Papaw's Custom Hat

indy81 · Post by **indy81** » Tue Jun 14, 2011 9:59 pm

The story behind me making a hat for my grandpa is pretty funny. So Papaw is actually my wife's grandpa, but he's made me feel like he was my own since I first met him. He's really a big inspiration to me and at 84 years old, makes me hope to be as independent. My wife had made an oil painting for him and he liked it a great deal. He had seen the process of how I made my first hat and was impressed by the outcome. One day we were talking with him about the painting my wife had made him. She asked him if he'd like me to make him a painting and he replied, "He can make me a hat if he wants." So I wanted to post the pics of the hat I made Papaw for you all to enjoy because I enjoyed very much making it for him.

I used a raw beaver body that I got from Greg over at Winchester Hat Corp. and I just have to say that it's such a fine product that they make. I will eventually get another beaver body in the same color as shown here and one in grey...both for myself of course.

Please let me know what you all think.

I look forward to the next hat!

Maybe if I get some $$ for my birthday exactly one month from today....I'm going to order some more hat bodies.

'81

For a look at more here's the link to the photo set:
http://www.flickr.com/photos/35772688@N ... 964709430/

TheSavoryTrim · Post by **TheSavoryTrim** » Tue Jun 14, 2011 10:43 pm

Wow!!

That looks AWESOME!

Make me a purple one.... :p

WConly · Post by **WConly** » Wed Jun 15, 2011 12:31 am

That is one nice looking hat! Good work! Good work indeed! W>

afterthedog · Post by **afterthedog** » Wed Jun 15, 2011 12:49 am

I'd wear it!

DanielJones · Post by **DanielJones** » Wed Jun 15, 2011 1:51 am

Looks good.

Can't wait to see it on Papaw's head.

Cheers!

Dan

Strider · Post by **Strider** » Wed Jun 15, 2011 4:02 am

Fantastic. Now let's see it on him!

Post by **Michaelson** » Wed Jun 15, 2011 8:17 am

Excellent looking handywork.

Winchester hat is the premiere felt that all our high end hat makers use here, so he's going to be wearing an example of the best out there!

WELL done! and yes, we need to see the man UNDER this hat, if you don't mind.

Regards! Michaelson

indy81 · Post by **indy81** » Wed Jun 15, 2011 8:36 am

Thank you all very much for the kind words! That's really encouraging to hear what everyone thinks of my work.

Sad to say I don't have a picture of Papaw in his hat yet, but I will get one as soon as I can. I only have a few pics of me trying it on and it really didn't fit too shabby on my noggin. Papaw really liked it although it was just a little big on him, but I think it's because he had just gotten a haircut before trying it on.

Thank you all!

High Regards,
'81

P.S. To SavoryTrim: A purple one might be a first here on COW.

beaverlid · Post by **beaverlid** » Wed Jun 15, 2011 9:04 am

I actually love this story. It is very fitting that a man of 84 years wants a fedora made for him. He was alive when fedoras were on every mans head. He lived in the era of fedoras. With my rudimentary math skills I was able to deduce that he was born in 1927. The men and women that came from that era are great people. I hope he wears his new fedora with pride. I would love to see a pic of him wearing it. I have a picture of my grandfather and my uncle that is about 60 years old and they are both sporting grey fedoras in there Sunday best. You should see if he has a photo of him in his youth wearing a fedora so we can see a then and now picture. Thanks for the post.

Beaverlid

kwh · Post by **kwh** » Wed Jun 15, 2011 9:33 am

yeah i liked the story too.you know my daddy passed about 2 years ago now.he was 82.so i'm glad you have such a tight connection with your papaw.and an awesome looking hat.

keith

indy81 · Post by **indy81** » Wed Jun 15, 2011 9:46 am

beaverlid wrote:I actually love this story. It is very fitting that a man of 84 years wants a fedora made for him. He was alive when fedoras were on every mans head. He lived in the era of fedoras. With my rudimentary math skills I was able to deduce that he was born in 1927. The men and women that came from that era are great people. I hope he wears his new fedora with pride. I would love to see a pic of him wearing it. I have a picture of my grandfather and my uncle that is about 60 years old and they are both sporting grey fedoras in there Sunday best. You should see if he has a photo of him in his youth wearing a fedora so we can see a then and now picture. Thanks for the post.

