Essays and Such
Irish Cultural Society
of San Antonio Texas
Promoting Awareness of Irish Culture
PROPER CARE AND FEEDING OF
AN IRISH TWEED COUNTRY HAT
THE PROPER CARE AND FEEDING OF
NORM THOMPSON'S
ORIGINAL IRISH COUNTRY HAT
A fine tweed hat is as distinctive and personal a piece of headgear as you can own. Naturally water repellent, virtually wear-proof, it will give you both protection and style in sun, rain, or snow. Comfortably snug but not tight ... it'll stay on your head even in the most stubborn of winds. Your Irish Country hat is the product-result of centuries of tradition. 100% raw wool is handspun, hand-woven and hand-tailored into a one-of-a-kind personal treasure. In Clifden, on the wild, rocky coast of Ireland, this unique headgear is created by an individual, for an individual. Each is hand-cut and separately sewn, so no two of them are exactly alike. Getting the most out of your Irish Country hat requires a little effort on your part. With tender loving care, your tweed hat will become yours and yours alone (providing you have a good place to hide it). It will deliver many years of distinctive wearing comfort, scores of compliments, definitely some admiring glances, and the satisfaction in knowing you own the endproduct of unsurpassed craftsmanship. Caring for your Irish Country Hat. Your new hat is tailored from handwoven tweeds and requires a certain amount of care. When wet, the hat should be dried slowly (never over a radiator). It will need little cleaning, ever. Surprisingly, a few spots will add a touch of distinctiveness to your hat. If your hat should fall in the mud, get a damp cloth or damp brush, brush or wipe the mud off with clean water and let the hat "air dry." When dry, go over the spot again with a stiff brush. Grease or similar type spots can be removed with a small amount of cleaning fluid. Your tweed hat can be successfully dry-cleaned, although the need should never arise. A few suggestions when traveling. If you travel, the best way to fold your hat is to lay it out flat on its side, roll it up as you would a newspaper (side to side), put a rubber band around it, and put it in a secure place in your travel kit - or just slip it into your pocket. Folding, rolling or crushing will do no harm. In fact, every new wrinkle adds character. How to shape your hat! Since proud Irish craftsmen believe the shape of a hat is a personal matter, the Irish Country hat is made with the final shaping left up to you. Whether you prefer a porkpie, slouch, or your very own creation, it's easy to do. Think of your hat as a mound of clay yet to be sculptured. Don't hesitate to experiment as you decide on dips, creases and curves, brim positioning (can be worn up or down), and over-all fullness. You may want to prop the hat on top of an over-turned mixing bowl or similar working base to add inner support. Secure your original creases and shapes in your "work of art" by using safety or straight pins, and then steam it. A steam kettle is the easiest device to use (though you could join friends in a Turkish bath if you're in the mood). After steaming, set the hat aside to dry, thoroughly to firm the shape or better yet, put the hat in the refrigerator or freezer overnight. You may get a few puzzled looks from family members via this method, but this WILL set the shape of your hat and will give you the personalized, distinctive piece of headgear so desirable in these days of conformity. Remove the pins only after you feel the hat is completely dry. The shape of your hat can say a lot. We've found that there are two very satisfying things about shaping your own hat. You can usually achieve close to the exact effect you want (very hard to do with a ready shaped hat). And somehow a hat you shaped yourself before and while you're wearing it is much more flattering and personal than a factory-made product. Living with your new companion. Some of the great admirers and collectors of Irish tweed hats, in order to make their hat appear properly-aged more quickly, will fold the hat and walk on it, to take a little of the newness away ... undoubtedly, a bit of a drastic "step." As far as adding character to your hat, simply shape the hat to your taste and wear it, letting it become uniquely yours every minute in use. Like a vintage wine, it takes on an age and flavor all its own. Change the shape whenever you want! If you decide to change the shape of your tweed hat, just go back to the old steam kettle and pins to get the desired result. Don't be afraid to change the looks as your mood or activity changes. Your tweed hat will soon become one of your favorite companions on all your "adventures." Give your hat a little loving care and let it age and grow with you. You'll find it becomes something very personal, that is yours and yours alone. If you ever have any questions concerning your hat (or any product we offer) drop a line to: Customer Service Norm Thompson 1805 N.W. Thurman Portland, Oregon 97209 ANOTHER FINE IRISH TWEED FASHION FROM NORM THOMPSON The Connemara tweed jacket... a dashing sport coat fashioned from the same handwoven tweed as your new Irish Country hat. We've taken the best lines of the socalled "Ivy League blazer" and combined them with a deep single vent in back, wider lapels, and meticulous pocket treatment. Available in grey or brown. For further information, specifications, and prices on this Norm Thompson exclusive, refer to your catalog or call TOLL FREE 1-800-547-6712 (excluding Oregon, Hawaii and Alaska).