And when the Lubbock hat opportunity arose, I just couldn't pass it up. Before tackling the big task of hauling pickup and trailerloads of heavy equipment back to Abilene, Albus stayed some time in Lubbock to learn more of the craft from the Lubbock hat maker. That was fun. But later, the transporting of the machinery back from Lubbock to Abilene was a titanic chore. It was hard work - with some real good friends helping Donna and me to move everything.
Many pieces take at least two men to lift.
I'll probably work on leather after hours. I'll have plenty to keep me busy - for sure. He plans to do all kinds of special leather work but saddles. Expect a two-week turnaround time Damon estimates that a customer can expect to get his hat back in about two weeks after leaving it for cleaning and blocking. Individual services also include putting on a new sweat band, trimming the brim, sewing in a new liner, re-shaping, attaching new ribbons and eyelets.