Jock's New Balmoral

[KFCarter]

No doubt one of the most useful threads to come down the pike. Thanks again, Jock!

[JSFMACLJR]

I don't know as I trust myself to try your technique, Jock, nor do I think I'd be able to make myself "abuse" something as dear as a Mackie bonnet (I'd be afraid of messing it up and ruining my investment!), but I certainly admire your technique and appreciate your sharing. If I ever have such a precious garment I'll probably take the safe route and let it age naturally. I know, no guts no glory, but I frequently feel glory is over-rated anyway.

Regards,

Brian

Brian, I understand your reluctance to treat poorly something you spent good money to buy, but I can assure you, there is little chance of you doing any real damage to a bonnet by following Jock's advice. Really. A wool bonnet is very forgiving ( as long as you keep it away from hot water ). Trust yourself, and no harm will come to the bonnet. The results will make all the difference in the world in how the bonnet will look, and how you will feel.

And do remember, Brian: it's just a hat.

[thescot]

I know how Brian feels. I first got the advise on "abusing" a new bonnet from Scotty Thompson's So You're Going To Wear . . . which I took as gospel. But when the time came to actually do it to my own Mackie bonnet, I had a lot of thinking and praying to do about it.

I didn't have someone like Jock who knew what he was talking about to guide me, so I fretted about it several days and found several other resources that recommended simlilar treatment before I built up the courage to actually sink my precious bonnet into a sink full of water. But then, after one dousing, I liked it so much that I took it to the creek behind the house I lived in then and did exactly what Jock did.

I've never looked back!

Now for a question: I have a military blue bonnet left over from the Black Watch made by Mackie as well. I bought it in a very small size for my grandson. Shouldn't I give it the same treatment?

[lethearen]

I love your breaking-in method, Jock

[fluter]

Now for a question: I have a military blue bonnet left over from the Black Watch made by Mackie as well. I bought it in a very small size for my grandson. Shouldn't I give it the same treatment?

Just put it on his head, and go circumnavigate the Olympic peninsula, then (for bonus points) Loch Ness. I find it has much the same effect.

[Standard]

Jock, thanks for posting the photos and the final explaination of the shaping of your bonnet. Combined they certainly give a good tutorial for the proper breaking-in and custom fitting process. My balmoral has taken a year and a half of wear to finally feel "broke-in". Plus, your method sounds so much more fun.

[Brian K]

Brian, I understand your reluctance to treat poorly something you spent good money to buy, but I can assure you, there is little chance of you doing any real damage to a bonnet by following Jock's advice. Really. A wool bonnet is very forgiving ( as long as you keep it away from hot water ). Trust yourself, and no harm will come to the bonnet. The results will make all the difference in the world in how the bonnet will look, and how you will feel.

And do remember, Brian: it's just a hat.

Thanks for the dose of common sense, Sandy (and Jim). On my income I'm sure that if I get a chance to buy a Balmoral bonnet it will be something considerably less expensive than a Mackie and it will be easier (emotionally) for me to try the "Jock method of customization" on it.

BTW, I seem to recall that in another thread you mentioned something about recovering from cancer surgery. How are you doing? Well, I hope.

Regards,

Brian

[JSFMACLJR]

BTW, I seem to recall that in another thread you mentioned something about recovering from cancer surgery. How are you doing? Well, I hope.

Regards,

Brian

I'm doing extremely well, Brian. Thanks for asking! For all intents and purposes I'm back to normal...except for the ugly scar on my leg! The surgeon said that all the malignancy was removed.

Cheers,
Sandy

[Brian K]

I'm doing extremely well, Brian. Thanks for asking! For all intents and purposes I'm back to normal...except for the ugly scar on my leg! The surgeon said that all the malignancy was removed.

Cheers,
Sandy

Glad to hear that, Sandy . I hope you're around for a long time. I'm new here and I'd truly hate to start losing friends already! Let's hope Hamish does as well.

Regards,

Brian

[Jock Scot]

Right then, almost there! In passing, I am learning a huge amount about picture taking and well, I have a lot to learn.For those that want the "old"/"new" picture I will have to have another try sometime.

Well Jock has earned a wee dram at the end of the day with the finished item. All that drowning, assault, battery, moulding , stretching, shrinking, picture taking takes it out of one.



Out and about looking for the deer.Front.



To the right.



To the left.