June 2011 - David Morgan

Tilly’s Airflo: A Lightweight Hat with Superb Sun Protection

June 24, 2011

After this year’s long winter, we’re all ready to make the most out of summer. But amidst the picnics, camping and golf, we can’t forget to protect our heads.

Tilley’s Airflo fits the bill. It weighs a mere four ounces and offers excellent skin protection with a UPF rating of 50+. UPF stands for Ultraviolet Protection Factor and unlike SPF (Sunlight Protection Factor), the rating includes standards for both Ultraviolet A and Ultraviolet B waves.

The crown contains a polyester mesh for ventilation. Tilley fabricates the sweatband with Hydrofil®, a modern fabric that keeps sweat away from your skin. The hat’s body is composed of Nylamtium®, a nylon that resists water and mildew.

The stitched brim is 3-1/2 inches on the front and back and 2-1/2 inches on the sides. You can use the adjustable ties for windy days. The Velcro closure on the small pocket in the crown safely holds a key, card, or cash.

Machine wash, air dry. Colors: Natural (with a green under-brim) or Khaki (with an olive under-brim). Made in Canada by Tilley Endurables.

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A Visit from Cowboy Craftsmen

June 3, 2011

We were recently honored by the visit of two highly distinguished cowboy arts craftsmen.

Alfredo Campos, from Federal Way Washington, is one of the world’s foremost horsehair hitchers. In 1999 he was honored with a National Heritage Fellowship from the National Endowment for the Arts. David and Alfredo have known and encouraged each other for a very long time. Alfredo provided a quirt or two for our old Ballard store.

A couple of weeks ago Alfredo brought his Argentinian friend, Pablo Lozano to our new location in Bothell. He was accompanied by translator and Floridian cowboy Domingo Hernandez.

Pablo learned much of his craft from Luis Alberto Flores of Buenes Aires whom David had corresponded with from 1966 until recently. Luis Flores had hosted Bruce Grant in Argentina and taught him techniques which appear in the Encyclopedia of Leather and Rawhide Braiding. Pablo showed us a braid (using kangaroo leather!) that Bruce Grant had not documented in his book.

Pablo is a member of the Traditional Cowboy Arts Association.

We had an excellent time exchanging braiding tips and looking at the gaucho’s amazing work.

You can get some idea in the photographs below the patience and skill invested in creating these beautiful pieces.

Below, Alfredo’s hitched horsehair work: