"Jocking" a cap

**MizzouScotsman** · 23rd September 13, 12:46 AM

Originally Posted by flyrod6057

The thing about "jocking" is the natural agitation of the burn. While soaking in the sink is a good way to shape the bonnet, its the action of the burn that really makes for an awesome bonnet.

I propose we all send our bonnets to Jock Scot for a proper dunking in his personal burn! What say ye Jock?

I'd have to send it to Jock...unfortunately there are streams within any reasonable distance from me...and the one that is...well let's just say I live in a large city and the water is...uh....brown. I'm not putting a bonnet within a mile of that water..lol

**madmacs** · 24th September 13, 04:03 AM

Originally Posted by MizzouScotsman

I'd have to send it to Jock...unfortunately there are streams within any reasonable distance from me...and the one that is...well let's just say I live in a large city and the water is...uh....brown. I'm not putting a bonnet within a mile of that water..lol

Having paddled 340 miles down the Missouri this year, I would feel confident saying that the Big Muddy is more like a stream at the moment than a river...

That being said I would have to concur with avoiding putting anything in it that you didnt have to...

**creagdhubh** · 24th September 13, 04:49 AM

Originally Posted by madmacs

Having paddled 340 miles down the Missouri this year, I would feel confident saying that the Big Muddy is more like a stream at the moment than a river...

That being said I would have to concur with avoiding putting anything in it that you didnt have to...

Being a native Missourian, I most definitely agree!

**creagdhubh** · 24th September 13, 04:52 AM

Originally Posted by MizzouScotsman

I'd have to send it to Jock...unfortunately there are streams within any reasonable distance from me...and the one that is...well let's just say I live in a large city and the water is...uh....brown. I'm not putting a bonnet within a mile of that water..lol

Head out to Rockwoods Reservation or Babler State Park in West County. Both have clean streams and they are beautiful places to be outdoors during the fall, especially Rockwoods. Spectacular foliage too, when the trees begin to develop into their full, autumnal glory!

**ForresterModern** · 26th September 13, 06:41 PM

The basic concept of jocking a bonnet is to take one that looks just like all the others on the same shelf yours just came from, somewhat preshaped but not individualized. The thorough soaking loosens the individual fibers allowing them to slide over one another and stretch to fit your own personal brain bucket, then your hands do the working to tug and pull and yank it into the shape that suits YOU, not the mannequin head at the shop or manufacturers warehouse. Wearing it dry only sets that individualized shape into the fibers, kinda like pressing the pleats of your kilt, such that the bonnet, once worn a few times, will forever have that shape memorized, and will practically fall into perfect position immediately upon donning. And it will help you to look more experienced in your overall kilt wearing, more natural instead of like the guy coming out of the department store in a brand new ill fitting suit.

It is kind of like antiqueing a picture frame before you mount your Picasso into it. Once properly Jocked a bonnet will look well used but still crisply perfect for a lifetime or three. Instead of sticking out like a sore thumb as an ill fitting accessory it will blend imperceptibly into your kilted personna and enhance your kilted authenticity. And you shall never fear a rainstorm while wearing it---keeps your head dry in the downpour, and will return to its new native shape upon drying. All the while looking natural as a glorious sunrise.

**unixken** · 26th September 13, 06:50 PM

Poetic, FM. Well done.

**CMcG** · 27th September 13, 05:06 AM

I seem to recall something about "Jocking" being done to avoid the "flying saucer" look of a bonnet that hasn't been broken in

For those who don't live near a pristine burn, creek, or other suitable bit of flowing water, perhaps a "pilgrimage" to the nearest one is in order!

**auld argonian** · 27th September 13, 08:06 AM

The idea of dipping one's headgear in a creek may work out for those of you who live in relatively pristine areas where the flow is provided by clean mountain runoff....those of us who live in the "flatlands" may not have those advantages. I'd be semi-reluctant to dip any article of clothing in the Chicago section of Lake Michigan and as for the Chicago River....I seriously doubt that any fabric dipped in the Chicago River would emerge intact. That or one would find one's self in a tug of war with a monster carp for the balmoral...

Best

AA

**English Bloke** · 27th September 13, 05:18 PM

Jock's original 'Jocking' thread is one of the best ever published on here, although he's actually being quite gentle compared to some of the shrinking and shaping methods I've seen done to similar head-dress.

Bonnet or beret, they look dreadful fresh out of the box and need a little 'individualisation' to give them character.

**sailortats** · 27th September 13, 06:24 PM

Ok, I understand the concept for jocking but......... is there any chance of ruining an expensive balmoral in doing this? No streams nearby and San Francisco Bay is not the place to try it so cold water in the sink is my best option. How long does it need to stay in the sink and how do I "wring" out the excess water before wearing it until it dries?
I tell you guys, I am scared stiff to try this with my Robert Mackie.