Beaverlid

That would be awesome to find such a photo of him back then. I have seen some old photos of his military years, he was a handsome man I don't mind telling ya and would've looked great in a fedora. I have to hunt for a photo like that I'm sure.

I would like to get a pic of the both of us wearing our hats together.

kwh wrote:yeah i liked the story too.you know my daddy passed about 2 years ago now.he was 82.so i'm glad you have such a tight connection with your papaw.and an awesome looking hat.

keith

I'm sorry to hear about your Dad's passing Keith. Honestly, I was too young to remember my actual grandpa, so having been able to spent time with my wife's Papaw is wonderful. We drive down all the time to see him and have dinner. Rough on a paper thin budget, but I wouldn't have it any other way.

If you all want I can post the pics of me sporting his lid till I can snap a photo of him in it? Kinda stinks that I don't already have one.

Regards,
'81

kwh · Post by **kwh** » Wed Jun 15, 2011 9:54 am

would love to see the pics. and thank you for your kind words.my daddy and i did pretty much everything together.

indy81 · Post by **indy81** » Wed Jun 15, 2011 1:40 pm

Okay so you're stuck with looking at my mug under the hat for now until I can get one of Papaw with HIS hat on.

You can tell in the pics I was happy with the final product.

http://www.flickr.com/photos/35772688@N ... 964709430/

I apologize for the blurryness of most the pics. I tried to hold steady as I took them. I'm sure we'll be down at Papaw's house this coming weekend for Father's Day so I will try to remember then to get some pics of the man in the hat.

'81

Note: I forgot about the post limit so I will try to just update my photo set and this link above will direct you to it.

Post by **Michaelson** » Wed Jun 15, 2011 1:42 pm

You need to cut down the number of photos down and just give the links too. Rules state only 6 per thread.

viewtopic.php?f=23&t=41780" onclick="window.open(this.href);return false;

Regards! Michaelson

kwh · Post by **kwh** » Wed Jun 15, 2011 1:52 pm

it's an awesome looking hat.nice shape.

keith

indy81 · Post by **indy81** » Wed Jun 15, 2011 2:17 pm

Oops, I'm sorry Michaelson. I'll get that fixed. I am WAY over the limit then.

Thank you,
'81

Post by **Michaelson** » Wed Jun 15, 2011 2:20 pm

indy81 · Post by **indy81** » Wed Jun 15, 2011 2:54 pm

I think I have the thread a little more organized. Hope it didn't confuse anyone....the pictures are here....then they're not, but now there's a link.

'81

Post by **Indiana Jeff** » Mon Jun 20, 2011 8:18 am

'81, the lid looks great and even more special that you could make something with your own hands for a man that's meant so much to you.

Thanks for sharing the pictures and story.

Regards,

Indiana Jeff

indy81 · Post by **indy81** » Mon Jun 20, 2011 9:37 am

Indiana Jeff wrote:'81, the lid looks great and even more special that you could make something with your own hands for a man that's meant so much to you.

Thanks for sharing the pictures and story.

Thank you Jeff! It's been a pleasure to show you pictures of my work and share the story behind it.

I was able to get some pics this weekend of Papaw sporting his hat. Enjoy!

He looks like Indy in this pic.

He really loves this hat and that makes me feel good. He told me he use to wear hats all the time. I asked if he had any pictures of him in his younger years sporting a hat, but he said there wouldn't be too many photos like that because it was just proper to take your hat off for pictures.

Thank you all for your kind words. Just the boost I needed to believe I might be able to make a good hobby or more out of hat making.

