Hello everyone. I'm new and just wanted to say hi. I'm waiting for my Keppler fedora, which should be here in about another 2 weeks. Can't wait to get it, it's my 1st real fedora. I have 2 others that are wool and I guess I can't knock them since you can smash them and pack them and get them soaked and then shake 'em off...they're good to go.
I went with Lee because of the look. His hat with a ROTLA bash is spot on and the price can't be beat. He's also very nice to deal with and never seems impatient even with people that are new and don't quite know the terms yet. When my hat gets here I'll be sure to upload photos, I can hardly wait to open that box!!!
I do have a question that maybe someone can help me out? I got the Keppler for 1 more reason too, I wanted something I can wear all the time, rain, sun and snow. A real outdoor hat that would still look good out to dinner. My question is if the fedora gets soaked in the rain how do I dry it without messing up the shape? I know you can't use a blow dryer or heat, but do you lay it on its brim, crown or maybe up on something like a rack?
I too went with Lee for my first REAL indy fedora. I had a wool DP Indy hat that was not SA at all. Tried to do a home bash but didn't turn out the way I wanted. I'm waiting for my Keppler and have an Akubra Adventurer to keep me busy until that gets in. I'm in the process of ordering an AB but it's fine now that I have a hat to keep my head warm.
As for your question, DO NOT BY ANY MEANS DRY THE HAT ARTIFICIALLY. Dont use a hair dryer or heater and don't twist the hat to get the water out. And don't put it on a working Lamp . From what Lee told me you need to let it dry naturally, on a flat surface with the front brim hanging slightly down. If the bash seems a bit off, carefully adjust it. When it's wet, the felt will take the shape you put it in when it dries. It's best to avoid touching the crown altogether if wet.
So just lay it flat with the brim hanging and give it a few hours. I have 2 hats to make sure that I don't end up in a situation where I dont have a hat. Hope that helps.
Hi Gabrielle, and welcome from me also! If I may ask, when did you order? I plan to call Lee tomorrow myself and was just curious ahead of time how much wait time he's giving.
Yes, do post photos when it comes! That seems to be half the fun to begin with!
Thanks both for the welcome. The wait on the Keppler is approximately 6 weeks. I paid for mine about a month ago and it should be here within the next 2 weeks. I'm waiting for Lee to return my email and if I don't hear from him this week I'll give him a call, I know it's been posted he would rather you call than email.
I'll be ordering an AB Raiders bash in about 2 months and I also think I'll preorder the new Fed. Deluxe. That way I'll have 2 great hats to wear while waiting for the AB...
Yeah, we've emailed initially but am calling to get the ball rolling. Should have a closet full of hats in the end then. What look are you going for on the AB?
I want my AB to look just like my avatar. The big dents that kinda make a heart shape on top. I like the sides even too, not flipped up on the right. And pushed down in the front. I don't know what you call that but it looks rugged and adventurous!
. From what Lee told me you need to let it dry naturally, on a flat surface with the front brim hanging slightly down. If the bash seems a bit off, carefully adjust it. When it's wet, the felt will take the shape you put it in when it dries. It's best to avoid touching the crown altogether if wet.
