We’re looking for customers who wouldn’t mind appearing on the David Morgan website. Send us a photograph of yourself in any hat that you have purchased from David Morgan.
We’d like to place your photograph with that particular hat under our ‘more images’ tab. If you would like, please also send in your first name and location.
We will also have a blog page with everyone’s submission. Send your photo to [email protected]
Alberto’s grandson in his Lightning Ridge
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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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:
Hitched horsehair belt (three sections of the belt)
Hitched horsehair hat band
Hitched horsehair quirt
Domingo and David
Domingo, Pablo, David and Alfredo
Meagan, David and Pablo
Below, Pablo’s rawhide work. The colors are obtained from coffee or walnut shells.
Hatband, eyeglass holder and lanyard
Knife handle wrap and scabbard
Reins with quirt end
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Last fall we posted that Oprah would take an adventure to Australia. (See below.) We speculated that she was wearing a Cattleman.
Recently the Washington Post spotted her with Ralph Lauren at his ranch in Telluride, Colorado. She is indeed wearing a Cattleman. The color is regency fawn.
Original Post From Last February:
This December Oprah will go on an adventure to Australia with 300 of her fans.
We’re sure she’ll have a great trip, after all, she’s already got her hat. Speaking of hats, is that an Akubra Cattleman that she’s wearing?
Update: See more photos from Hat Life.
New at David Morgan is the acorn colored Stylemaster. While our carbon gray is a fine neutral color that complements much of your wardrobe, the acorn works best with earth tones.
The Stylemaster is popular with men of all ages. The 2 1/2 inch brim is ideal with younger men and the overall elegance of the hat attracts those looking for a classic style.
The pinched telescope crown is 4 1/4 inches at the front, rising to 4 3/4 inches on the side and then down to 3 7/8 inches in the back. The bound edge adds a distinguished touch. The brim is usually snapped down in front and up in back.
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Recently, the David Morgan Company was featured as a question on Cash Cab. Here is the question and answer as recorded on the website Livedash:
00:00:55
All right. So, here’s your first question.
00:00:58
Since 1981,the David Morgan Company has crafted 38 kangaroo-hide bullwhips for the use of what Harrison Ford on-screen archeologist?
00:01:09
Um — oh, man,why am I blanking on this?
00:01:13
Indiana Jones. Indiana Jones.
It’s always fun to see a pop cultural reference to our company!
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Our trip to the January Western Equestrian Sales Association ( WESA ) in Denver was a success. The January show is larger than September’s, giving Will and Mike a chance to introduce Akubra Hats to more dealers (and make more friends).
We visited Chico Basin, a large working ranch that offers guest stays and educational programs.
Chico Basin
Restored Schoolhouse (built in the late 1800s).
Jose Luis Cerrillos and his son, Jose of Continental Leather Fashions
Bonita of Silverton Shirts
Larry Knapp and his wife, Jaya of Cordon y Cuero
Gretel Underwood of Gretel Underwood, Inc.
Will Conner of BC Hats and Will Morgan
John Brady, Shady to his friends, of Shady Brady Hat Company
Rick Richardson and Kim of Two Gray Hills
Brian, Tom and Barry of Farm Boy and Farm Girl Clothing
Dale, Charon and Leo of Geier Glove
Bruce Erickson of Chacon Belts
Linda Bodick of Kabana
From left to right: Tinka and Tisha (Edna Designs), Pam (Whimsical Originals), Pat Dahnke & Christina (Designs by Pat) and Michelle (Red Star Riggings Hat).
American Cowboy recently issued a Collector’s Edition dedicated to John Wayne. Page 46 features a picture of Wayne in traditional western gear. They then list all of the places you can purchase similar items today. We are pleased that American Cowboy recommended David Morgan’s own Edge Ridge Hat Band. The article was written by accomplished Western Stylist Thea Marx.
All of our braided hat bands are made of kangaroo leather. Besides being one of the strongest leathers around, kangaroo leather is also supple and light. Not only do we use it for our hat bands, but also for our chin straps and whips.
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When you first purchase a hat, you may be surprised that, even though it’s the right size, it may not sit properly on your head. Like a pair of jeans or shoes, a hat may need time to adjust to the shape of your head. And for many people, their head is a little longer then the normal shape of the hat. If this is the case, then your head is a long oval.
With a long oval, the hat must be elongated from the front to the back. This will pull the sides in closer to the head. There are two methods of shaping the hat.
One tried and true way is to follow the old cowboys. Get the hat wet and wear it until it dries. Wetting the hat loosens the felt enough to conform to your head shape. Once you wear the hat and continue to wear it, it will maintain its shape.
The second way is much easier. All you need is a hat stretcher and a tea kettle. David will show you the rest:
With Christmas just two weeks away, you might be a little nervous if you haven’t found the right gift. Don’t worry! David Morgan carries a large selection of unique items. Our Pacific NW Indian Jewelry will please anyone with an artistic bent while our socks can satisfy those with a more practical side.
Below are two items that David Morgan has recently acquired:
For 150 years, Begg Scarves have been the epitome of style and craftsmanship. Their classic design will last long after any fad has faded away. Our lambswool scarves are incredibly warm and light. The Jura wool provides warmth and wicking properties while the Angora adds a silky feel. Colors: bordeaux, denim, evergreen, cooper beige (beige and light blue stripes) and ontario blue (blue plaid with red and white)
Note: Begg scarves are no longer sold.
Boma’s trivets lend both form and function to any kitchen. Made of recycled glass, it can be heated up to 340 degrees Fahrenheit. But don’t let the sturdiness fool you. The frog and salmon designs should hang on your kitchen wall when not in use. They are that beautiful. Colors: rosewood and slate gray