Best Regards,
'81

kwh · Post by **kwh** » Mon Jun 20, 2011 9:43 am

great pics. of your papaw and his new lid. it looks like it really suits him.mighty fine work.keep it up.you have a gift.

keith

Post by **Indiana Jeff** » Mon Jun 20, 2011 1:29 pm

Now that's what I'm taking about. Simply outstanding.

Regards to you both,

Indiana Jeff

indy81 · Post by **indy81** » Mon Jun 20, 2011 2:03 pm

kwh wrote:great pics. of your papaw and his new lid. it looks like it really suits him.mighty fine work.keep it up.you have a gift.

keith

Thanks Keith!

There will definitley be more where that came from.

Indiana Jeff wrote:Now that's what I'm taking about. Simply outstanding.

Thank you Jeff!

Regards,
'81

Adventure Dog · Post by **Adventure Dog** » Mon Jun 20, 2011 7:31 pm

He looks.... He looks absolutely amazing in that hat. Especially that last picture. You did a fantastic job on that hat!

darthinvictus · Post by **darthinvictus** » Mon Jun 20, 2011 8:11 pm

Ultra cool

FlameoftheWest · Post by **FlameoftheWest** » Tue Jun 21, 2011 10:40 am

Older men just know how to wear a hat. He has just that ever so slight tilt and turn that makes it his own. True Swagger!!

indy81 · Post by **indy81** » Tue Jun 21, 2011 10:59 am

FlameoftheWest wrote:Older men just know how to wear a hat. He has just that ever so slight tilt and turn that makes it his own. True Swagger!!

They do indeed.

He's got swagger alright.

Thank you all! Such great compliments.

He doesn't get the chance to wear it out in public too often because it's getting harder for him to get around. I'm thinking though it's time to take him out to Fred's, his favorite catfish house for dinner. I'm wishing I had some catfish now just thinking about it.

Okay...almost lunchtime...wait no it's not, dang.

'81

Mitch LaRue · Post by **Mitch LaRue** » Tue Jun 21, 2011 1:30 pm

indy81:

Papaw:

DanielJones · Post by **DanielJones** » Tue Jun 21, 2011 6:30 pm

That hat suits your Papaw perfectly. Very well done matching it to his proportions.

He sure looks like he is happy with it. Does he wear it going out and about?

Cheers!

Dan

indy81 · Post by **indy81** » Tue Jun 21, 2011 11:42 pm

Mitch LaRue wrote:indy81:

Papaw:

Nice!

DanielJones wrote:That hat suits your Papaw perfectly. Very well done matching it to his proportions.
He sure looks like he is happy with it. Does he wear it going out and about?

Cheers!

Dan

Thank you!

Well, like I said it is a little tougher for him to get around but yes he does wear it when he goes out.

Chiliana Jones · Post by **Chiliana Jones** » Wed Jun 22, 2011 2:34 pm

the hat suits him very well. you've done a great job on it

cheers

CJ

DR Ulloa · Post by **DR Ulloa** » Wed Jun 22, 2011 3:37 pm

This is awesome! I love this hat but more importantly, I love how happy your Pawpaw looks wearing it. He couldn't possibly be any happier at that point in time. Great work on the hat too. Great looking Raiders hat!

Chilliana, did you move? You weren't always in Orlando, were you?

Dave

whiskyman · Post by **whiskyman** » Wed Jun 22, 2011 5:36 pm

indy81 wrote:
Indiana Jeff wrote: He looks like Indy in this pic.

Better than Harrison in Indy IV at any rate!

twistedotter · Post by **twistedotter** » Fri Jun 24, 2011 10:08 am

Dude, if someone gave me a hat that nice at 84, I'd wear it to freakin' bed!

Very, very, very cool. You, sir, are both a gentleman and a scholar. And a darn fine hatter too, I might add.

indy81 · Post by **indy81** » Fri Jun 24, 2011 12:40 pm

twistedotter wrote:Dude, if someone gave me a hat that nice at 84, I'd wear it to freakin' bed!

