What a difference a blocking makes

[photobyalan]

Just got my Montecristi back from Art, who did a reblock and a ribbon change, and I wanted to share:

Here's the hat when I first got it last September:

I asked Art to make the crown taller, or at least appear taller, I wanted a nicer grade of ribbon, and the hat needed to be adjusted a little in size because the brim touched my ears when I wore it, even with a little foam behind the sweatband. I told Art to "have fun with it", and the only other request I made was that the brim be as long as possible given what he had to work with.

Here's the result:

Here's a close-up of the new crown:

And check out this rake!

That superb rake made the most use of the material that was there to create a high-looking crown in the front. The narrower ribbon completes the illusion. It's EXACTLY what I had hoped for. Outstanding. The work, the customer service, everything. Just outstanding.

Thank you, Art. I can't wait to see what you have up your sleeve for the next one!:cheers1:

 

[adamgottschalk]

Looks great

The whole job looks great, new band and all. I really like the shape. When I finally rub coins together on the nice straw hat dream, I'll remember to consider having one shaped like that.

Looking for fur-felt fedoras, I saw a picture of a Stetson Ashland (2 1/4" brim) on ahat.com that really got me on the shape. I subsequently tried one on, and, well, the felt they're using these days just doesn't feel all that great; I really couldn't imagine them lasting all that long (for $100 for a new Stetson). I don't think I'm crazy on the similarity in shape. I think it's great, classy, unique without calling undue attention to itself.

 

[gekisai29]

outstanding look... wish there were more like it out there

 

[mjbrekke]

Man, Art does some fine work, doesn't he? Looks great!

 

[John in Covina]

Re-markable!

 

[maintcoder]

Excellent job, Art and that hats looks awesome on you, Alan.

 

[riccardo]

WoW,
wonderful job.
This hat,now, is really beautiful and it looks great on you.
I'm waiting my Montecristi from Art. I bought it from Panama Bob.
I'm sure it will be wonderful.

Enjoy your montecristi,Photobylan.
See you.

Riccardo.

 

[Panamabob]

Great looking hat. Just goes to prove...if you have the money now, put it into the weave and pay for a reblock the next time!

 

[photobyalan]

Great looking hat. Just goes to prove...if you have the money now, put it into the weave and pay for a reblock the next time!

Which, I believe, is exactly what you told me to do last summer.:cheers1: Thanks, Robert!

 

[SHARPETOYS]

Looks good twice!!

Great block!! Art is one fine hatter and just a good guy overall. Nice!!

 

[Panamabob]

Which, I believe, is exactly what you told me to do last summer. Thanks, Robert!

Honesty, Chuckles, Honesty! I know you are reading this, so quit stealing my photos and publishing them on your site.