“How Do I Buy a Hat or Bonnet?”
As spring is just around the corner, the 2020 Millinery season is picking up. Here is what you need to know about my millinery this year….
This year, I will make 1 or 2 straw pieces each week. This means about 6 hats and/or bonnets each month. I will offer at least 1 decorated piece each month as well. During the summer, I will be sewing full time as my sole income.
I sell all of my straw millinery through my Etsy shop.
Pieces can sell quickly…. Sometimes that is days…. Sometimes that is hours…. Sometimes that is minutes……
Be The First To Know
The best way to know new millinery is available is to subscribe to this blog.
I post pieces here as I post them on Etsy. To subscribe and receive emails for each new post, look under my photo to the right for the subscribe box that says “enter your email address” and a button that says “Follow My Blog.” If you are on your phone, you will find this at the bottom. Enter your email if you want email notifications. Click “Follow My Blog” if you want WordPress notifications. Yes, you can do both.
Know Your Size
It is a good idea to know what size and style you want ahead of time so you don’t second guess yourself. Take a look at my post on hat sizes and measure your head. Then browse my blog to look at the different styles I offer.
When you see a piece you like, click on the orange Etsy button, also found under my photo, or the link in each description.
About My Millinery
I focus on two types of millinery: straw plait millinery and quilted/wadded winter millinery. All of my straw pieces are hand sewn using historic techniques. I use both original bonnet and hat blocks, as well as hand carved blocks for blocking my pieces. I use two different millinery sizings. While I primarily offer straw forms, I occasionally offer fully decorated pieces. When I do, I use appropriate techniques and as accurate trimmings as possible. Given the likelihood that antique silk ribbons will shatter or fracture, I strongly prefer not to use them in pieces to be worn. I want you to be able to wear your millinery for years. I currently offer:
- 1400-1600s – Researching
- Late 1700 – Starting to look at
- Regency era – Developing appropriate shapes.
- 1820s-1830s – Dabbling.
- 1840s – Working off an original block.
- 1850s through 1864 – Making a variety of bonnets and hats
- Bustle era – Making occasionally. I am eyeing a couple original blocks.
Working with original blocks, I find these bonnets and hats feel “average” to “small” for most modern women. Most of my pieces are average to small. I do try to regularly make average to large pieces as well. Each Etsy listing will have measurements.
- Small is 19.5″- 21″ (for a 21″ to 22″ head)
- Average is from 21″-22.5″ (for a 22″ to 23″ head)
- Large is 23″-23.5″, maybe 24″ (for a 23″ to 24″ head)
Pricing
I do my best to keep millinery pieces as affordable as possible. Please, keep in mind each piece is entirely hand crafted, that I hand sew each row of straw, and I hand select each trim used. With the current cost of straw, necessary materials and shipping, undecorated straw forms will start at $110. Variations in straw, style, and (brim) will influence the price.
Custom Orders
I am currently not taking requests or commissions or orders. I find if I take requests, I am quickly working too many months out. I don’t like keeping people waiting.
I will not do sales outside of Etsy because Etsy is also how I keep track of sales.
Winter Millinery
I offer winter millinery, quilted bonnets and wadded hoods, seasonally. This usually is from November through January.
If I Had My Own Blue Box: 
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