Very, very, very cool. You, sir, are both a gentleman and a scholar. And a darn fine hatter too, I might add.

Wow, thank you!

I bet if you wore it to bed it would have that well worn look in no time.

Chiliana Jones · Post by **Chiliana Jones** » Fri Jun 24, 2011 1:40 pm

DR Ulloa wrote:Chilliana, did you move? You weren't always in Orlando, were you?

Dave

I lived in Orlando for a year. worked at Epcot. i came back to Norway last month, just havent updated my info here yet

cheers

PS: i just remembered i saw one guy dressed up as Indy at epcot one day, at the Norwegian pavillion where i worked. wonder if he was a COW member

CJ

david_h · Post by **david_h** » Fri Jun 24, 2011 7:32 pm

A nice hat is always a great present, but the fact you made it yourself for him is outstanding.

What a fantastic gesture!

The hat looks great on him as well!

lantzn · Post by **lantzn** » Fri Jun 24, 2011 7:53 pm

I love that last picture! He looks like a character right out of a movie.

indy81 · Post by **indy81** » Mon Jun 27, 2011 8:26 am

Thank you all for your wonderful comments!

I'm definitely proud of my work, as Papaw is as proud, if not more proud to wear it. I'm working on a new way to build my hat blocks and hopefully when my birthday rolls around next month I'll be able to get a few more hat bodies to try this idea out on.

Kind Regards,
Glenn

Post by **Dr. Nebraska S.** » Wed Jun 29, 2011 5:18 pm

Indy81, you certainly have a knack for hat-making!

That's an awfully nice gift for him--well done, sir.

Best wishes,
Nebraska Schulte

WConly · Post by **WConly** » Wed Jun 29, 2011 5:51 pm

Wow! I am sooooo glad I checked back into this thread! Now....come on -- I know what your planning -- a remake of Young Indiana Jones and your building your portfolio for Papaw to be 'Old Indy' in the new production! Come on...that's it, isn't it? He looks perfect for the part! Throw a jacket on him and you are ready to roll cameras! Action! W>

Mrs.Indy81 · Post by **Mrs.Indy81** » Wed Aug 17, 2011 4:18 pm

That's my Papaw

and he absolutely adores his hat. I'm so glad my husband is so talented he was able to make him one and I got to see him light up when he got it. He still lights up whenever he wears it

he has bought me so much joy growing up it's nice to see him be happy too. I love the pictures of him in his hat!

--Jenn

gwyddion · Post by **gwyddion** » Wed Aug 17, 2011 4:38 pm

I was away when this first got posted, but thanks to your wife I finally saw this thread. Great job!

He looks great with it on. A natural hat wearer if I ever saw one! And look at how happy he looks! Awesome!

Regards, Geert

indy81 · Post by **indy81** » Thu Aug 18, 2011 7:49 am

Well, I couldn't be more happy to have made a hat for him.

I'm proud to know I've made my wife proud of me too.

Glad you got to see this thread gwyddion!

Regards,
Glenn

j2m · Post by **j2m** » Thu Aug 18, 2011 8:03 am

Just saw that post now

Very very nice work, the hat looks amazing and it your papaw makes it look fantastic!

The two could not be a better match

Regards
JM

Mrs.Indy81 · Post by **Mrs.Indy81** » Thu Aug 18, 2011 12:53 pm

WConly wrote:Wow! I am sooooo glad I checked back into this thread! Now....come on -- I know what your planning -- a remake of Young Indiana Jones and your building your portfolio for Papaw to be 'Old Indy' in the new production! Come on...that's it, isn't it? He looks perfect for the part! Throw a jacket on him and you are ready to roll cameras! Action! W>

That's awesome!! I can't wait to tell him that you said that! We told him about the swagger comment made earlier and he got a real kick of it. I'm sure this will just make his day.

Post by **Michaelson** » Thu Aug 18, 2011 6:28 pm

Now HIM I'd believe in the part of 'old Indy', and that's a fact!

Regards! Michaelson