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WESA photos

March 3, 2011

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). 

Chico Basin

We visited Chico Basin, a large working ranch that offers guest stays and educational programs.

 

Horse in Chico Basin

Chico Basin

 

Restored Schoolhouse

Restored Schoolhouse (built in the late 1800s).

 

Jose and Jose Cerrillos

Jose Luis Cerrillos and his son, Jose of Continental Leather Fashions

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Bonita of Silverton Shirts

Larry and Jaya Knapp

Larry Knapp and his wife, Jaya of Cordon y Cuero

 

Gretel Underwood 

Gretel Underwood of Gretel Underwood, Inc.

Will Conner and Will Morgan

Will Conner of BC Hats and Will Morgan

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John Brady, Shady to his friends, of Shady Brady Hat Company

Rick Richardson and Kim Tune

Rick Richardson and Kim of Two Gray Hills 

 

Brian, Tom and Barry

Brian, Tom and Barry of Farm Boy and Farm Girl ClothingDale, Charon and Leo

Dale, Charon and Leo of Geier Glove

 

Bruce Chacon

Bruce Erickson of Chacon Belts

Linda Bodick

Linda Bodick of Kabana

 

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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 Features the Edge Ridge Hat Band

February 4, 2011

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.

 

Edge Ridge Hat Band

 

 

LEARN MORE ABOUT:

 

Hat Bands

Leather Braided Goods

How to Make a Long Oval

January 14, 2011

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:

 

David Morgan Has That Unique Christmas Gift

December 10, 2010

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)

 

Begg Scarves

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

 

Boma Frog Trivet in Rosewood

Boma Salmon Trivet in Slate

Photos from Our WESA Trip

October 29, 2010

Last September, Will and Mike attended the WESA (Western and English Sales Association) convention in Denver.  The western market is broad and varied, covering everything from horse tack to rhinestone studded shirts.  WESA is an opportunity for vendors and small shop owners to get together twice a year.  For us, it was a chance to present Akubra hats and Karaka whips. 

 

Since this was our first show, we didn’t know what to expect.  But everyone was very welcoming and cordial.  We met attendees from all over the world. 

 

Some may not know this, but David Morgan is also the distributor of Akubra hats and Karaka whips to the North American market.  We sell to retailers throughout the country.  Our goal is to give as many people as possible the chance to put an Akubra on their head and crack a Karaka before buying.

 

Though Mike and Will were kept busy inside of the Denver Merchandise Market, they managed to get out into the hills to surrounding sites.

 

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Prairie Dogs all about town.

 

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The Chatauqua Historical Center in Boulder.  One of the earliest educational centers, it is now a hotel and restaurant.

 

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Mountain Wildflowers.

 

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Aspen grove in Golden Gate Canyon State Park.

 

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A surly elk in Estes Park.

 

Rainier

Mount Rainier.  Almost home

Indy Should Have Worn an Akubra

October 14, 2010

We know Akubra means quality. But nothing speaks better than personal testimony.  We received this story from Mr. Gordon McDonald, whose Akubra experienced a trial of Biblical proportions.  

I just wanted to tell you about the fantastic quality of your Akubra hats and an interesting story.

 

Last year my family and I moved to Jerusalem, Israel to attend university.

I purchased one of your hats for both style, quality and the brand “an Australian icon”.

Qumran_Judean_Desert_Israel

Last January, while visiting the ancient site of Qumran ( the home of the Dead Sea Scrolls ) I lent my Akubra hat to my wife, as it was quite chilly. Well within twenty minutes a gust of wind blew it off her head and landed in the deepest cistern (well) at the archaeological site. Probably about 15-20 metres deep.

The park/site authorities had no means of getting my beloved hat out of the cistern.

 

It rained several times throughout our winter months and sustained temperatures of +40C (104 F).

 

As I visited the site a few times, I noticed my Akubra hat would rise and sink a few inches, mainly due to water collecting when it did rain.

 

Finally, eight months later, I got a fishing line, 3 barbed fishing hook and a sinker and retrieved my hat.  It was covered with all sorts of dust and dirt.

 

When I came home, I used my trusty Miele vacuum cleaner to remove the dirt as best as possible.

 

Well, the photos tell the rest of the story, as it may fit a little tighter, but my hat was restored to its nearly pristine condition.

