Trying My New Steamer

[portolan]

I have been messing with my new steamer, trying to get some better shapes to my hats...Here is my progress so far....I used steam, spray starch and hair spray on the Panama....something is still very wrong with the Sunbody...I would appreciate your ideas as to what I should do...so much to learn....

 

[Mr. Paladin]

Looking good to me, sir! :eusa_clap

 

[majormoore]

What type steamer did you use?

Major Moore

 

[CRH]

.......something is still very wrong with the Sunbody...

That Fed rocks, Parson!

I see what you mean about the Sunbody. Does the brim seem to have some sag to it? What about the size on your Sunbody? They recommend going one size bigger to allow for shrinkage. Does this sound right to you?

 

[portolan]

The steamer is a used Jiffy 1 steamer I

bought on Ebay. I bought the Sunbody a size larger than I normally take. I think I am being too gentle with it. I just need to give it a good soaking and go from there. When I try and tighten the front dents, they don't stay. The brim needs help, I just don't know what to do exactly. Anyway, I am having fun with the steamer.

 

[CRH]

bought on Ebay. I bought the Sunbody a size larger than I normally take. I think I am being too gentle with it. I just need to give it a good soaking and go from there. When I try and tighten the front dents, they don't stay. The brim needs help, I just don't know what to do exactly. ...

Treat it like a woman, potolan . Give it some good lov'n :eusa_clap.

 

[HarpPlayerGene]

Yeah, that Sunbody is being stubborn, but those others; WOW, they look super!

I remember the Panama being really wonky and you did quite a number on it. Looks just right. Remember, a little waviness is a good thing with those. Yours is right on.

What may help a some with the Sunbody is to wet the brim right up to the break at the base of the crown. Do both sides. Get it malleable. Then try to get it to break sharper by working the brim up toward the crown at the break line, at the sides I mean. Sneak up on it. You'll feel how much it can take without overly stressing that angle - but you want to over-exaggerate that break some at the sides.

As you do this, attempt to get the snap to begin further back - more at the mid-section of the profile. Right now, it's like it's the front one-third of the brim snapping down. On your other hats this looks fine but this one needs a different approach. In order to get it to see things your way, you may need to work the damp brim into giving you a little more diameter around the front outside measure of the brim. Yes, you're actually trying to stretch some more material out of that radius so you can get the snap to begin further back on each side without the front brim diving too sharply.

Personally, while I'm at this, on some hats, I also try to put the slightest bit of upturned curl into the outer edges of the sides of the brim. It's a little Raiders-ish flair which works on some hats and not on others.

G'luck!

 

[HarpPlayerGene]

One more thing.

I remember you sharing that you have had to sort of ease into the whole hat/fedora wearing thing. A little self-consciousness which is common. But for the record, you are a natural at this. I'm glad to see you getting into it as you are. You can wear a hat with the best of 'em. No kiddin'.

:eusa_clap

 

[portolan]

Thanks Gene.....Coming from You

That means a lot. You are the best....Phil

 

[D.W. Suratt]

bought on Ebay. I bought the Sunbody a size larger than I normally take. I think I am being too gentle with it. I just need to give it a good soaking and go from there. When I try and tighten the front dents, they don't stay. The brim needs help, I just don't know what to do exactly. Anyway, I am having fun with the steamer.

Here is a Resistol mexican palm that had an almost flat brim that I soaked good in the shower and reshaped. Get it really good and wet, and continue to shape it as it dries. I noticed as it dried it kept the shape a little better each time I adjusted it.

 

[HarpPlayerGene]

Impressive job of puttin' some shape to that brim, D.W.

--------

Now Phil, be sure to show us if the Sunbody is improved...

 

[deanglen]

I agree with HGene on the brim snap, farther back on either side will do the trick. Will be waiting for pics of your efforts! Great hat collection!





dean