Jock's New Balmoral

**piperdbh** · 22nd March 10, 10:54 AM

I made a pair of wool gloves and felted them this weekend. They're very thick and need a good Jocking to soften them up.

**NewGuise** · 22nd March 10, 11:44 AM

Personally, I've jocked more than few items of clothing in my day, not always deliberately, but I'm pleased to have a word for it at last. Thank you, Jock Scot.

**Brian K** · 22nd March 10, 07:35 PM

As you know, my principal contribution to this thread was a declaration that I didn't think I could bring myself to abuse a bonnet as valuable as a Mackie Balmoral in the manner herein demonstrated. I was assured it was a necessary process and that I would have to make myself do it!

About 2 weeks ago I received a PM from Jock inquiring about my hat size. It seemed he had a Mackie Bonnet in need of a home. After a few exchanges I agreed to risk it and Jock posted his generous gift on March 10th.

This morning I received a text message from my sister at 7:45 am. She is the Postmaster of our small town and she had been keeping an eye open for my package - it had arrived.

Jock had told me it was a 7 1/4 (a generous 7 1/4) so it shouldn't be too difficult to stretch it to fit. It had already been "Jocked" so it was used to being tortured and would probably comply

.

No further torture is necessary (not that I won't try the technique just to see it first hand) as it fits like it was made for me!

I am now the proud owner of a Robert Mackie Balmoral bonnet that has been customized by the hand of a master - to whom I owe a debt of gratitude.

Jock, if I am ever fortunate enough to visit Inverness I'll by a bottle and we'll share a wee (not so wee?) dram or three!! Thank you, my friend!

This picture was taken by one of the kids at the store where I am the assistant manager.

**Jock Scot** · 22nd March 10, 10:16 PM

Your smile says it all! All you need now is a badge and you will then really look the part. Do you know I think if it were me, I think I would leave well alone if it fits as well as you say it does.

**okiwen** · 23rd March 10, 12:13 AM

Brian,

Very nice looking. I think I have decided to get one very similar now. I like the light color.

Good job Jock.

**KFCarter** · 23rd March 10, 04:03 AM

Let's see: a great tutorial, a new word, a bonnet with a new home, a new bonnet on order... this thread just keeps bearing fruit.

Well done!

**English Bloke** · 23rd March 10, 04:14 AM

That was a dashed nice thing to do Mr Scot.

**Brian K** · 23rd March 10, 09:46 AM

Originally Posted by Jock Scot

Your smile says it all! All you need now is a badge and you will then really look the part....

Ahhh....a badge. I've been thinking about that. I hear Steve is ordering some more X Marks cap badges, so that's a possibility. My great-grandfather was an Anderson and the finest gentleman I've ever known. The Anderson badge with the oak tree and the motto "Stand Sure" would be a nice way to honor him. I understand there are also Masonic cap badges that would celebrate an important connection for me. My Lodge sponsors the local Boy Scout troop and I have an old fashioned blazer crest with the BSA emblem embroidered in metal threads on black velvet that might look good there on occasion.

The other thing I have thought of is due to my proximity to Ft. Drum and the number of soldiers who live in our town and shop in our store it might be nice to see if I could get something that references the storied 10th Mountain Division or one of its component units as a sign of support, but I'd hate to give anyone the mistaken impression that I had served in that unit myself, so I've decided that might not be a good idea. What do the rest of you think? (Longhuntr, you're in the 10th. Is there something acceptable for family and friends of the division to wear?)

Can anyone tell me where the best place to buy cap badges is - especially the best price/quality ratio?

Regards,

Brian

**unaspenser** · 23rd March 10, 10:01 AM

lovely bonnets, and thanks for the tutorial on jocking, Jock! I do something rather similar (if a bit less outdoorsy) with the bonnets I make, using a wooden hat stretcher and some muscle, but I much prefer your method. Maybe I'll refer my customers here when they ask about sizing and shaping.