 

I as well as my colleagues can’t believe that the hat looks as good as it does, with being in the cistern in the harsh Judean wilderness for 8 months.

 

Thank you for making such a great product. This is one hat, I will always treasure.

 

 

Akubra_bottom_of_cistern

 

Thanks for a wonderful story. Akubra always holds up in a pinch.

 

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The New David Morgan Catalog Is Out

September 24, 2010

Our Fall/Winter 2010 catalog is now out. For those who haven’t yet received a copy, it should arrive within the next week or so. If you would like to request a catalog, you can do so here.

 

And of course you can always shop online. We have several new items including hats, scarves and jewelry. Below is just a sample of the many items available.

 

We now carry Begg scarves from Scotland. Since 1869, Begg has produced some of the world’s finest woolen scarves.

 

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From Boma, the bright face of this Frog Trivet will warm any kitchen. Also available in a salmon design.

 

 

 

 

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A perfect complement to your fall wardrobe, this Ivy Cap is made of 100% Merino wool with a water repellent finish.

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For any questions on any of our items, don’t hesitate to call us at (800) 324-4934.  We’re open Monday through Friday, 9 am to 5 pm Pacific Time.

 

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Kangaroo Lace

September 10, 2010

David Morgan sells two types of lace: hand-cut and machine-cut. There are advantages and disadvantages to each. Use the information below to help plan your next braiding project.

 

 

Hand-Cut Lace:

 

Hand-cut lace is best for small projects, such as hat bands and lanyards. The lace is cut in our own workshop. Unlike a machine, we are able to avoid any scars in the skin.  We stretch and test each roll. There is, at a maximum, only one join per 60 foot roll. Available in black and tan. Sizes: 1/8 inch and 1/4 inch.

 

1/8 inch Hand-Cut Lace

1/8 Inch Hand-Cut Lace

 

Machine-Cut Lace:

 

Machine-cut lace is cheaper than our hand-cut lace and is recommended for beginners. However, a machine cannot navigate around scars and will include weak points in the lace. It is also not stretched and tested. There are usually two to three joins per 50 meters of lace. Available in black and tan. Sizes: 3 mm and 6 mm (approximately 1/8 inch and 1/4 inch).

 

Machine-Cut Lace

1/4 Inch Machine-Cut Lace

 

LEARN MORE ABOUT:

 

Lace Cutters

Kangaroo Skins

The Stylemaster: Akubra Quality in a Classic Design

August 27, 2010

David Morgan is pleased to offer an additional fedora to our line: the Stylemaster.

 

 

Stylemaster

 

Although its elegant design makes it a natural for the city, it doesn’t need any pampering. With Akubra’s quality construction, this fedora will stand up to the rain, snow and sun with no worries.

 

The pinched telescope crown starts at 4 1/4 inches at the front, rises to 4 3/4 inches on the side and then drops to 3 7/8 inches in the back. The 2 1/2 inch bound brim snaps down in front. Pure fur felt in Akubra’s Imperial Quality. The hat is fully lined and has a 1 1/2 inch grosgrain band. Carbon Grey.

 

LEARN MORE ABOUT:

 

Akubra Hats

 

Hat Etiquette

August 13, 2010

As the popularity in hats increases, several generations of men are now confused on how to properly wear, and, just as importantly, not wear, a hat. 

Andy Gilchrist, founder of Ask Andy About Clothes and sartorial maven, offers several tips on hat etiquette:

A hat should be removed when inside, except for public areas such as lobbies, corridors and non-residential elevators. When a lady is present in an elevator, the hat must be removed. 

A hat must be removed for the National Anthem, passing of the Flag and funeral processions, outdoor weddings, dedications, and photographs.

It is acceptable for women to wear hats in Christian churches, (it was once required, but the custom has all but disappeared) but disrespectful for men to wear them. 

Never hold the hat so that the lining is visible.

Tip your hat by lifting it slightly off of your forehead. You should tip it when meeting a lady or to say to anyone, male or female: thank you, excuse me, hello, goodbye, you’re welcome or how do you do. Tipping the hat is a gesture of politeness.

I’d like to add one more suggestion. If you are unsure of the situation, display your gentlemanly manners by removing your hat. No one will ever be displeased by a sign of respect.

LEARN MORE ABOUT:

Akubra Hats

Tilley Hats