Re-blocking a Hardee

[dixieflyer]

I've still got my old Hardee hat that I bought from Rademacher years ago. Now, if all goes as planned, I'll make the Shiloh Paddle-Wheeler Adjunct event. Under my present cirucumstances, I'd really rather not spend $110 on a hat which, in a sense, I already have.
Do any of y'all think there is any way to successfully "re-block" this hat to look new? I've got a correct spare label to reglue back in the crown, so that really isn't an issue.

Thanks in advance for your advice.

[Rob Weaver]

Re: Re-blocking a Hardee

Yes. It can be restored pretty well, if it's not totally trashed. You need a pot of hot water. Hold the hat over the steam until it's limp and pliable, then shape it as desired. Leave it to dry. Water deactivates the stiffening in the hat and drying restores it. An easier way is to use an everyday steam iron and an ironing board. You can pretty much just steam iron the hat and it will shape back up. To get the crown, a dressmaker's ham is helpful. You can use a little starch as needed. I reblock my hardee all the time.

[Edwin Carl Erwin]

Re: Re-blocking a Hardee

Do any of y'all think there is any way to successfully "re-block" this hat to look new?

Depends on whether the hat body felt is wool or fur. See: http://www.authentic-campaigner.com/...5048#post95048.

[dixieflyer]

Re: Re-blocking a Hardee

Well Edwin, I never gave it much thought, the hat being so thin and all. I'll look into it further, but I have to assume it is wool felt as I'm not sure Don had fur felt blanks available to use in the late 80's. Rob, thanks for the advice, I'll have to give it a shot, and look up "dressmaker's ham".

[Edwin Carl Erwin]

Re: Re-blocking a Hardee

Well Edwin, I never gave it much thought, the hat being so thin and all. I'll look into it further, but I have to assume it is wool felt as I'm not sure Don had fur felt blanks available to use in the late 80's.

Take your old Hardee to a good hat shop, Warren. The hatter should be able to quickly determine whether the hat body is wool or fur felt.

[dixieflyer]

Re: Re-blocking a Hardee

Thanks Edwin, but I live in a town of 1500 souls, and we're the county seat. The closest haberdashery, assuming it even exists anymore, would cost more in gas than a new Hardee.