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Post by Goblin, esq. on May 1, 2011 23:17:44 GMT -5
While the hat's nice, Goblin, the model is adorable! How he's grown! Indeed, today he stood on his toes and reached up to pinch my nose! To stay on topic, I'm shorter than average, so I wanted a hat from the shorter end of the scale, so it would be more in proportion.
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Post by oriane on May 27, 2011 14:05:31 GMT -5
I just ordered hat #7 from Hatcrafters. It is really a wonderful looking hat, with a great shape, and looks much like the hat on the gentleman in the painting that Goblin posted above.
Well, even though it looks grand, we have a bit of an issue with the fit. I measured my husband's head, and based on that measurement, we had to order the largest size they offered...a size 7 3/4. My measuring tape was very snug when I took the measurement, so I thought the hat would fit well. But, my husband has a narrow head (deep, but narrow) and though the hat fits fine length ways, it is a little wide on him. If it wasn't for his ears being conveniently placed where they are, it might slide down on his head. :0(
So, I'm wondering, do wool toppers expand, or shrink when worn? If this hat is going to expand, we should probably return it before my husband wears it.
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Post by ColeV on May 27, 2011 16:03:57 GMT -5
If the overall size is still appropriate, you can place a hat band inside that will help to fit it more snug. Petersham ribbon with a layer of wool behind can take the size in without causing pain with the length fit.
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Post by oriane on May 27, 2011 19:19:00 GMT -5
ColeV - Thank you very much. That's a fabulous idea, and I think it will work for our issue.
On another note: Does anyone know if the width of the decorative band around the hat changed much over the Regency period? The hat I ordered came with what I would consider to be a wide band. However, several paintings and fashion plates I've seen show more narrow bands. Should I attempt to alter this, or would anyone really notice such a small detail at a reenactment?
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Post by The Major on May 28, 2011 8:55:33 GMT -5
A hat band can help with fit if the hat is a bit loose. Also, if it's shape that is a concern, that may be able to be worked out as well. If your husband's head is more oblong than round, which is what your description sounds like, you can change the shape some by steaming and putting on a hat form that matches his head shape. Most hat places can do this for you (western stores that sell quaility cowboy hats are a good place), or you can steam it yourself if you make something that is close to his head shape. The hat will also start to take shape to his head on its own if the hat gets moist while he wears it (persperation) or if you moisten it or steam it (be careful not to burn his head) before he wears it.
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