Club Obi Wan

Just thought I'd show off my latest project hat.
I got hold of a couple "vintage" bodies.
This one was described as "taupe." Oh how I was hoping...

It's rabbit. It was VERY floppy. They are made in Czechoslovakia,
so they may be Tonak felts. (The top of the line ones, not the BCF ones.)

The funny thing is that the felt doesn't seem any thiner then my Akubra Fed,
but I've sprayed a bunch of stiffner on this thing and it will not hold a solid shape.
"BRING ON THE VARNISH!" UPDATED!




(Oh, and before anyone asks, it's not suppose to be an Indy hat, just a basic fedora.)

I think the problem with fedoras is that if they're brown, or look anything remotely like what somebody has come to understand is an Indy hat (even if it's just bashed like a dorfman), people will assume it is. The reason I say this is just that I think it would make a pretty good Temple of Doom lid if you wanted it to be that.

All in all though, it's still a great looking hat. Were you able to find out how old she is?

In Christ,
Shane

That is a really cool pink hat. (Kidding.) Actually, I love that color...taupe it is!

Toupe it is? You mean, instead of a hat, then?

Looks great! Vintage bodies, eh? I wish I could stumble across a find like that! What are the specs on this, anyway (crown height, brim width, ribbon width, etc.)? Is that the original ribbon or a later addition? (I'm guessing it's your work based on the "puffy V" and the fact that you said "bodies")

Anyway, I'm most impressed...beyond a simple bash I'm not very good when it comes to the fancy hatwork, I don't have a block and I can't sew a stitch...

Lookin' forward to the outdoor shot.

-GCR

I've just added new pics above. I really layered on the stiffner this time so the brim is finally holding a shape.

These all natural light in slightly different conditions, direct sun, shadow (with a dabble of sun) and shade.

Vital Stats: Complete new build of raw body.
Crown: 5" (Bashed with a "C" crown/dent.)
Brim 2 3/4"(may chop a bit more off)
Ribbon: 1 5/8" Vintage Dark Brown.

Now that its holding its shape, I much more pleased with the results.
I still have to adjust the ribbon a bit and sew in a liner.

Now on to the actual gray body that I also have.

Dalexs

Wow, I can see how someone would mistake that hat for grey.

That's a good pic of you, Dalexs.

If it were b/w and a little tattered, it'd look totally vintage.

You mean something like this...

Exactly!

If only the cello tape were yellowed... (kidding)

Steve, now that I see it on your head, I have to admit, I like that block much better. That is one sharp styling - great job!

J

Jerry, I tried for a bit to get the tape more yellowed, but my server refused to let me upload it last night.

And Tone, what I wound up doing was pouring the stiffner into a cup and actually brushing it on the brim. A much heavier saturation did the trick.
PS Nice job on that photo.

Dalexs

Dalexs wrote:Jerry, I tried for a bit to get the tape more yellowed, but my server refused to let me upload it last night.

Oh, don't let me torture you...I don't want to hog that job.

Respect, Steve -
J

Ah, NOW I see the yellow, Steve - good job!