Blocking a Panama

[GearHead]

I was just pondering and asking questions about getting a panama hat the other week when a friend of my wifes stopped by yesterday with one for me that she picked up Ecuador.
She does alot of travelling and knows my interest in hats and saw these being sold at small roadside type shop where they were making them.
It was rolled up when I recieved it and I have a basic shape to it now but it seems pretty flexible and not wanting to hold a nice shape.
Any suggestions on forming it further?
I'll get some pics of it tonight if I can.

Thanks,
Erick

 

[Panamabob]

I'll certaily pipe in after seeing some photos.

 

[thefedorastore]

If it's a large 21 to 22", I can block it with a pinch front "C" crown for you.

 

[GearHead]

Here's two pics of the hat. It's a 7 1/4".

Erick

 

[Panamabob]

That is a Cuenca or Canar Brisa weave hat. Many Ecuadorians put them in little balsa boxes with Montecristi stamped all over the box. You can probably get it blocked, finished, and shipped in the states for $50.00 or so.

 

[squid]

I have one of those right down to the balsa wood box and elastic band ribbon. It was a fino Monticristi on ebay. Trying to find someone to block that hat led to buying my panama.

I still have it. I've been thinking of sewing in a sweatband, trying to shape it with steam and throwing a ribbon on it. It might make a decent beater hat for me.

 

[Victor]

I would send it to Art Fawcett to be blocked. Nuff said