Jock's New Balmoral

[JSFMACLJR]

Because I specifically went to Mackie's with a view to ensuring the best possible match to Jock's old bonnet, it was evident that the bonnet size had changed over the past 30 odd .

This is very interesting. I've had a suspicion that the "bonnet part" has gotten bigger over the years, because all of our old bonnets look a little smaller topside, but now I know that it hasn't just been to age and shrinkage.

I wonder why the change?

[Redshank]

This is very interesting. I've had a suspicion that the "bonnet part" has gotten bigger over the years, because all of our old bonnets look a little smaller topside, but now I know that it hasn't just been to age and shrinkage.

I wonder why the change?

I think the answer is "Fashion"

[MacLowlife]

Thanks, Jock,

In my experience., almost anything that looks new when it is has been made to look old by someone. I read on a blog (Maxminimus: http://maxminimus.blogspot.com/ ) where the author was trying to "Get the Jos. Bank" out of his sportcoat, presumably, meaning he wanted it to look less off-the-rack and more "his". I have heard of all manner of aging processes applied to boat shoes, jeans ( before you paid $300 for someone else to do this) US Navy chambray shirts, etc. A fighter pilot taught me the phrase in the title. He also said the quickest way to achieve it was to remove the stiffener.

[ali8780]

Jock, you're a brave man

I like it, and I like the look of it after it's been "worn" a bit

[Tobus]

I like the color. I am tired of seeing blue and black.

Me too! I recently bought a "desert tan" Balmoral which is actually not too different in color than Jock's "fawn" colored one.

Mine's not a Mackie, as I can't afford those, and mine's a 'starter' Balmoral anyway. I haven't done anything with it but stuff it in the closet for now, but Jock's timely advice is exactly what I intend to do with mine to get the 'worn in' look.

I don't have a burn nearby, so I'll be dunking mine in the horse trough or a rain barrel.

[cessna152towser]

Guid oan ya Jock!

Would be good to see comparative photos of the new bonnet once it is weathered, against its original new condition and against the old bonnet.

[KFCarter]

Actually you can use the bath, sink or just a bowl. I just happen to have a burn handy and it stops the usual war cry of, "Have you finished yet? I need that now!" type comments.

Oh, I'm all too familiar with that war cry!

[creagdhubh]

So why am I doing these unkind things to a brand spanking new bonnet? Firstly the bow. It is traditional up here to tie the ribbons, you don't have to and you can cut them off if you want to, but for me, they will remain in a bow. To keep the bow, I just put a couple of stitches in to keep it all up together,it saves all that bother of re tying the damn things.

Why drown the poor thing? Well it was intentionally a wee bit too big and now I am gently(?) shrinking it to size. If that does not work, plan B will be used--the warm (NOT HOT) water treatment will be used. If you get a bonnet that fits exactly it will shrink in the first storm of rain and then it will be too small! Cleaver eh? Also, as I mentioned earlier, I don't like the ironed lopsided flying saucer look. So to get the more used look and the way we wear them around here this is the way we do it. Also it is regarded as very bad "form" to have anything looking new!

Nice looking bonnet. As a Macpherson, we leave our ribbon tails flowing in the wind and untied. That's our clan's tradition in Badenoch and the upper waters of the Spey.

Slainte,

[pdcorlis]

A tip of my bonnet to you sir - I remember getting my bonnet out of its airmail pouch and thinking "This just won't do." After a few days of dunking, drying, prodding, and poking it became quite wearable - in my opinion...

[NewEnglander]

I look forward to seeing pics of the final product. My first bonnet is on its way across the Atlantic.