Phoenix Hat Company

Woodtroll said:

Yes, lighting and different computers make a big difference, as does the way modern cameras "adjust" the colors and light balance when the picture is taken. I've bought several pieces of vintage grosgrain ribbon that look nothing like I expected, and now will only buy if the seller is willing to send me a small "swatch" sample first. And how many times have you seen someone's description of the hat say something like, "It is more brown than it appears in the picture"?

But even then, our eyes "adjust" what we see depending on the background; a small piece of a certain color looked great, but then the whole ribbon just doesn't look the same color when it's wrapped around the hat. And then there's colors like, say, granite felt that depend on ribbon color or even surroundings for their "hue" that day, never mind the difference between indoor and outdoor light. And this granite batch is a slightly different shade than the last one the manufacturer sent... (I have granite on the brain since my next hat from Rick will be granite, but it is a tough color to pin down so I thought it would be a good example.)

And then, as you say, there's always the subjective factor - "That's not black, that's dark blue!" Or, "Is this more blue or green?"

Lots of challenges, indeed, that all hat makers and buyers face. I will say, though, that almost always, even if the colors are somewhat (or a lot different), the hats look better in person than they do in pictures!

Have a good day,
Regan

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Woodtroll said:

Yes, lighting and different computers make a big difference, as does the way modern cameras "adjust" the colors and light balance when the picture is taken. I've bought several pieces of vintage grosgrain ribbon that look nothing like I expected, and now will only buy if the seller is willing to send me a small "swatch" sample first. And how many times have you seen someone's description of the hat say something like, "It is more brown than it appears in the picture"?

But even then, our eyes "adjust" what we see depending on the background; a small piece of a certain color looked great, but then the whole ribbon just doesn't look the same color when it's wrapped around the hat. And then there's colors like, say, granite felt that depend on ribbon color or even surroundings for their "hue" that day, never mind the difference between indoor and outdoor light. And this granite batch is a slightly different shade than the last one the manufacturer sent... (I have granite on the brain since my next hat from Rick will be granite, but it is a tough color to pin down so I thought it would be a good example.)

And then, as you say, there's always the subjective factor - "That's not black, that's dark blue!" Or, "Is this more blue or green?"

Lots of challenges, indeed, that all hat makers and buyers face. I will say, though, that almost always, even if the colors are somewhat (or a lot different), the hats look better in person than they do in pictures!

Have a good day,
Regan

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Just A Hat Rack said:

I have a granite in with Rick as well. Based on the discussion of late, I'm really hoping it doesn't appear too brown, but I'm not overly worried about it. Most granites that I've seen look to be the gray that I expect it to be. The trouble I'm having is with the ribbon color. I'm trying to get an Ohio State themed color combination going. Their colors are scarlet and gray. I know a scarlet colored ribbon would be too bright, and as Rick put it, a bit garish. I'm trying to find a suitable red to go with the granite. Rick has burgundy in stock, but I'm having trouble getting a true feel of the color through photos. I'm afraid it will be too dark/purple/brown. The darkness of the color wouldn't bother me so much if I was sure it had a nice red dominance to it.

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belfastboy said:

I have a Winchester Granite in the rabbit felt and to my eye it has a very distinct brown tone to it. I was disappointed as I thought it would be a grey hat. I have a Winchester Granite in a western weight beaver felt and it is a much truer grey tone.

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Just A Hat Rack said:

I probably should have specified, the granite I will be getting is a dress weight beaver. I've read numerous times that the granite is generally gray but can sometimes appear with brownish tones to it under certain lighting. In photos I've gotten from Rick I have seen both of these effects.

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ruvort said:

Perhaps Rick would be willing to send customers a small cut of the ribbon so they can see the color in person? Or put together a little pamphlet of the color swatches for people to choose from so both Rick and the customer have the same example to work off of.

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Just A Hat Rack said:

I probably should have specified, the granite I will be getting is a dress weight beaver. I've read numerous times that the granite is generally gray but can sometimes appear with brownish tones to it under certain lighting. In photos I've gotten from Rick I have seen both of these effects.

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ruvort said:

Perhaps Rick would be willing to send customers a small cut of the ribbon so they can see the color in person? Or put together a little pamphlet of the color swatches for people to choose from so both Rick and the customer have the same example to work off of.

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deadlyhandsome said:

While Rick has a large supply of ribbon he also sources ribbon just for a project. I’m sure he would be willing to send a swatch if you are uncertain. While I still have the dark moss hat I’m taking it to a fabric store and draping different ribbon colors until I find what I’m after. I plan on sending a few different ones back with the hat.



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humanshoes said:

True to his word, my hat tool customer in Columbia sent me these straw hat body samples. On the left is the Brisa grade, on the right is the Fino grade, and in the middle is what I consider to be a masterpiece of the weaver's art, the Super Fino. It's great to finally have a reliable source for straw bodies and all of these grades will eventually have their place in my lineup. Unfortunately, I have no time to play with these right now, but the day will come.
View attachment 161594

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deadlyhandsome said:

You are a mean man. Looks like I’ll have to push my retirement date back another year.


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humanshoes said:

Sorry about that Brent, but you're not in any danger just yet.

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deadlyhandsome said:

You are a mean man. Looks like I’ll have to push my retirement date back another year.


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jonesy86 said:

Well, I am almost a year in retirement and not broke from buying hats quite yet. I wonder which straw hat body would hold up best on this wet rock in the middle of the Pacific Ocean?


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jonesy86 said:

Well, I am almost a year in retirement and not broke from buying hats quite yet. I wonder which straw hat body would hold up best on this wet rock in the middle of the Pacific Ocean?


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