Stetson Whippet Restoration (video documentary)

[Orange Leatherworks]

Hello Everyone,

I'm a new member here but over the years I've frequently turned to this forum for all sorts of great information, photos, and references for old hats. I've restored a few hats at this point, and I recently decided to create a video to document and share my process for those who are interested. Your valued feedback is also appreciated. I've uploaded the video to my YouTube channel: Hat restoration video

It's the most extensive restoration I've tackled and the first where I've dealt with rebinding the brim and removing sun damage from the felt. It's changed the way I look at these classic hats in that it really feels possible to bring them back to a mostly original condition. Anyhow, the entire process is shown in the video. I hope you all like it!

 

[Pellie]

Hello Everyone,

I'm a new member here but over the years I've frequently turned to this forum for all sorts of great information, photos, and references for old hats. I've restored a few hats at this point, and I recently decided to create a video to document and share my process for those who are interested. Your valued feedback is also appreciated. I've uploaded the video to my YouTube channel: Hat restoration video

It's the most extensive restoration I've tackled and the first where I've dealt with rebinding the brim and removing sun damage from the felt. It's changed the way I look at these classic hats in that it really feels possible to bring them back to a mostly original condition. Anyhow, the entire process is shown in the video. I hope you all like it!

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Very nice job and even nice to watch.

 

[Orange Leatherworks]

Very nice job and even nice to watch.

Thanks Pellie, appreciate it!

 

[belfastboy]

Hello Everyone,

I'm a new member here but over the years I've frequently turned to this forum for all sorts of great information, photos, and references for old hats. I've restored a few hats at this point, and I recently decided to create a video to document and share my process for those who are interested. Your valued feedback is also appreciated. I've uploaded the video to my YouTube channel: Hat restoration video

It's the most extensive restoration I've tackled and the first where I've dealt with rebinding the brim and removing sun damage from the felt. It's changed the way I look at these classic hats in that it really feels possible to bring them back to a mostly original condition. Anyhow, the entire process is shown in the video. I hope you all like it!

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I didn't see where/how you repaired the sun damage to the felt?

 

[Orange Leatherworks]

I didn't see where/how you repaired the sun damage to the felt?

I sanded the felt surface to expose some fresh, non-discoloured felt. It's shown in the video.

 

[jeffgarf]

Fantastic video. Well done.

 

[Orange Leatherworks]

Fantastic video. Well done.

Thanks very much. Glad you enjoyed it!

 

[belfastboy]

I sanded the felt surface to expose some fresh, non-discoloured felt. It's shown in the video.

Also, wondering why you didn't wash the felt seeing as how you had removed all the trimmings..

 

[Orange Leatherworks]

Also, wondering why you didn't wash the felt seeing as how you had removed all the trimmings..

I'm not familiar with washing felt. It also didn't seem like something it needed. Do you have experience washing felt?

 

[belfastboy]

I'm not familiar with washing felt. It also didn't seem like something it needed. Do you have experience washing felt?

Yes, I do full restorations of both western and dress felts. Felt hats, when they reach the point of needing restoration are generally dirty and or stained. The only way to clean them is either a washing in soap and water (Orvus Paste or Fels Naptha are my first choice of cleansers).

If the staining is bad and/or oil based I will go the extra step and do the bath in Naptha (Coleman Camp Stove fuel). It requires the hat being torn back to just the felt, washed then reblocked and reflanged and trimmings restored.

 

[Orange Leatherworks]

Yes, I do full restorations of both western and dress felts. Felt hats, when they reach the point of needing restoration are generally dirty and or stained. The only way to clean them is either a washing in soap and water (Orvus Paste or Fels Naptha are my first choice of cleansers).

If the staining is bad and/or oil based I will go the extra step and do the bath in Naptha (Coleman Camp Stove fuel). It requires the hat being torn back to just the felt, washed then reblocked and reflanged and trimmings restored.

Thanks, I appreciate the insight. Luckily there was no major staining on this one. The only real damage to the felt was a couple spots under the brim where moths had a little feast.

 

[jackadven]

Yes, I do full restorations of both western and dress felts. Felt hats, when they reach the point of needing restoration are generally dirty and or stained. The only way to clean them is either a washing in soap and water (Orvus Paste or Fels Naptha are my first choice of cleansers).

If the staining is bad and/or oil based I will go the extra step and do the bath in Naptha (Coleman Camp Stove fuel). It requires the hat being torn back to just the felt, washed then reblocked and reflanged and trimmings restored.

Have you ever tried the gasoline washing method described in Henry L. Ermatinger's book?

 

[belfastboy]

Have you ever tried the gasoline washing method described in Henry L. Ermatinger's book?

Naptha is a better bet. Modern gasoline has so many additives these days. Naptha is pure 'white gas'. It too is an old school method and much safer as naptha has a lower flash point than gas. The strong oldour flashes off after about 24 hours and the hat is ready to be put back together.

 

[belfastboy]

Thanks, I appreciate the insight. Luckily there was no major staining on this one. The only real damage to the felt was a couple spots under the brim where moths had a little feast.

I write a column in HATalk eMagazine each month with an instruction in a hat making aspect. I began in Oct 2023. There are two columns on restorations, one specifically covering moth nibble repair. All the articles are in the archives, subscriptions are only $5 per month and they offer a free trial. Use the free trial, print off the articles and you have a free book on how to make and restore fur felt hats.

 

[Judgmentalist]

Hello Everyone,

I'm a new member here but over the years I've frequently turned to this forum for all sorts of great information, photos, and references for old hats. I've restored a few hats at this point, and I recently decided to create a video to document and share my process for those who are interested. Your valued feedback is also appreciated. I've uploaded the video to my YouTube channel: Hat restoration video

It's the most extensive restoration I've tackled and the first where I've dealt with rebinding the brim and removing sun damage from the felt. It's changed the way I look at these classic hats in that it really feels possible to bring them back to a mostly original condition. Anyhow, the entire process is shown in the video. I hope you all like it!

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Very cool. Watching the video made me anxious at the amount of work involved.