Penman Hats

Frunobulax said:

Looks wonderful.

Click to expand...

FedOregon said:

I love how you a discover a hat as time goes by. At least for me, it's just too much to take in everything all at once. I sent John a text yesterday just letting him know I was available if he needed anything from me... I was off work and, ah-hem, could even drive over and pick up my hat if it was ready, wink, wink... Well, John sent me 2 texts.... almost... and then the pics you see above.

MrsFed and I were busy getting snow tires put on our little cars (little cars = more hats, right?). Mine was done by 10 am. MrsFed was working until 1:30 pm, so when she came home we took her car to the shop and piled in my 210,000 miles old Hyundai Elantra and headed to Hillsboro, about 40 minutes away. I sent John a text letting him know I was Hillsboro-bound and a few minutes later he let me know he was in the shop.

We arrived and John was busy hand stitching the sweat (?) into another new custom Penman. I introduced MrsFed to John, who is a very gracious gentleman, and he ushered us into the back work area.... and there it was. I just stared, taking in the whole experience. John took the hat out of the Penman hatbox and handed the fedora to me. Wow! I was first struck by the feel of the felt. I held it out to Sandra (MrsFed), and said, "feel that." Another "wow."

John had to turn the hat for me to show Sandra the bow. Fantastic. I must say, I felt as though everything was in slow motion for me. I was busy taking in everything and my physical movements were like cold oatmeal on a Saturday morning. I put the hat on and John pointed out a mirror for me (because I couldn't remember where it was, even though I've been to the shop several times). Excellent. I love this hat!

I must have thanked John a dozen times and it didn't seem like enough. I wanted to stay longer but John had hats to finish and we needed to get back to the shop to get Sandra's car...

So, something I guess I noticed at the shop, but didn't come to a full realization of until we (1) left to get Sandra's car, and (2) arrived back home, is that the center crease is just a bit asymmetrical. When I put the hat on, lining up the rear stitching and bow of the sweatband, the front pinch is not in the middle of my forehead.

Now, 5 months ago this would have bugged me... but now I just feel the special character of this hat. Isn't it something how we evolve in our tastes and preferences? Like me... in a Homburg? Never! But now I have one, and love it. Well, here's my thinking on this Penman handmade hat. I've shown my wife, and daughter, how to put a hat on. You line it up, set the front over your eyebrow, then ease the hat back onto your head.... then (and this is the important part), "bink," you tilt the hat to the side for "Attitude."

This hat is made for attitude. The felt, the contrasting ribbon, bow and highlight-driven knot, and even the crease are screaming "Attitude!" This hat literally begs to be worn cocked to the side, and I really am loving it.

So that was real long-winded, but it's come to me as a kind of epiphany of sorts. Thanks for hanging on through the long and meandering tale. But I'm still pumped with excitement over this, my first Penman hat, and final hat for the year. Merry Christmas to me, and to all of you who have helped me learn so much over the last several months.

Jimmy Mak's is a long time jazz club in Portland. This hat begs to be worn there before they close their doors on January 1, 2017. I need to make that happen. In the mean time, I will certainly wear this to church tomorrow!

Thanks, John, for such a spectacular hat. I know I changed my mind a dozen times along the way, from Raiders, to Leverage/Kane, to Eno and then to full custom, but you were patient in hearing me and putting it all together in this beautiful execution of felt, ribbon, talent and art. Thank you, muchas gracias, malo aupito, fakaaue lahi, und danke schön.

Click to expand...

Gromulus said:

Congrats. John is known for his Indy hats but he can probably make just about any style fedora. His hats just look natural on the owners. The "Penman" hate he made for me in moss green is one of "go to" hats that just seems to fit all occasions and attire.

Click to expand...

Frunobulax said:

Great post, Fed. Nice to hear your experience in detail. It's an excellent lid, and you should make that trip to Jimmy Mak's. Oh, and church, too - especially after a night of Jazz (Devil's music ).

Click to expand...

