Recent content by Dave McCone

I've had a Coober Pedy for several years and don't wear it often; my favorite go-to hats are the Banjo Paterson in both Fawn and Graphite Grey. I'm not sure if I have an odd version of the Coober Pedy, but it is cowboy-hat-stiff, to the point where it doesn't flex at all on your head [I'm...

Goorin hat sizes I tried on several of the large size hats at the Seattle Goorin store, and I'm a fairly true 58 - they were all too big. So -- a 59 sounds about right for a Goorin size large.

Goorin review I work a few blocks from the Goorin store in Seattle WA's University district. Here are my impressions to date: First, the bad news: From a felt quality standpoint, the felt quality is poor - these seem to be wool felt, and are priced at a wool felt price point ($40-$60) for...

I've dealt with Casey before -- and would advise caution. I have no plans to deal with him again. Caveat Emptor.

I was in about two months ago, and talked to Bev, Paul's wife. At that point, they were still talking to the building owner, but the general gist of the conversation was that they wouldn't be moving.

A quick review/story regarding the Riverz ... As the owner of a Riverz hat, I would politely advise against getting one. Here, for what it's worth, is my story: Several years ago, my daughter was invited to attend an international children's dance festival in Salvador, Brazil. Since we...

Coming home from work this evening the local Seattle NPR station had a nice piece on Byrnie Utz Hats here in Seattle; info is at: http://http://www.publicbroadcasting.net/kplu/news.newsmain?action=article&ARTICLE_ID=1208370 Unfortunately, they are considering closing the store when their...

I would caution folks against a poly hat. Here, for your amusement, is my story: About four years ago, my daughter was invited to a children's dance festival in Brazil. As part of that trip, we decided to stay a few days longer in Brazil, and go up the Amazon, to Manaus for general...

I posted a few years back about a polypropylene "straw" hat made by a firm "Riverz". Thread is at: http://www.thefedoralounge.com/showthread.php?t=3041 It looked interesting, and seemed to make sense on paper - but wearing it was remarkably like wearing a plastic bag on your head. I...

I have a very nice fino fino (1000 wpi) that I purchased a few years ago from Panama Bob, and a few other panamas, including one from Casey. The fino fino is definitely a work of art - very beautiful. *But" since it is a thinner hat, tends to be floppier in anything more than a light breeze...

I'll be travelling this winter, and was contemplating getting the Akubra Traveller; it appears to be a nicer hat than your typical cheap wool crusher. Akubras are generally very nice hats (I have several Akubras already) but thought that I would poll folks here to see if anyone had one, and...

You might consider contacting: http://www.mahiras.com otherwise known as Hong Kong Tailors 1424 4th Ave Suite 730 Seattle WA 98101 (206) 623-5872 A family member used them several years ago for a bespoke suit, and was extremely impressed - exceptionally good work, and suprisingly...

I asked the same question last year, and Art Fawcett was kind enough to reply: Try Star Binding 2470 Locust St. St.Louis. Mo 63103 314-652-2700 I had them make some for me last year out of my fabric but they had a tough time. I used only vintage fabric ( rayon) and their machines didn't...

Interesting tidbit - Howard Hughes' hat was just auctioned off for what appears to be $37,500: http://www.heritageamericana.com/common/view_item.php?Sale_No=625&Lot_No=25414 I found a reference to the auction a bit late - and $37,500 is too rich for my blood - but interesting nonetheless.

I've had very good luck improvising hatbands. Take one of your old hats with a fabric band, or a hatband that you don't really care for; carefully take it apart and figure out how they put it together. Iron the old hatband flat, and use it to make a paper template that you can then use to...