The Conversion Corral

[Lotsahats]

Wow, Scott. You've added conservator to your resume! Amazing work.

 

[RJR]

Very nice save.

 

[Strapped-4-Cache]

I discovered a Resistol western hat in the Goodwill near my office. It's at least two sizes too big and had been nailed through the brim, apparently to be used as a display piece since it showed no signs of being worn, but I thought I might be able to use it as a learning project.

Unfortunately, I neglected to take any pictures before starting the conversion. Still, I figured the end result is worth sharing.

I had to trim the 3 3/4" brim back past the hole, so I carefully marked a line a bit over 2" from the crown and cut the excess away. Sorry, Jao, but I couldn't think of a way to save the brim and fill the obvious hole.

I removed the fake leather band with miniature conchos, then set about replacing it with a ribbon. Several posts on the Lounge encouraged bending the ribbon in a crescent shape, which really helps keep the top half of the ribbon snugged up to the crown.

It seems like the hardest part of the project was tacking the ribbon in place. This ** wool felt is THICK and so full of stiffener that it's hard to get a needle through it.

Here's some shots after the ribbon work was finished and I managed to re-shape the brim into something more like a fedora with some water and some GENTLE steam.

From above:

From the side:

Interior and sweat shots:

A closer shot of my first bow:

Now I just need to find someone that this'll fit.

 

[RJR]

Nice job.

 

[randooch]

Nice job.

+1 That's the best that hat has ever looked, I dare say.

 

[Joao Encarnado]

Stupid thing to do even to a wooly... nailing it to the wall...
Well if you couldn't save the brim, I think it's OK.
Nice work on the bow.
Those ** premium wool have a lot of shellac, I have one made for Staple stores and it's like a board.

 

[DOGMAN]

Good work.I really like the Resistol cordova brown.

 

[1mach1]

That is beautiful bow work!

 

[dh66]

Nice work S-4-C. Turned out great.

 

[ReverbDave]

Fantastic work. I'm still loving the one that you restored for me.


Sent from my iPhone using Tapatalk

 

[DOGMAN]

Finished my holiday hat a couple of weeks ago.I asked my wife how is likes it,she said I like the bow.Then she said your not going to wear it are you,it's really red.So I put it on and we went to the dog show.At the ticket window,the ticket lady said I sure do like a man in a hat.I looked a my wife and smiled.3 times that first day I got nice comments.I've been wearing the hat for a couple of weeks and have had many nice remarks.It is 6" open crown,now as creased 5 1/4" front,4 3/4" back,and highest point on sides 5 1/2".The brim was 3 3/8",now 2 1/2".the ribbon is 1 1/2" black.I did another shark gill and stitched it behind the bow flaps so the bow didn't lie flat,I wanted some dimension to the bow.Also added a green liner.

 

[1mach1]

Wow! Nice work, Dogman! I like it.

 

[DOGMAN]

Thank you,it's a fun hat.

 

[viclip]

After some hesitation, I've recently taken to sporting Burgundy/Bordeaux dress hats & I've been acquiring them in that color whenever I find a source. They do draw compliments esp. from the ladies.

Dogman your true red hat is awesome, wish I could locate a source!

 

[Joao Encarnado]

Nice work but... trimmed.

 

[DOGMAN]

Thanks,viclip and Joao.I didn't know if I could wear a red hat.Turns out that I really like it.

 

[Strapped-4-Cache]

Nice work but... trimmed.

I found a perfect hat for you, Joao. It's a 5" brim, fur felt hat that ships from Israel. Just replace the hat band and you'll be all set.

The hat can be found at this link: WIIIIIIIDE Brim Hat

 

[Joao Encarnado]

Thanks,viclip and Joao.I didn't know if I could wear a red hat.Turns out that I really like it.

It seems that I can wear a red hat.

I found a perfect hat for you, Joao. It's a 5" brim, fur felt hat that ships from Israel. Just replace the hat band and you'll be all set.

The hat can be found at this link: WIIIIIIIDE Brim Hat

A bit expensive... but it's free shipping. I'll consider it for a future hat.

 

[T Jones]

That is one fine hat Dogman. Great job on the bow. Nice liner too! Woo Hoo!

I did something a little different with one of my Stagecoaches. I wanted to do an Indyesque / Western hybrid. I was able to get most of the taper out of the crown and square it up a bit. A little pouncing to make it easier to crease, and here's what I came up with....

Before:

After:

I went with a vintage dark brown ply ribbon and made up a campaign style bow...maybe too much bow? I may swap it out. I'll see if it grows on me first.

 

[Joao Encarnado]

It looks really nice Terry!