So Ive got another Fed IV coming...

Indiana Joyce · Post by **Indiana Joyce** » Wed Feb 04, 2009 8:50 pm

And I want to do a Raiders bash. But, I really, really want this to look as close to the hero hat as possible. Like the hero hat now currently in the possession of a private owner.

When I see the Streets of Cairo, then I see a Fed IV, Im just not making the connection. SO what can I do? Bleach it? Redye it? Should I soak the hat in cold water, to get the right shape? I mean, I know about the turn, but, it seems it needs something else...maybe just a huuuuge amount of Fullers Earth. I dunno. Help! It will be here any day now! And then we can discuss the Moonstone when that arrives:D

Indiana Joyce · Post by **Indiana Joyce** » Thu Feb 05, 2009 7:08 pm

Did I offend anyone with that post? 59 views and no replies...Im surprised.
I know about our fedora stickies, and Im just looking for some tips from the pros.

indy89 · Post by **indy89** » Fri Feb 06, 2009 1:46 pm

I think soaking the hat in cold water would be a bad idea. Perhaps a little bit of steam to soften it up? I say treat it like #### and dirty it up a lot. Kick it around, sit on it, crumple it in you hands and throw it somewhere when you aren't wearing it. That's what I'd do if I was going for the SoC look.

DR Ulloa · Post by **DR Ulloa** » Fri Feb 06, 2009 11:59 pm

Steaming it won't soften up the hat. It will have the opposite effect. Steam brings the stiffener back to life. That would be that last thing I would do, especially to a rabbit hat like the Federation. The felt on your Federation will never act the same way the Raiders felt did. The SOC look is a very difficult look to pull off without having very floppy rabbit fur. You can beat it up, that was a good suggestion. Really hurt the hat. Fullers will be good but don't over do it. Good old fashioned wear will be the best way to get the look. The hat will soften up and get close to that look if you just wear it often and don't baby it.

Dave

Indiana Joyce · Post by **Indiana Joyce** » Sat Feb 07, 2009 9:37 am

Thanks guys. Im just really afraid of how much abuse it can take. I know it will take some time for it to break in, I spent over a month wearing my current one before it started conforming to me. Hot water is probably a bad idea, and I see now that the steam might be something to do another time...

What if I use the cold water method to bash it, then just wear it until it gets dry?

indy89 · Post by **indy89** » Sat Feb 07, 2009 9:53 am

What if I use the cold water method to bash it, then just wear it until it gets dry?

You could do that, but (IMO) use a spray bottle to wet the hat.

Indiana Joyce · Post by **Indiana Joyce** » Sat Feb 07, 2009 11:11 am

Ok, so instead of the shower, I should spray it enough until it has alot of give? Im concerned about the whole, "sitting on it, rolling it up and shaking it out" method as described by Deborah Nadoolman and others that have tried it. I know that this isnt a HJ poet, so it cant possibly react the same.

Worst case scenario, i ruin it, and just order another one I guess.

indy89 · Post by **indy89** » Sat Feb 07, 2009 1:10 pm

You can roll it up in your hands just to soften it up.That won't hurt the hat. But if you have your doubts, then the best thing to do is just wear it and let the distressing come naturally.

theinterchange · Post by **theinterchange** » Sat Feb 07, 2009 1:42 pm

indy89 wrote:You can roll it up in your hands just to soften it up.That won't hurt the hat. But if you have your doubts, then the best thing to do is just wear it and let the distressing come naturally.

Lee Keppler suggests rolling the hat up. There's a video on youtube with his method but someone else doing it. It made my hat MUCH softer, and am going to do it again soon.

here's the link http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7LVl7pFrIqQ but be warned if no sound but heavy breathing disturbs you..turn your sound down.

Randy

IndianaJack91 · Post by **IndianaJack91** » Sat Feb 07, 2009 9:13 pm

Indiana Joyce · Post by **Indiana Joyce** » Mon Feb 09, 2009 8:12 pm

Have you found yourself staring out the window, hoping that you could catch the moment when your new hat arrives?....sigh..one week down...

Imahomer · Post by **Imahomer** » Mon Feb 09, 2009 8:17 pm

That's an interesting video. It reminds me of when I was in Italy and stopped in a Borsalino hat store. They did things with their hats that made me wince. I guess it's along the same lines of soaking a leather jacket though. ;-)

Luke Warmwater · Post by **Luke Warmwater** » Wed Feb 18, 2009 11:06 am

The Feds are really tough. Mine's been swimming in the Potomac River, it helped me rebuild my shed, been my umbrella in countless rainstorms (cold water is not going to hurt it), used as a cat bed, sat on, rolled up, crushed in a suitcase, and as my "stunt" hat goes anywhere where I might get dirty, sweaty or hurt and still manages to look great. I just ordered another one in moonstone.

Don't be afraid to "love" your Fed. It can take whatever you give it.

Indiana Joyce · Post by **Indiana Joyce** » Wed Feb 18, 2009 8:48 pm

It finally came, well the brown one did. I took pics of the old and new together, and its funny because the first thing I noticed? How stiff a new hat is. My current Fed IV is so soft and pliable, its been thru alot and its not even a year old. And the new one is like bulletproof.

So Ive got another Fed IV coming...

So Ive got another Fed IV coming...

Re: So Ive got another Fed IV coming...

Re: So Ive got another Fed IV coming...