Project description
The look I have in mind is the classic one. Firm woven straw that holds its line, a flat crown, straight brims of about six centimetres, a clean bound edge rather than a raw one. Outside, a grosgrain ribbon in a quiet colour — navy, deep green or a muted stripe — with a flat bow at the side and no showy knot. Inside, a leather or cotton sweatband with a moisture-absorbing pad behind it, set in so it can be taken out and replaced in a year or two instead of ruining the hat. Weight matters as much as looks: it should not press on me or leave a red line across the forehead after half an hour of wear.
I understand that shaping is done with steam over a block and that this is a craftsperson's job, not something I should improvise at home, which is why I am looking for someone who already owns blocks and works with straw regularly. Tell me what you can do with a long oval, whether you have or can prepare a block close to my shape, and what you would charge. Please cover the following in your reply:
— how you take and use measurements: circumference plus front-to-back and side-to-side, and how you ease the crown to an oval instead of a circle;
— the straw you propose, its stiffness and finish, and how the brim edge will be bound;
— the grosgrain band and flat bow, plus the inner sweatband with its moisture pad and how it is fixed for later replacement;
— the finished weight you expect, and how you keep it light without losing stiffness;
— one in-person fitting before the band is stitched down, with room for small corrections;
— a rigid box for storage and travel, sized so the brim is not resting on its edge;
— your timeline and total price, materials included, and what changes it;
— honest care notes in writing. I already know the basics and want them confirmed: a boater gives shade but does not replace sun protection, so for a long day outdoors I still need other measures; straw suffers from rain and hard crushing; and a hat that has got wet is dried on the block, never on a radiator.