Jock's New Balmoral

**KFCarter** · 10th March 10, 07:43 AM

Well it's a great result, Jock and not just the shape, but the proportion. I think you mentioned that the diameter of the top was customized and made a bit smaller; it certainly appears that way and IMHO it's a improvement over what one usually sees.

Now for it: I've rounded up a basin and some good stones, now I just need a place to keep the whole business from the dog, the wife and the teenagers, lest they decide to be "helpful"

Also, though you don't specify so, I'm going to take it that the wee dram is a necessary final step!

**Jock Scot** · 10th March 10, 07:50 AM

In actual fact, I think another shrinking effort may have to take place, but a day in the rain will have the same effect, for that last bit of fine tuning.

It is only right that I thank Paula, of Robert Mackie for her sterling work and last, but most definitely not least, our very own "Redshanks" of the Dunad Trading Company who went way beyond the call of duty to provide my super new bonnet. Thank you both very much.

**Brian K** · 10th March 10, 09:13 AM

Splendid, Jock, you look every inch the Highland gentleman and the bonnet is perfect! Thanks for the tutorial.

Brian

**Manitoban Keith** · 10th March 10, 09:36 AM

thanks jock! you posted this thread at a very fortunate time, i just got my first balmoral and your instructions were top notch. had to substitute sink for burn though, everything here in manitoba is still frozen solid, lol.

**thescot** · 10th March 10, 10:16 AM

Jock, that is a fine looking bonnet. I've considered purchasing a fawn bonnet myself, and now I am thinking that I might have to do so. Espcially since you've given such fine instructions in the proper treatment of a new topper.

Good to see you up and about, by the way.

**Highlander31** · 13th March 10, 12:41 AM

Nice work, Jock.

**Tobus** · 13th March 10, 10:36 AM

Originally Posted by Brian K

Splendid, Jock, you look every inch the Highland gentleman and the bonnet is perfect! Thanks for the tutorial.

Brian

I would like to echo that sentiment as well, if I haven't said so already. "Highland gentleman" barely scratches the surface of those excellent pictures but it will have to do.

I've got my new Balmoral soaking in a bucket of cold rainwater right now. This afternoon I will be going through Jock's steps for shaping it.

**Brian K** · 13th March 10, 10:57 AM

Originally Posted by Tobus

I would like to echo that sentiment as well, if I haven't said so already. "Highland gentleman" barely scratches the surface of those excellent pictures but it will have to do.

I've got my new Balmoral soaking in a bucket of cold rainwater right now. This afternoon I will be going through Jock's steps for shaping it.

If there are no pictures it didn't happen

Regards,

Brian

**Oldhiker** · 13th March 10, 11:46 AM

Jock
Nice bonnet, you wear it well !

thanks for the lesson

**Tobus** · 13th March 10, 01:31 PM

Originally Posted by Brian K

If there are no pictures it didn't happen

Regards,

Brian

Oh but it DID happen!

It's still wet under the cockade and the brow band, but the rest is drying more quickly than I thought. That could be due to the fact that it's 80 degrees, sunny, and very dry out today. But Jock's advice is working like a champ! The whole bonnet has shrunk just a bit and is laying over like I want. It wouldn't do this before soaking it. If it will hold this shape, I'll be a happy camper.

(Please pardon the fact that one of my horses is in the picture; I couldn't bear to edit him out!)