Vintage Ribbons

[funneman]

I've been wondering, would it be worth someone's time to pick up fedoras on ebay just to collect the silk ribbons?

I've seen tons of small sizes, stingies, etc., or hats with moth damage, that expire with no bids, that I could have easily won for under fifteen and sometimes under ten bucks.

Wouldn't someone like Art be interested in the ribbons?

Any thoughts?

 

[tonyb]

You're on to something, funneman. I haven't taken that step yet myself, but it does indeed seem worth the minimal trouble and expense of collecting trashed-out, too-small, ugly (take your pick) hats just to mine them for their parts. I've encountered many a hat I wouldn't wear, for whatever reason, that had a nice ribbon and/or sweatband and/or liner that would be just the thing to aid in restoring another, more worthy lid.

 

[besdor]

Hat Ribbons

I dont think it would pay. If you know where to look , and Art does you can find vintage ribbon out there. I have found rolls of ribbon in trimming stores that were there for years. Even tag sales are a good place to look. Remeber, years ago people used to make their own dress and used ribbon for trimming. The quality is much better than today. It would be time consumming to take the ribbon of of old hats to reuse.



Steven

 

[Art Fawcett]

Funneman, in my early days of collecting I did just what you are suggesting, but overall it doesn't pay. More often than not, the ribbon is faded from sun or dirty in some way, but you can know that till you get the hat. I have been more successful at finding estate sales people, old hats shops, ribbon dealers, etc to get the ribbon I need. Occasionally something shows up on ebay, but that's also hit & miss.

 

[J.T.Marcus]

When you first begin, pirating ribbons and sweatbands to use on other hat bodies is a good way to learn. You might start with a piece you already have. In general, if you can get a good ribbon or sweatband for $5 or less, you're in good territory. So, $10 for a hat where you can use both pieces is not bad. Once you get into volume, of any sort, it doesn't pay, unless you just stumble across an occasional find. Here is a good source for ribbons (real cotton/rayon grossgrain) and leather sweatbands just like the name brand factories use. They have a minimum order, but it's reasonable (about $35).

http://www.hatsupply.com/grosgrain_sweats.htm

 

[Vintage Betty]

I wish women would join in this discussion, as I'm sure there are many of us who pirated parts of hats to do exactly what is being suggested.

I started pirating hats about 25 years ago. In my opinion, unless you have the hat in front of you, it really isn't worth the time. You can have all of the following problems without realizing it until you get a hat in your hands:

• Fading
• Unravelling
• Stains
• Sweat stains
• Adhering to the hat due to glue or age, etc
• Mold
• Staples
• Items tacked on top of the ribbon that aren't easy to remove (another ribbon when you thought it was two-toned, icky old feathers adhered to the ribbon etc)
• Loss of fiber
• And more

To repeat others here, if you look, you can find old ribbon at a cheap and not-so-cheap price. I have a nice collection of vintage ribbon and always am finding more to add to my stash. It's a bit silly as I don't sew.

But my reworked hats are pretty smashing.

And yes, I saved the modern satin layered wrap arounds from my old cheap fedoras I discarded. They are killer and worth the price of the hat.

Vintage Betty

 

[Art Fawcett]

lol lol lol

Sounds like my wife, Betty. We were in the vintage biz for what seemed forever and she never DID learn to sew. rebead yes, renovate spectacular hats yes, sew? nope..

 

[fatwoul]

I started pirating hats about 25 years ago...

I read that, and all I can keep thinking is "Betty puts three corners on her hats and paints skulls on them".

Sorry. lol

 

[Vintage Betty]

Arggghhhhh! Yes I do matey, and be warned! Be nice to the pirate lady or I'll take all your ribbon treasure and have you walk the plank! Arggghhhhh! lol

Betty the Pirate Queen

 

[tonyb]

OK, OK, I defer to the voices of experience. But wouldn't it be just grand to restore a Knox 25, say, with a nice sweatband and liner out of a moth-eaten Knox 25? Sorta like you wouldn't throw out even a thoroughly wrecked/rusted out '57 Chevy these days.
Perhaps that isn't the likeliest scenario, or the best analogy, but still ...

 

[Vintage Betty]

There's absolutely nothing wrong with recycling, and I'm sure just about everyone on the Lounge would applaud you for the effort. :eusa_clap

However, in terms of long-term purchasing, you will probably break even financially. The only exception to this I can see is if you find something you love, which doesn't count into the financial equation.

If however, you are looking for cheapie parts to play with as a starter kit, than it's just a bit of money and time to start without any serious outlay.

Like any collecting or hobby, you'll know when it's time to move forward with a more serious investment if you become more than mildly interested, IMHO.

Vintage Betty

 

[Vintage Betty]

Art - since you are the expert (or at least one of them) in this thread, what type(s) of ribbon do you suggest people collect? Any particular blends or brands or eras? What type do you gravitate towards?

Do you find certain types of ribbon are best paired with certain hat materials like fur felt, felt, and the like?

What about lifestyle (sweat) and weather (wet climates) ? Do you recommend particular types of ribbon for humid climates vs cold temperatures based on the dye and seepage of the ribbon to the humidity or rainfall?

Do you back your ribbon with any particular synthetic agent to make it stabilize over a long period and resist sweat?

I hope I'm not asking for any trade secrets or too many questions, but curious minds would like to know!

Vintage Betty

 

[Vintage Betty]

Here's a few sample items I pulled from my collection in case anyone wants to comment on these re: this thread.

Vintage Betty

 

[funneman]

Hey Vintage Betty.

I really like that second picture. Looks like something you would see at an art show!

You should make that your avatar or something.

 

[Vintage Betty]

MMMM.....yes! It also makes me hungry!

Chocolate ribbon on top of neopolitan ice cream ribbon.

Getting hungry! :beer:

 

[Art Fawcett]

Gosh Betty, LOTS of questions.
First, I use mostly cotton rayon blend as opposed to 100% rayon. It has better swirling properties. Rayon tends to not swirl as well and puckers when it cools.
I collect ribbons from ALL era's from TOC to20 yrs old. I don't have a favorite era as I build hats from all era's so I just go after all I can find. I don't use the french belting you show, that's better for ladies hats and if you'd care to, contact me privately & maybe we can do some trading as I have a bin full of it.
I don't match ribbons to potential weather condition and don't back them with synthetics as that would ruin the properties I'm looking for in them, however I DO waterproof the hats before leaving here.

Beyond this, there really aren't any trade secrests, just alot of practice.

 

[jamespowers]

Beyond this, there really aren't any trade secrests, just alot of practice.

And that magic wand of course.

Regards,

J

 

[Vintage Betty]

Thanks so much Art! I'm such a novice and wannabe milliner (like everyone on this board, it seems), that any information is helpful.

Regarding ribbons, have you or your wife seen the various reprinted ribbon books that have surfaced in the last 10 years or so? I think it was Candace Kling did a great book? Can any ribbon art of the 1920's be applied to men's hats?

Or in men's hats, do you only stick with the straight band? I would think there would be some room for creativity in your art?

Vintage Betty

 

[Art Fawcett]

Betty, I'm not sure what you mean by sticking to a "straight band" but we guys are funny creatures. We tend to like things not too flashy and color scares alot of us. Women can parade around in wild/imaginative colors and the response is often "Wow, I wouldn't have thought of that" whereas if a guy uses alot of colors the response is often "What's up with him?". trust me, the "What's up with him?" isn't a positive..so...I try to use color judiciously giving a subtle effect rather than an "in your face" effect. Does that make sense?