RavenAus Report post Posted January 4, 2013 This is my first hat, all in leather from the Tandy 2662 pattern 'Aristocrat' hat The pattern is a bit of a pig and not exactly symmetrical but it worked out in the end. I haven't dyed it yet, still deciding what colour to do it, brown or black. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
benlilly1 Report post Posted January 4, 2013 Cool hat! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
hornm Report post Posted January 4, 2013 Looks good! Can't wait to see what it looks like when it all finished Horn Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
johnj Report post Posted January 4, 2013 That one bad hat Harry! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
immiketoo Report post Posted January 4, 2013 That looks great! I like how the hat follows the same lines as your face. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Cozee Report post Posted January 4, 2013 Great looking hat. Got a pic of the top? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
ReneeCanady Report post Posted January 4, 2013 I like it! Can't wait to see how you decide to dye it. Are you going steampunkish with it? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
RavenAus Report post Posted January 4, 2013 Thank you everyone! I'm dithering on the colour mainly cause I'm not too good at dyeing leather. I'm using Eco-flo from Tandy but it keeps ending up blotchy. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Matt S Report post Posted January 5, 2013 Eco Flo? Theres your problem. Get you a bottle of Fiebing's Pro Oil Dye. Much better. Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Jazznow Report post Posted January 6, 2013 I have some hat patterns in digital format bought from leathercraft library I think. Always hesitated because I don't knw how to fit those patterns to my head. Any advise, please? Yours turned out great! Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
RavenAus Report post Posted January 6, 2013 Eco Flo? Theres your problem. Get you a bottle of Fiebing's Pro Oil Dye. Much better. Unfortunately I have to use what I have due to budget and availability, so I really need to figure this dye out. I have 2, the standard and the all in one. Both are giving the same problem though, wherever I start ends up darker, and it seems impossible to get a good finish for me. Would casing the leather, or dampening at least, first help or hinder? Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
Northmount Report post Posted January 6, 2013 (edited) Try using a deglazer to remove anything on the surface that may be impeding the dye soaking into the leather. Also try using some oxalic acid to remove any stains. Otherwise, a lot of posts recommend thinning the dye, then building up the color in layers, allowing to dry and buffing well in between. Airbrush has also been recommended. Not too expensive so might be within your budget. Lots of info on airbrushing here if you want to do a search. Great job on the hat, and keep testing different ideas for dying the leather before actually doing the hat. Too many of us are in a big hurry and jump right in without any testing or practice. Tom Edit: Some do dampen the leather slightly before applying the dye. Some also give the leather a very light coat of oil (Neatsfoot or Extra Virgin Olive OIl (EVOO)). Neatsfoot will darken the leather more than EVOO. Edited January 6, 2013 by northmount Quote Share this post Link to post Share on other sites
