Modified Raiders/LC Bashed Akubra Fed IV Deluxe

[HJJr]

Fellow Bashers:

I present for your consideration my recent efforts with a new Fed IV. This is my first attempt at bashing my own. Much appreciation to BendingOak and several others for the tips. Your thoughts and suggestions are appreciated.

My only complaint about the Akubra is the plastic top of the liner; so I removed the lining first. As some of you pointed out, that made bashing simpler as well.

I attempted to put in a small turn (see the offset in the position of the bow in the band), and the tight pinch of the Raiders. Using steam from a tea kettle, I added some upward curve to the brim sides and back, reminiscent of the LC Venice arrival scenes.

The distortions around the hat band are the result of a couple of foam strips for sizing. I may attempt to have a lining made. We'll see how it wears through the fall first.

[Indiana Jeff]

It suits you well. Wear it in good health.


Regards,

Indiana Jeff

[Jeremiah]

Great job.
How stiff does this one feel? I just recently acquired an Akubra (non Indy style) at a flea market for a song and dance(see my thread in beaver felt). It's pretty stiff but mine is more of a western style.

[HJJr]

Great job.
How stiff does this one feel? I just recently acquired an Akubra (non Indy style) at a flea market for a song and dance(see my thread in beaver felt). It's pretty stiff but mine is more of a western style.

The crown is very pliable. The brim is still stiff.

[Forrest For the Trees]

Well done!

If you're really feeling ambitious, you could remove the tack stitches from the ribbon and re-stitch them (one at a time) with matching dark brown thread, and you can adjust the bow and knot shape while you are at it. Since you already removed the lining, you might as well give it a try. It's not that hard if you know how to sew a basic knot. That's what I did with my Fed III and it worked well.

[HJJr]

Well done!

If you're really feeling ambitious, you could remove the tack stitches from the ribbon and re-stitch them (one at a time) with matching dark brown thread, and you can adjust the bow and knot shape while you are at it. Since you already removed the lining, you might as well give it a try. It's not that hard if you know how to sew a basic knot. That's what I did with my Fed III and it worked well.

Excellent thought.