Question for the sartorially wise

[pegkerr]

pameladean once said all knowledge is contained on LiveJournal, so I am asking for advice.

I have a lovely straw hat that got caught in the rain. It is no longer stiff, but comically droopy. How do I restiffen and block it? Do I use liquid starch, or . . . ? Ideas?

Comments

[wilfulcait.livejournal.com]

Apparently the trick is to use steam, and let it dry in the shape you want it to hold: http://vintagesewing.info/1950s/52-hmh/hmh-057.html

[misia.livejournal.com]

There is a product called Leko Gelatin Sizing that I use on my straw hats and other similar articles (raffia, woven paper, etc.) when they need reblocking. Do not get the Lacquer Sizing by mistake -- it's totally different stuff.

[cmpriest.livejournal.com]

Well, Old Navy has cute straw hats for less than ten bucks ;-)
That's my suggestion. But I'm lazy that way.

[scott-lynch.livejournal.com]

Set it down on a table beside a firm, dry straw hat. Sit down opposite from the soggy hat, turn a chair backwards, and sit in it with your arms crossed, leaning forward.

"Look, you've been a good hat, and it's not quite fair to call you a disappointment. But as you can see, I've got at least one other hat that isn't imitating cooked spaghetti. Now, I'm not going to tell you what to do, but perhaps you might consider shaping up."

Then pull out a handful of loose crushed straw from behind your back and place it nonchalantly on the table.

"All of our actions have consequences, dear. I'll let you decide where we go from here."

Leave the hat alone for the night.

It'll be bone-dry by morning, guaranteed.

[sundancekid.livejournal.com]

When my straw cowboy hat got bent out of shape, my suitemate soaked it in a sink full of warm water, reshaped it, and let it dry upside down. Give it a few days to really dry and store carefully, and it should hold.

[porcinea.livejournal.com]

I'd recommend starting with re-wetting and shaping and letting dry, myself. It's amazing how much a hat will spring back to its original shape given a wee bit of encouragement. You can always step up to sizing (or Aquanet) when .. er, if that doesn't work.

[yoshimi.livejournal.com]

i don't know the answer, but i agree with pameladean.

also, hi! i'm julie! and i added you as a friend!

[pameladean]

Just for the record, that's just my riff on an old saying, generally made into AKICIF -- All Knowledge Is Contained in Fandom.

P.