Jock's New Balmoral

**The Barry** · 8th March 10, 10:15 AM

Great pics of this time-tested method of bonnet-fitting!

**thescot** · 8th March 10, 10:26 AM

Jock you have perfectly illustrated what I've advocated for a long time, i.e., adjust your bonnet before wearing it by soaking and drying and fitting! I always give mine a soaking in the sink since I don't have a bern nearby.

The best advice you gave is "patience." Don't rush the process. To make a bonnet look googd and well-worn, you really do have to spend a few days on it. But the end product will be worth the time it takes.

Can't wait to see it when you're all done. Thanks for the photos. That is one very fine bonnet.

**Ozark Ridge Rider** · 13th March 10, 07:35 PM

Originally Posted by thescot

Jock you have perfectly illustrated what I've advocated for a long time, i.e., adjust your bonnet before wearing it by soaking and drying and fitting! I always give mine a soaking in the sink since I don't have a bern nearby.

December's Alexandria Scottish Christmas Walk did a pretty good job of the whole process.

**okiwen** · 8th March 10, 12:09 PM

I like the knitted dicing and the felted top. I am interested in learning how they've made this. I like to learn new things even when I never intend on doing this myself (can you imagine the time???). My Mackie didn't come with the ability to adjust the back at all. Solid all the way around. I wold have liked that option greatly. It would have made tying the bow easier too.

I like the color. I am tired of seeing blue and black.

**ali8780** · 8th March 10, 01:38 PM

Jock, you're a brave man

I like it, and I like the look of it after it's been "worn" a bit

**Tobus** · 8th March 10, 01:45 PM

I like the color. I am tired of seeing blue and black.

Me too! I recently bought a "desert tan" Balmoral which is actually not too different in color than Jock's "fawn" colored one.

Mine's not a Mackie, as I can't afford those, and mine's a 'starter' Balmoral anyway. I haven't done anything with it but stuff it in the closet for now, but Jock's timely advice is exactly what I intend to do with mine to get the 'worn in' look.

I don't have a burn nearby, so I'll be dunking mine in the horse trough or a rain barrel.

**cessna152towser** · 8th March 10, 03:19 PM

Guid oan ya Jock!

Would be good to see comparative photos of the new bonnet once it is weathered, against its original new condition and against the old bonnet.

**pdcorlis** · 8th March 10, 06:07 PM

A tip of my bonnet to you sir - I remember getting my bonnet out of its airmail pouch and thinking "This just won't do." After a few days of dunking, drying, prodding, and poking it became quite wearable - in my opinion...

**NewEnglander** · 8th March 10, 06:14 PM

I look forward to seeing pics of the final product. My first bonnet is on its way across the Atlantic.

**Jock Scot** · 9th March 10, 02:25 AM

It is now morning on day two of the bonnet customizing process.

The bonnet is retrieved from the burn, hung up to dry and then beaten up some more!

Ok. I hope that the bonnet has shrunk to a snug fit, the wool will start to get a bit softer and with a bit of luck the shaping can start. Fit and shape are really what I am after, the "worn" fifty mission look is just an added bonus.