New R.R. Bonnet Features & Colors- Your Input?

**Nighthawk** · 4th July 11, 12:39 PM

Personally, I'd like the option of having the internal or external drawstring. I never was a bi fan of cockades or contrasting bands and torries, so I like that you can still color-match everything, while having the option of a contrasting band. So all in all, it seems to me that these options simply add a nice touch of customization to whatever bonnet you order, while still leaving you the option of having a plain ol' simple, historical looking bonnet. Can't wait to get mine!

**Cowher** · 7th July 11, 06:54 PM

Ryan I think all you have done is fantastic. I do like the color additions as well as the two tone offering. I'm not crazy about the external tie but for many I can see how it would be attractive. Owning one of your bonnets is a joy and it is a fine example of beautiful craftsmanship and personally I love the internal tie.

Well done brother!

**artificer** · 7th July 11, 06:58 PM

I like my Ross bonnets basic, but all of these options are wonderful for those who want the extra bells & whistles.

Also a HUGE fan of the new navy blue.

ith:

**Scottish Terrier** · 7th July 11, 07:16 PM

I like the new colors, especially rust. I'll be ordering mine when the new line up is ready to go. Thank for the heads up!

**Nighthawk** · 7th July 11, 08:11 PM

OK, so I've owned my lovat green bonnet for about 2 hours now, and I have to say, the color is beautiful! The bonnet is nice and comfortable, and kept my dome dry in the rain tonight. I love it would not hesitate to recommend one to anyone!

**Cowher** · 9th July 11, 04:34 AM

I second that nighthawk. I own upwards of 20 flatcaps as well as a balmoral a glengarry and a few other hats. My R.R. bonnet is the most comfortable of them all it's like a snuggie for your head.

**Ryan Ross** · 10th July 11, 09:29 AM

Thanks so much for the feedback and kind words, gentlemen.

I forgot to mention another standard option that I'd like to add with no additional cost. We'll soon be offering three toorie options- No Toorie, Matching Toorie, and Red Toorie. I'm thinking that some folks, especially those that opt for a bonnet in black, with external drawstring and cockade, might like a red toorie.

Be sure to check the STM Gift Shop's Hand Knit Bonnet page from time to time(linked in the first post) to see when these options go live.

Originally Posted by piperdbh

Dr. Ross,
I like the external drawstring idea. Seems like I've seen it somewhere before.

Would it make life easier if you set up the order page similar to:
Step 1. Pick the bonnet color.
Step 2. Pick the band color.
Step 3. Pick the optional cockade color.

and have samples of the colors you're offering?

I must say, I'm not a fan of the cockade. I'd say leave that to Mackie, and let your bonnets be their own thing.

I hope you sell a truckload of them.

Indeed, and friend of mine turned me on to the external drawstring idea some time ago, but I was slow to experiment with it.

I'd really like to figure out a way to streamline the ordering process down to allow for a completely custom bonnet, where you can sellect any feature to be added on or left behind on any bonnet. I'm not sure how difficult that would be to do, but we're looking into our options. The other way we might go is offering a "Historic Broadbonnet" model and a "Modern Balmoral" option.

And speaking of- The reason I'm going to offer the cockade is that I've noticed a lot of folks are either asking for, it or are wearing something on their bonnet that necessitates some extra support to prevent bonnet sagging. I think I've cleaned up the design a bit since I made the one pictured, as well. I'm certainly not interested it trying to compete with Mackie (which would be ridiculous), but I would like to offer an option that would allow folks to wear a crest badge or brooch without adding anything to the bonnet after-market.

Originally Posted by McFarkus

Will the cockade be optional? I prefer mine plain.

It certainly will be optional, sir. Like many folks, I like to wear my bonnet plain, most of the time.

Originally Posted by Matty Ross

Sorry I just could not stand to see our family crest inverted, so I fixed it for you.

Thanks very much!

Originally Posted by piperdbh

Cotton won't felt, and so you'd wind up with a funny-looking cotton toboggan instead of a nice, smooth bonnet.

Well said!

ith:

Originally Posted by Nighthawk

Personally, I'd like the option of having the internal or external drawstring. I never was a bi fan of cockades or contrasting bands and torries, so I like that you can still color-match everything, while having the option of a contrasting band. So all in all, it seems to me that these options simply add a nice touch of customization to whatever bonnet you order, while still leaving you the option of having a plain ol' simple, historical looking bonnet. Can't wait to get mine!

Aye, all of these features will be optional. I want to make sure that I'm always able to offer something simple and truly historical in character, no matter what.

**beerbecue** · 24th July 11, 07:29 PM

Will the STM gift shop page be updated to reflect these new options?

I like the cockade and external drawstring quite a bit.

**xman** · 24th July 11, 09:22 PM

All I can say is that I'm not a bonnet wearer, but yours have always impressed me most and with the new colours and features, even more so.

**M. A. C. Newsome** · 25th July 11, 04:31 AM

Originally Posted by beerbecue

Will the STM gift shop page be updated to reflect these new options?

I like the cockade and external drawstring quite a bit.

Yes, it will. I've been busy all summer working on a complete update and revision of our entire gift shop site. It's taking forever, but I'm about 90% done right now. I will certainly be posting an announcement here once that update is up and live.