perhaps I won't get rid of it if don't have to.

I put about two dozen different creases in it this evening. Oh, yes, some of the usual suspects like the traditional cattleman, pinched teardrop, elko, montana peak, mesa pinch, center dent, etc., but perhaps some of these will freshen the night up a bit for you:

First, The Alien

The Karate Chop

The Pumpernickel

The Wave

The Handle

The Hatjack

The Starfish

The Cupcake Wrapper

And my personal favorite, The Bomb Pop

 

[bowlerman]

Noggin shot of The Bomb Pop

...but I think I might just stick with this one in public for now:

 

[scooter]

Well, I found a Stetson on Ebay for less than $20 to experiment on. It started off with a cattleman's crease and a 4 inch curled brim. I took the hat to Heritage Hats here in Phoenix and he trimmed the brim down to 3 inches for me. I then soaked the hat with distilled water and worked on shaping it by hand. I still consider trimming the brim to 2 3/4, but my wife says it would unbalance the hat. Here are the before and after, tell me what you think.

Lastly, as Neophyte would say, "the money shot".

 

[MikePotts]

Looks good to me scooter! I don't think a half inch off the brim would unbalance it though - your call.

Bowlerman - I think your final choice is the way I'd go too - looks great.

MP

 

[scottyrocks]

scooter, depends on the look you're going for. If you're looking to retain a western look, leave the brim as is. If you're looking to go more 'fedorish,' trim some more. Either way would look good on you, imho.

 

[Neophyte]

Money shot indeed! Well done, Scooter. :eusa_clap

 

[randooch]

Well, here's affirmation that perhaps I need help... My Stetson 25 OR that I had listed in the classifieds last week has taken on a new life and perhaps I won't get rid of it if don't have to.

I put about two dozen different creases in it this evening. Oh, yes, some of the usual suspects like the traditional cattleman, pinched teardrop, elko, montana peak, mesa pinch, center dent, etc., but perhaps some of these will freshen the night up a bit for you:

You crack me up, B-Man!

 

[Mario]

First, The Alien

I want to believe...

 

[Sam Craig]

Well, I found a Stetson on Ebay for less than $20 to experiment on. It started off with a cattleman's crease and a 4 inch curled brim. I took the hat to Heritage Hats here in Phoenix and he trimmed the brim down to 3 inches for me. I then soaked the hat with distilled water and worked on shaping it by hand. I still consider trimming the brim to 2 3/4, but my wife says it would unbalance the hat. Here are the before and after, tell me what you think.

Scooter ... THAT is what a conversion should be.
There are some merely passable western Stetson and Resistols that are getting turned into Great fedoras.

This is one of them!

In Arizona, I'd think you could find some at the thrift shops, too.

Great Job!

Sam

 

[Sam Craig]

Spoiler, Mike, Bowler ... those are all great too!

Wow, some terrific conversions are showing up, guys!

Sam

 

[scooter]

Thanks, Sam, I appreciate the appreciation. I honestly did not realize so much could be done with hats until I discovered this forum. My wife commented along the same lines the other night when I showed her two pictures and asked which one she liked best, then revealed to her they were the same hat creased differently. She and her girlfriend love to frequent thrift shops/Goodwill and she has taken to calling me when she spots a decent fur felt hat.

 

[thespoiler]

Good job Scoot..........I would not cut the brim with the crown as you have it.......

 

[EggHead]

Scooter, you've done very well with the hat. I really like the new look.

 

[scooter]

It actually looks much like the hat in your avatar, Egghead, so I guess it stands to reason it would appeal to you. I originally wanted to have more of a "fedora" look with a upturn in the back and all, but it just didn't want to look right with the 3 inch brim. After all the compliments on it's current state, I guess I'll leave well enough alone. On to the next grand experiment!!

 

[Jauntyone]

My first Akubra was a tawny fawn Campdraft that I bought a few years ago. It got soaked quite a few times (it rains a lot here) and tapered up pretty bad. I relegated it to yard work; etc. But now that I have a real block and flange, I decided to re-do it. The original ribbon was unsalvageable, so I put a wider ribbon on it. I like the results: