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North Valley Fedora

jimmy the lid

I'll Lock Up
Messages
5,647
Location
USA
The inspiration for this lid came from an auction on the Bay a few months back: a hat made by Stetson for the New York State Conservation Service -- a fawn-colored open-crowned hat with a beautiful green ribbon that I thought would look beautiful as a fedora. But, since it wasn't my size, I contacted Rodney Allison of North Valley Hat Company. It just so happened that Rodney had some gorgeous vintage green ribbon on hand, and, as soon as I saw the sample, I thought it would make for a great lid.

The objective was to come up with a hat that would be rugged enough to use regularly as an outdoor hat, but still have looks suitable for more civilized settings. So, I went with a medium weight pure beaver felt. The medium weight is outstanding -- substantial, but still soft and flexible.

I truly cannot say enough good things about this hat. The workmanship is impeccable, the components are first-rate, and Rodney is an absolute pleasure to work with. His principal concern is that things are perfect with the hat, and it shows. The finish on this felt is just amazing -- smooth as a baby's bottom. Just beautiful. And, the hat features Rodney's trademark braiding at the back of the sweat -- done in green to complement the ribbon, which is a great touch.

Amazing work, Rodney -- thank you. (Hope you like the crease!)

OpenCrown-2.jpg


RightFront.jpg


Interior.jpg


Braid.jpg


Center.jpg


Right2.jpg


jtl2.jpg



Cheers,
JtL
 

DOUGLAS

My Mail is Forwarded Here
Messages
3,777
Location
NYC
Nice hat man!! I love the trademark braiding:eusa_clap :eusa_clap
 

fatwoul

Practically Family
Messages
923
Location
UK
RBH said:
...I like that turned down brim. :)

Haha you would! :rolleyes: lol

Very nice hat, Jimmy. The little details really do make it something very special. The bash is yours? Your work is to be praised too. It's so neat.

Yes, very nice all round.
 

Duck

Practically Family
Messages
751
Location
Arkansas
WOW!!!!

Jimmy, that is truely a beautiful hat and the green ribbon is wonderful.:eusa_clap :eusa_clap As always, your bash is impeccable.
 

jimmy the lid

I'll Lock Up
Messages
5,647
Location
USA
Many thanks, Gents!

RBH -- From the get-go, I wanted this to have a turned down brim in the back, as I prefer that for an "outdoors" hat. The brim is 2 7/8", a la the Campdraft, and the open crown is 5 1/2". Given your Young Indy look as of late, it's not surprising that you like the turned down brim!;)

Fatwoul -- yes, the bash is mine (though Rodney prefers the term "crease") :)
Glad you like the lid!

Cheers,
JtL
 

J.T.Marcus

Call Me a Cab
Messages
2,354
Location
Mineola, Texas
Love the hat! That braided stitch at the seam of the sweatband is wonderful. I've got to figure out how to do that! :eusa_clap :eusa_clap :eusa_clap
 

Duck

Practically Family
Messages
751
Location
Arkansas
jimmy the lid said:
Thanks, gents!



That is too funny...I thought about dubbing it my "Field & Stream" fedora!:)
Now that you mention it, a trout fly on the bow would be quite the touch.;)
 

Art Fawcett

Sponsoring Affiliate
Messages
3,717
Location
Central Point, Or.
Another gorgeous piece of work !!!! It's great to finally have one of Rodneys hats appear here. He is top notch by all accounts and a good guy to boot!!
Congrats JTL!!!
 

jimmy the lid

I'll Lock Up
Messages
5,647
Location
USA
Thanks for the kind words, Gentlemen.

Art Fawcett said:
It's great to finally have one of Rodneys hats appear here. He is top notch by all accounts and a good guy to boot!!

I couldn't agree more!

Cheers,
JtL
 

Tango Yankee

Call Me a Cab
Messages
2,433
Location
Lucasville, OH
Looks like all of your objectives were met... in spades! Congrats to you for the vision and Rodney for carrying it out with flair.:eusa_clap

And thanks for introducing me to the work of another fantastic hatter! So many hatters, so little money... :D

Cheers,
Tom
 

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