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[Bill Hughes]

Newbee here: For shaping the crown and brim and keeping the felt hats clean, do I need any special gear or will a good brush and a tea kettle for steam work just about as well?

Sounds like you already know what you are doing. I suggest a small steamer but a tea kettle works.

 

[Air Wing Marine]

I have a camel colored hat on order and am trying to decide on color ribbon. Besides the common black and dark brown, does anyone have pics of other less conventional ribbon colors?

 

[Bill Hughes]

I have a camel colored hat on order and am trying to decide on color ribbon. Besides the common black and dark brown, does anyone have pics of other less conventional ribbon colors?

Its not just the color ribbon but also the ribbon treatment. For example gills versus a standard bow. I take it this is a custom hat? If so work with the maker. Ask him for opinions.

Just as an example here are a couple of mine from Art Fawcett.



From Esther Weis. (my Dress Blues fedora)


Black Sheep Hat Works (notice the bow is one sided)


Gannon (the backside of the bow is frayed and the knot has a twist)


Or something very basic with an accent color (another by Art Fawcett)


And you can never go wrong with the classics.


Pretty much the only limit is your imagination. I have hundred of pictures saved to my computer of hats/ribbons. When I see something I like I save it. That's my main source for ideas.

 

[Air Wing Marine]

I'm awaiting a camel colored hat I ordered. Besides the usual dark brown and black, any less conventional colored ribbon suggestions? Pics appreciated

 

[Air Wing Marine]

Anyone recommend an inexpensive steamer that is effective for shaping hats?

 

[Frunobulax]

Anyone recommend an inexpensive steamer that is effective for shaping hats?

While I've been meaning to score a Jiffy steamer (~$125), for years I've used a small, handheld garment/fabric steamer to very good effect. I think it's a Rowenta (~$20) - pretty sure I got it at Bed, Bath & Beyond, but Amazon is a good source, too.

Couple that with a good steam iron and a block for opening and shaping vintage crowns and you have a winner, IMHO.


Sent directly from my mind to yours.

 

[Bill Hughes]

Anyone recommend an inexpensive steamer that is effective for shaping hats?

I I bought a little Steamfast unit. I paid $30. My wife uses it as much or more the I do.

http://www.steamfast.com/fabric-care/SF-445-Compact-Fabric-Steamer

 

[Frunobulax]

I'm awaiting a camel colored hat I ordered. Besides the usual dark brown and black, any less conventional colored ribbon suggestions? Pics appreciated

Sir, you have asked this question and gotten several answers in the other thread. @Bill Hughes posted at least a half-dozen pics including some Art Fawcett's that are not "conventional." I do not understand what you expect by starting a dedicated thread.

Taste is subjective, and sometimes you need to use your mind's eye to visualize things. And as others mentioned previously, consult with your hatter. They will provide shots of ribbon colors with your preferred felt purchase. The advantage there is, they will show you ribbon colors they actually have in stock and will be able to fulfill your request.

Good luck.


Sent directly from my mind to yours.

 

[Frunobulax]

The only problem with using one of the handhelds like this and the one I have is that, if you have a lot of work to do, constantly refilling that little reservoir can be a hassle. However, for creasing and setting a hat crease, they're great.


Sent directly from my mind to yours.

 

[Air Wing Marine]

any easier than using the old tea kettle?

 

[Frunobulax]

any easier than using the old tea kettle?

Never used a tea kettle for that (in fact, I don't even have one), but it seems to me the advantage here is you can pick up the steamer and work it over your hat, rather than having to hold your hat over the steamer, YMMV.


Sent directly from my mind to yours.

 

[Air Wing Marine]

 

[Rmccamey]

Thanks Bill, good to know!

Sounds like you already know what you are doing. I suggest a small steamer but a tea kettle works.

 

[Air Wing Marine]

Bill:

You would appreciate the old utility cover. I found this cleaning out my seabag last weekend

 

[Tukwila]

Its not just the color ribbon but also the ribbon treatment. For example gills versus a standard bow. I take it this is a custom hat? If so work with the maker. Ask him for opinions.
And you can never go wrong with the classics.
View attachment 140344

Holy crap, Bill........ what is that last hat? Dobbs/Knox 40? Super sweet!

 

[Frunobulax]

Holy crap, Bill........ what is that last hat? Dobbs/Knox 40? Super sweet!

Yeah, that one's killer.


Sent directly from my mind to yours.

 

[Rmccamey]

I really like that AF tan/brown ribbon. I may have to "steal" that idea from you, Bill.

Its not just the color ribbon but also the ribbon treatment. For example gills versus a standard bow. I take it this is a custom hat? If so work with the maker. Ask him for opinions.

Just as an example here are a couple of mine from Art Fawcett.
View attachment 140337
View attachment 140338

From Esther Weis. (my Dress Blues fedora)
View attachment 140339

Black Sheep Hat Works (notice the bow is one sided)
View attachment 140340

Gannon (the backside of the bow is frayed and the knot has a twist)
View attachment 140341

Or something very basic with an accent color (another by Art Fawcett)
View attachment 140342

And you can never go wrong with the classics.
View attachment 140343 View attachment 140344

Pretty much the only limit is your imagination. I have hundred of pictures saved to my computer of hats/ribbons. When I see something I like I save it. That's my main source for ideas.

 

[Desert dog]

I used a tea kettle for years with good results. I use a jiffy steamer now. The only difference I see is the steamer starts producing steam much faster. There is also consistency of temperature and steam. Equal results with either, in my opinion.

any easier than using the old tea kettle?

Sent from my SM-G920V using Tapatalk

 

[Winston Carter]

I used a tea kettle for years with good results. I use a jiffy steamer now. The only difference I see is the steamer starts producing steam much faster. There is also consistency of temperature and steam. Equal results with either, in my opinion.

Sent from my SM-G920V using Tapatalk

I've been steaming hats on the stove top for 35 yrs with no problems. I might have to upgrade to a steamer one of these days.

 

[Rmccamey]

Newb again: So I see that Del Monico has mostly good reviews as a reputable dealer and I have a few hats on my list (who doesn't, right?). I got on their mailing list and have been getting a few "sale" emails from them but was wondering if, at various times or off seasons, do they have those "really good sales" that I should wait for (ie, discount sales, close-outs, 20% off, 25% off)? Thanks.