Today’s Millinery, x 2

I have two Regency millinery pieces to share tonight. 

First. 

I made this Regency era straw bonnet working directly from original fashion illustrations. I wanted to be sure to be true to the original lines for straw in this shape. I recommend seeing my full length commentary on my blog as it includes the sources I used.

The hand sewn plait is a supple Milan straw. The brim is fully wired. I blocked the tip and crown on an original bonnet block. Available in my shop.

 

Second. 

When I saw this fashion illustration

  of a large crown hat with a little turned up brim trimmed in blue, I knew I had to make it. This hat is going to be so much fun to decorate. 

The hand sewn plait is a supple Milan straw. The brim is wired inside the crown. Note, it can be seen from above. Also, find it in my shop. 


Published in: on August 8, 2016 at 9:24 pm  Comments (4)  

Today’s Millinery – A Walk in the Woods

This Civil War era soft crown bonnet reminds me of a late summer walk in the woods.

Soft crown bonnets are appealing because they are light and comfortable. This one has a fashionable spoon brim in a beautiful copper straw with an elegant champagne color silk taffeta crown. It is trimmed in vintage flowers and a lush forest green ribbon.


Find it in my Etsy shop 
The soft crown and bavolet are a 100% silk taffeta.
The crown and brim are lined with 100% cotton.
The bavolet is lined with 100% cotton net.
The frill is a fine 100% silk net.
The ribbon is a luxurious double face satin by Hyman Hendler.
The functional ties are 100% cotton sateen.
Vintage flowers .

Published in: on August 5, 2016 at 6:24 pm  Comments (2)  

Today’s Millinery 

This flat crown, narrow brim hat was blocked on an original hat block. 

The narrow brim has just a hint of a curve. 

The rounder crown with the gradual taper was fashionable and is flattering. It will appeal to those with an average to large head, as well as those with a rounder head. 

Find it in my Etsy shop. 

Published in: on August 3, 2016 at 9:16 am  Leave a Comment  

Today’s Millinery 

This coppery brown straw plait hat was blocked on an original block. The crown has a fashionable flat top with tapered sides and a shaped brim. 

This crown is 21.5″ inside.The wider crown may be more comfortable for average to larger size heads. 

Find it in my Etsy shop. 

Published in: on July 29, 2016 at 11:23 am  Leave a Comment  

Today’s Millinery – Little Blue

Here is a little hat waiting to perch a top the right woman’s head. 

The deep blue straw plait has been braided for the edge of the narrow shaped brim. It is trimmed lightly with vintage velvet and organdy flowers that remind me of wild flowers. The inside is lined and cotton sateen ties are added. 

Find this hat in my Etsy shop. 


Thisnis one of those rare times I will try to take a photo of me wearing a hat. I want people to see how it is worn. 

Published in: on July 22, 2016 at 1:35 pm  Comments (2)  

Today’s Millinery – Red Velvet and Plume

With a vintage red velvet ribbon and airy black plume, this fashionable Civil War Era hat was blocked on an antique hat block. The crown is slightly rounder than my hand carved blocks, with a flat top and tapered sides. The brim dips in the front and slightly in the back. 

Find it in my Etsy shop.

Published in: on July 21, 2016 at 12:17 pm  Comments (2)  

Today’s Millinery – A Stroll in the Vineyard 

This bonnet it all about lush from the beautiful velvet grapes to the vintage purple velvet ribbon to the green double faced satin ribbon. 

Available in my Etsy shop. 

Published in: on July 21, 2016 at 12:13 pm  Leave a Comment  

Yesterday’s Millinery 

I can’t believe I forgot to blog about this bonnet yesterday. 

This is the first 1840s bonnet off my original 1840s block!!!


This one does already have a home. 

Published in: on July 20, 2016 at 3:51 pm  Leave a Comment  

Today’s Millinery 

It aught not surprise you that after Galaxy arrived, I kept looking at other blocks. A little wooden crown caught my eye. It fit the period lines oh so well. 

 Btw, this block came out of the box saying “I am Groot”

This is the first half off that block. It is 21 1/2″ around the brim, more round than my hand carved blocks. The flat top crown and smooth dipping brim are elegant with a bit of sass. 

It isn’t in my Etsy shop yet because I want to decorate this one. 

Published in: on July 20, 2016 at 3:49 pm  Comments (2)  

Thinking Out Loud

The question of the day seems to be “will I make veils?”

I don’t know. I had not intended to. I wanted to make another one for me and for display. I planned to give details on how I made mine. I thought, maybe, I would make another or so for friends if the right materials appeared. 

Here is what I am thinking.

Materials:

  •  Silk net – $15 a piece or $10 if I can get a remnant again. Plus shipping. 
  • 1 1/2 yards of appropriate silk lace – approx $15-$50
  • There seems to be a cotton option. From memory the net is less, shipping more, lace may be less. 

Personal thoughts:

– By far, the most time will be spent finding the right lace. I am not well versed in lace. So, I am very cautious, maybe overly so and picky.  I need to buy a couple really good lace reference books. (The library is not an immediate option as the closing on Friday for a month and a half.) 

– I registered put nylon or polyester on a person’s face. It goes against every safety bone in my body. 

– At the same time, I do not want to use antique lace. First, it is antique. Second, it is likely fragile and not likely to hold up to wear. 

– I am not  completely happy with my stitches on the net. I do have an idea abohoe to do it better. But, I also know someone who would be far better at the fine needlework. 

I estimate, with the cost of materials, time looking for the right lace, and fine sewing time, a simple veil will need to start well over the $100 point. 

So, right now, I am going to say “No, I am not going to make veils. If I come across the right lace, maybe I will make one to offer.” 

The same will be true for hat lace. I can add a lace as I find the right piece. I can’t spend hours hunting. 

Published in: on July 20, 2016 at 2:43 pm  Leave a Comment  
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