Recommendations for old Panama

[punkinhed]

I recently bought this one at a yard sale (a tag sale to our Northern friends). It was filthy and the sweatband was crumbled. I washed it in warm water and Murphy's Oil Soap (mistake?) and removed what was left of the sweatband. It had been severely misshapen in storage, so I didn't really know the original blocking. Now, I have no idea how to shape it. It's not exactly an ultra, so should I just leave it like it is and wear it to work in the garden? Any advice on blocking, based on the form now? BTW, the crown is very fragile--it crackles a bit with handling. Any advice on "softening" or "moisturizing" the straw?

I've edited to let you know that, for some reason, the pic link won't insert. Advice on that?!! lol

 

[punkinhed]

second try

http://pictures.aol.com/galleries/email4kh/3c609qE6R0hs2EGWjnWS0M-81UBgQdOHtbmfv4xQp5Fd3Ig=

 

[punkinhed]

While you're at it.....

While you're in my small gallery, check out the HJs!

 

[RBH]

Hey Punkin, it looks as if it is good straw. You may contact one of our fine hatters here on the Lounge and see about getting it blocked and reworked to your liking.
Let us know what you decide on.

 

[Bud-n-Texas]

I recently bought this one at a yard sale (a tag sale to our Northern friends). It was filthy and the sweatband was crumbled. I washed it in warm water and Murphy's Oil Soap (mistake?) and removed what was left of the sweatband. It had been severely misshapen in storage, so I didn't really know the original blocking. Now, I have no idea how to shape it. It's not exactly an ultra, so should I just leave it like it is and wear it to work in the garden? Any advice on blocking, based on the form now? BTW, the crown is very fragile--it crackles a bit with handling. Any advice on "softening" or "moisturizing" the straw?

I've edited to let you know that, for some reason, the pic link won't insert. Advice on that?!! lol

I hate to be the bearer of bad news, but if the straw is cracking, the options are few. Once straw dries as bad as you have described, there is not much to be done. Misting a straw on a regular basis is advisable. Sadly, you seem to be beyond this. Give Art a jingle and see if he has any ideas. It is a shame, but I bought one last year off the bay, that was supposed to be in wonderfull shape. When it arrived it had a break at the pinch and one in the back. When I contacted the seller, she claimed it was fine when it left. I guess the hat fairies took revenge between her and me. I let it go, but will never buy from her again. I figure the $36.00 as a down payment to learn about her selling practices.

 

[Art Fawcett]

Hi Punkinhead
I have more bad news for you. First, take the hat in the bathroom with you when you take a shower. The steam will help moisten the straw and it only has to be in the room. It won't repair any splits but will help. However, my best advice would be to just use it as a yard hat with the best shaping you can do. This is no more than a grade 2-3Cuenca that you can buy as a finished hat for about $25 ( I think) from PB and as a raw body not much more than $10 so it really isn't worth sending out to a hatter unless he's part of the family.

 

[RBH]

I stand corrected.

 

[Art Fawcett]

I stand corrected.

huh? I hope you don't think I'm correcting you RBH, just adding to your "misting" of the hat. You are right of course, but the shower is another method without direct contact.

 

[RBH]

Nothing of the sort Art. I said nothing about misting, that was Bud.I just thought if the hat was worth anything that it could be reblocked.
I love my panamas and am still learning about them.
No harm done.