FedOregon said:

I love how you a discover a hat as time goes by. At least for me, it's just too much to take in everything all at once. I sent John a text yesterday just letting him know I was available if he needed anything from me... I was off work and, ah-hem, could even drive over and pick up my hat if it was ready, wink, wink... Well, John sent me 2 texts.... almost... and then the pics you see above.

MrsFed and I were busy getting snow tires put on our little cars (little cars = more hats, right?). Mine was done by 10 am. MrsFed was working until 1:30 pm, so when she came home we took her car to the shop and piled in my 210,000 miles old Hyundai Elantra and headed to Hillsboro, about 40 minutes away. I sent John a text letting him know I was Hillsboro-bound and a few minutes later he let me know he was in the shop.

We arrived and John was busy hand stitching the sweat (?) into another new custom Penman. I introduced MrsFed to John, who is a very gracious gentleman, and he ushered us into the back work area.... and there it was. I just stared, taking in the whole experience. John took the hat out of the Penman hatbox and handed the fedora to me. Wow! I was first struck by the feel of the felt. I held it out to Sandra (MrsFed), and said, "feel that." Another "wow."

John had to turn the hat for me to show Sandra the bow. Fantastic. I must say, I felt as though everything was in slow motion for me. I was busy taking in everything and my physical movements were like cold oatmeal on a Saturday morning. I put the hat on and John pointed out a mirror for me (because I couldn't remember where it was, even though I've been to the shop several times). Excellent. I love this hat!

I must have thanked John a dozen times and it didn't seem like enough. I wanted to stay longer but John had hats to finish and we needed to get back to the shop to get Sandra's car...

So, something I guess I noticed at the shop, but didn't come to a full realization of until we (1) left to get Sandra's car, and (2) arrived back home, is that the center crease is just a bit asymmetrical. When I put the hat on, lining up the rear stitching and bow of the sweatband, the front pinch is not in the middle of my forehead.

Now, 5 months ago this would have bugged me... but now I just feel the special character of this hat. Isn't it something how we evolve in our tastes and preferences? Like me... in a Homburg? Never! But now I have one, and love it. Well, here's my thinking on this Penman handmade hat. I've shown my wife, and daughter, how to put a hat on. You line it up, set the front over your eyebrow, then ease the hat back onto your head.... then (and this is the important part), "bink," you tilt the hat to the side for "Attitude."

This hat is made for attitude. The felt, the contrasting ribbon, bow and highlight-driven knot, and even the crease are screaming "Attitude!" This hat literally begs to be worn cocked to the side, and I really am loving it.

So that was real long-winded, but it's come to me as a kind of epiphany of sorts. Thanks for hanging on through the long and meandering tale. But I'm still pumped with excitement over this, my first Penman hat, and final hat for the year. Merry Christmas to me, and to all of you who have helped me learn so much over the last several months.

Jimmy Mak's is a long time jazz club in Portland. This hat begs to be worn there before they close their doors on January 1, 2017. I need to make that happen. In the mean time, I will certainly wear this to church tomorrow!

Thanks, John, for such a spectacular hat. I know I changed my mind a dozen times along the way, from Raiders, to Leverage/Kane, to Eno and then to full custom, but you were patient in hearing me and putting it all together in this beautiful execution of felt, ribbon, talent and art. Thank you, muchas gracias, malo aupito, fakaaue lahi, und danke schön.

Click to expand...

FedOregon said:

It's just after 5 am here... I still don't have my own pics of this one yet. I am more than satisfied with this fedora; I'm thrilled with it. The pics show it as more gray than it is up close and personal. It's got the very blue-gray color I have wanted for some time now. Also, the silver ribbon contrasts less than the pics show. It all really comes together spectacularly. John and I worked out the ribbon/bow colors in his shop. John came up with the cool design for the highlights on the bow, and it's unique and brilliantly executed in my mind. Loooooove it! More noggin shots when the sun comes up... if the sun comes up.

Oh, and the felt. Holy heck, the felt is really something. Very unique. More soft than velvety as in many of my other hats. Just all around excellent.

John's Facebook link to the pictures:

https://www.facebook.com/penmanhats...94550378449/10154123953953450/?type=3&theater

John's webpage:

http://www.penmanhats.com/

Click to expand...

