Hat Repair

Hat's are not one size fits all. The size of the crown, the width of the brim, the color, and the like, all make a difference in how the hat looks on you. Sometimes to get that right fit, you have to take matters into your own hands.

This is what you call a Roman Saturno. Worn by clergy in Rome and beyond. I like them because they have a bit of a Tombstone look. 

I got it last summer in Rome. I knew then that it didn't fit right, but my heart was already set.

Originally, the brim was curled up, all the way around. Strange to our western standards. So when I got home, I took steam and flattened the brim. However, the crown was way too tall for my standards.

So I set out to lower it. First step, cut the hat band off. 

Then I cut the crown 1" above the brim.

Pretty well committed at this point.

This was the idea, drop the crown over the existing portion left on the brim, lowering the crown down 1".

To get the top half of the crown to slip over the lower, I heated it with steam and stretched it out. It actually worked pretty well.

E6000 was my glue of choice. I've had good luck with it in the past on hats, as it is a flexible adhesive. 

Once ready, I put a bead over the existing portion. 

Then slipped it over to dry.

Muy bien. 

Once it was dried good, I steamed the brim back flat and stretched the inner band back to a good head shape.

Then glued the hat band back on.

And refit the bow.

Much better.

Fr. Holliday

Fun stuff. I knew I would never wear this hat the way it was. Besides that, I really wanted a Saturno to chum around in. On top of that, I need to look like Fr. DeSmet S.J. for the 4th of July parade. I think we are now on our way. If the hat don't fit, make it fit.