Balmoral troubles, advice needed

[flyrod6057]

Bo, I'd be interested in seeing a few pictures of the bonnet now that a few months have passed... Have you found that the wool has moved a bit? Did the dents and ridges work themselves out at all?

[creagdhubh]

post deleted

[Panache]

...I have never performed the 'Jocking' technique, and more than likely never will, as I tend to prefer my assortment of Robert Mackie Balmoral bonnets to age naturally through the years, allowing them to achieve that much desired 'worn' look. I am much too cautious of dunking my Balmorals completely in water, but 'to each is own' and that is simply my own opinion...

I'm with Kyle, it seems that time and wearing will take care of shaping one's hat to one's tastes. To me there is also a certain fun in wearing something new and enjoying the process.

That said Bo your bonnet looks fine to me.

Cheers

Jamie

[flyrod6057]

I'm with Kyle, it seems that time and wearing will take care of shaping one's hat to one's tastes. To me there is also a certain fun in wearing something new and enjoying the process.

I have two Robert Mackie bonnets. One's about 15 years old, and one's brand spankin' new (Thanks Redshanks!) I did the ol' dunk and shape with the recent addition, and it's not too bad. In fact, it looks almost identical to yours, Bo. A few bumps and ripples, but I expect they'll fall out in good time. The older one has been dunked as well, but it has the advantage of time on it. It's much...thicker (?) Wool felt is reliant on agitation and I believe that time and use help the process along. My older bonnet feels thicker and fits better than the new one. I think this is a result of being dragged around the world for over a decade. I look forward to the day when the new bonnet has a much character as the older one.

[creagdhubh]

I have two Robert Mackie bonnets. One's about 15 years old, and one's brand spankin' new (Thanks Redshanks!) I did the ol' dunk and shape with the recent addition, and it's not too bad. In fact, it looks almost identical to yours, Bo. A few bumps and ripples, but I expect they'll fall out in good time. The older one has been dunked as well, but it has the advantage of time on it. It's much...thicker (?) Wool felt is reliant on agitation and I believe that time and use help the process along. My older bonnet feels thicker and fits better than the new one. I think this is a result of being dragged around the world for over a decade. I look forward to the day when the new bonnet has a much character as the older one.

Agreed.