FedOregon said:

I love how you a discover a hat as time goes by. At least for me, it's just too much to take in everything all at once. I sent John a text yesterday just letting him know I was available if he needed anything from me... I was off work and, ah-hem, could even drive over and pick up my hat if it was ready, wink, wink... Well, John sent me 2 texts.... almost... and then the pics you see above.

MrsFed and I were busy getting snow tires put on our little cars (little cars = more hats, right?). Mine was done by 10 am. MrsFed was working until 1:30 pm, so when she came home we took her car to the shop and piled in my 210,000 miles old Hyundai Elantra and headed to Hillsboro, about 40 minutes away. I sent John a text letting him know I was Hillsboro-bound and a few minutes later he let me know he was in the shop.

We arrived and John was busy hand stitching the sweat (?) into another new custom Penman. I introduced MrsFed to John, who is a very gracious gentleman, and he ushered us into the back work area.... and there it was. I just stared, taking in the whole experience. John took the hat out of the Penman hatbox and handed the fedora to me. Wow! I was first struck by the feel of the felt. I held it out to Sandra (MrsFed), and said, "feel that." Another "wow."

John had to turn the hat for me to show Sandra the bow. Fantastic. I must say, I felt as though everything was in slow motion for me. I was busy taking in everything and my physical movements were like cold oatmeal on a Saturday morning. I put the hat on and John pointed out a mirror for me (because I couldn't remember where it was, even though I've been to the shop several times). Excellent. I love this hat!

I must have thanked John a dozen times and it didn't seem like enough. I wanted to stay longer but John had hats to finish and we needed to get back to the shop to get Sandra's car...

So, something I guess I noticed at the shop, but didn't come to a full realization of until we (1) left to get Sandra's car, and (2) arrived back home, is that the center crease is just a bit asymmetrical. When I put the hat on, lining up the rear stitching and bow of the sweatband, the front pinch is not in the middle of my forehead.

Now, 5 months ago this would have bugged me... but now I just feel the special character of this hat. Isn't it something how we evolve in our tastes and preferences? Like me... in a Homburg? Never! But now I have one, and love it. Well, here's my thinking on this Penman handmade hat. I've shown my wife, and daughter, how to put a hat on. You line it up, set the front over your eyebrow, then ease the hat back onto your head.... then (and this is the important part), "bink," you tilt the hat to the side for "Attitude."

This hat is made for attitude. The felt, the contrasting ribbon, bow and highlight-driven knot, and even the crease are screaming "Attitude!" This hat literally begs to be worn cocked to the side, and I really am loving it.

So that was real long-winded, but it's come to me as a kind of epiphany of sorts. Thanks for hanging on through the long and meandering tale. But I'm still pumped with excitement over this, my first Penman hat, and final hat for the year. Merry Christmas to me, and to all of you who have helped me learn so much over the last several months.

Jimmy Mak's is a long time jazz club in Portland. This hat begs to be worn there before they close their doors on January 1, 2017. I need to make that happen. In the mean time, I will certainly wear this to church tomorrow!

Thanks, John, for such a spectacular hat. I know I changed my mind a dozen times along the way, from Raiders, to Leverage/Kane, to Eno and then to full custom, but you were patient in hearing me and putting it all together in this beautiful execution of felt, ribbon, talent and art. Thank you, muchas gracias, malo aupito, fakaaue lahi, und danke schön.

Click to expand...

KY Crusader said:

Love the look of this one! You are correct: It is made to wear with attitude, and I a little asymmetry in the crease will only enhance that quality. The design of the bow is fabulous, and felt appears to be super soft. Please try to post some better pictures of your own when you get an chance so when can get a better appreciation for the colors. Congrats are certainly in order for this one!

Click to expand...

moontheloon said:

this came up in my feed this morning from John

wonderful piece ... congrats !!

Click to expand...

