No wonder the old-timers were so darned protective of their hats.

I'm a small custom hatter in Alabama. I also stream my hat making, to show the process in hopes others want tot get into the craft

Wow, Jessie.  A nine-month out-of-body gestation period for your newly made, historically correct, working hat.   You don't have to be patient all by yourself.  All of us viewers are patiently (and eagerly) awaiting its arrival right along with you.   🤠

There was a hatter in a small town in Montana who made custom beaver felt hats. I stopped in one day and listened to his story and how he made his hats. He had several samples on racks, and it was very apparent that Stetson was not top-of-the-line. I purchased a hat from him that day, and months later, I picked it up.  This was decades ago, and the price was closing on 1k. After years of regular use, that hat has plenty of character and continues to look good and do its job. I, on the other hand... It was a fine purchase.

I had no idea how these hats were made. I didn’t realize the depth of the craftsmanship that went into the process.  I’d like to see AI try to do this!  9 months will fly by in no time at all.

All I can say is what a beautiful  home love the cook stove

I watched Quigley couple months back after seeing a video of yours. It's now one of my favourite movies.  Love how it perfectly shares the very sad aspects of Australian history while capturing key parts of American history. I think it's such an important movie. By the way, having a hat made in this way is so special and a great way to keep history alive. Awesome video!

Got my 100% beaver hat at the Double H custom hat shop in Darby Montana. Looks like Clint Eastwoods "Hang yum High" hat in Chocolate. So sweet.

Good heavens !!  I had no idea of the choices that had to be made when ordering a REAL hat!! 💖

This is amazing! So thankful for you, and all of the younger generation like you who care about keeping traditions, old ways and skills alive! What a great educational video! ❤

Great selections.  I am sure it will be beautiful.

Super cool! What a fun daughter mom “date” to design a hat!

That is a great story that is unfolding.  My Grandfather and Dad both wore "Open Road" hats, which inspired me as a teenager. But it wasn't until I turned 40ish that I began wearing vintage hats. I still have one vintage Stetson open road, which I had restored several years ago. 5 years ago I treated myself to the best hat I've ever owned. I contacted a woman hatmaker in Boulder, Colorado, for a fitting. She used a similar device to measure my head. I picked a top of the line beaver felt in "natural" shade, a wide brim, rolled and ribbon bound with the same vintage ribbon used on the brim. It took several months to finally take delivery, but when I finally got it, and placed it on my head, I realized this was the absolute best hat I had ever placed on my head. It wasn't cheap at $1,100. 00 , but "life is short" as they say. Looking forward to seeing yours when it arrives.

Cool Cool Cool!!!! I Wish I Had Me A Hat!

Wow- you hit the jack pot with that specialty hat store! What a treat to have your own hat made to order. You must be over the moon Jesse! A nice history lesson. Thanks for taking us along :-)

This is exciting!  I'm so happy for you 💗!

27 years ago I moved to Montana from overseas and I was invited flyfishing by an acquaintance, a gigantic Norvegian/native guy.  When I motioned to pick his beaver hat to watch it, he snarled: "IN THE WEST DON'T TOUCH A MAN'S HAT"
Eventually we became brotherly friends. I never touched his hat, though.😅

Looking forward to seeing your custom new hat!

You deserve it ! That was interesting to see all of the tools they use to make the hats.

This was a wealth of knowledge, none of which I had before. Thank you!