KY Crusader said:

Love the look of this one! You are correct: It is made to wear with attitude, and I a little asymmetry in the crease will only enhance that quality. The design of the bow is fabulous, and felt appears to be super soft. Please try to post some better pictures of your own when you get an chance so when can get a better appreciation for the colors. Congrats are certainly in order for this one!

Click to expand...

Gromulus said:

Congrats. John is known for his Indy hats but he can probably make just about any style fedora. His hats just look natural on the owners. The "Penman" hate he made for me in moss green is one of "go to" hats that just seems to fit all occasions and attire.

Click to expand...

FedOregon said:

I love how you a discover a hat as time goes by. At least for me, it's just too much to take in everything all at once. I sent John a text yesterday just letting him know I was available if he needed anything from me... I was off work and, ah-hem, could even drive over and pick up my hat if it was ready, wink, wink... Well, John sent me 2 texts.... almost... and then the pics you see above.

MrsFed and I were busy getting snow tires put on our little cars (little cars = more hats, right?). Mine was done by 10 am. MrsFed was working until 1:30 pm, so when she came home we took her car to the shop and piled in my 210,000 miles old Hyundai Elantra and headed to Hillsboro, about 40 minutes away. I sent John a text letting him know I was Hillsboro-bound and a few minutes later he let me know he was in the shop.

We arrived and John was busy hand stitching the sweat (?) into another new custom Penman. I introduced MrsFed to John, who is a very gracious gentleman, and he ushered us into the back work area.... and there it was. I just stared, taking in the whole experience. John took the hat out of the Penman hatbox and handed the fedora to me. Wow! I was first struck by the feel of the felt. I held it out to Sandra (MrsFed), and said, "feel that." Another "wow."

John had to turn the hat for me to show Sandra the bow. Fantastic. I must say, I felt as though everything was in slow motion for me. I was busy taking in everything and my physical movements were like cold oatmeal on a Saturday morning. I put the hat on and John pointed out a mirror for me (because I couldn't remember where it was, even though I've been to the shop several times). Excellent. I love this hat!

I must have thanked John a dozen times and it didn't seem like enough. I wanted to stay longer but John had hats to finish and we needed to get back to the shop to get Sandra's car...

So, something I guess I noticed at the shop, but didn't come to a full realization of until we (1) left to get Sandra's car, and (2) arrived back home, is that the center crease is just a bit asymmetrical. When I put the hat on, lining up the rear stitching and bow of the sweatband, the front pinch is not in the middle of my forehead.

Now, 5 months ago this would have bugged me... but now I just feel the special character of this hat. Isn't it something how we evolve in our tastes and preferences? Like me... in a Homburg? Never! But now I have one, and love it. Well, here's my thinking on this Penman handmade hat. I've shown my wife, and daughter, how to put a hat on. You line it up, set the front over your eyebrow, then ease the hat back onto your head.... then (and this is the important part), "bink," you tilt the hat to the side for "Attitude."

This hat is made for attitude. The felt, the contrasting ribbon, bow and highlight-driven knot, and even the crease are screaming "Attitude!" This hat literally begs to be worn cocked to the side, and I really am loving it.

So that was real long-winded, but it's come to me as a kind of epiphany of sorts. Thanks for hanging on through the long and meandering tale. But I'm still pumped with excitement over this, my first Penman hat, and final hat for the year. Merry Christmas to me, and to all of you who have helped me learn so much over the last several months.

Jimmy Mak's is a long time jazz club in Portland. This hat begs to be worn there before they close their doors on January 1, 2017. I need to make that happen. In the mean time, I will certainly wear this to church tomorrow!

Thanks, John, for such a spectacular hat. I know I changed my mind a dozen times along the way, from Raiders, to Leverage/Kane, to Eno and then to full custom, but you were patient in hearing me and putting it all together in this beautiful execution of felt, ribbon, talent and art. Thank you, muchas gracias, malo aupito, fakaaue lahi, und danke schön.

Click to expand...

belfastboy said:

Thank you for this post. As I do not have a custom hatter close by all my customs have been purchased at a distance. I would love to replicate your experience of personally picking up my hat but in the meanwhile will have to live vicariously through you.

Click to expand...