Here is the latest in my summer series of straw bonnets. This natural straw bonnet will work for a late 50s through early 60s impression as it has a moderately high and gently shaped brim. It will best suit an average size head. The brim is wired while the cheektabs and neckline are not.
While finishing up the last bonnet, I had the idea of doing something ‘different’ stuck in my head. It was either going to be a soft crown frame or a combination buckram and straw frame. With this being 1863, and 1864 just around the corner, a fashionable soft crown frame it was.
Wow, was this guy fiddly. I really don’t know if I’ll make another, ever. It would take some begging. Anyway.
This is a natural straw plait handsewn. The bonnet is an average to large. The future owner will finish the soft crown with her choice of silk, tacked to the brim of the straw and gathered onto the crown wire. There are several colors I could see this finished with. I am very curious how it would look done with a sheer.
Okay, I really need beter titles for these.
This bonnet already has a new home. I happen to love how the shape came together. It has a gentle rise from the tip to the crown. The brim has the very popular spoon shape.
Like all my bonnets, this is hand sewn. It is wire through the brim & cheektabs.
Please visit my Etsy store to see each of my bonnets as they become available.
Here is the second bonnet of this week’s sewing spree. This is the bonnet for someone who want the brim further back from their face. It is a high-brim with a gentle curve to the brim. This is a small to medium size high brim bonnet. It is entirely hand sew. The straw is a narrow whole plait of real straw with a beautiful rage of golden tones. It is wired through the brim and cheektabs.
Please visit my Etsy Store for each of my straw bonnets (and other goodies) as they become available.
I wrapped up a tremendously enjoyable custom bonnet today. The recipient is truly one of those fun customers that you jump to work for. Together we picked out the flowers and ribbons for this 50s bonnet. The amazing striped ribbon is a vintage piece from Italy. The flowers are a combination of vintage and current done in luscious velvet including the strawberries.
Thank You, B, for asking me to make this bonnet for you. I hope you enjoy wearing it as much as I enjoyed making it.
With Dan off to an event, I slept in. How lovely is that? Now, before I dive into a full day of sewing, I want to share last night’s.
I lost track of time for ordering the pink ribbons to finish off the bonnets that have been dangling in the livingroom. Carole, at The Ribbon Store, came through for me. Here are the two bonnets with her pink ribbons. The green on the left is Lily’s. The pearl gray is mine, which I’ll be wearing tomorrow at GCV for their Red Day.
To wrap up the trio, the slate grey bonnet finally got its ribbon and flowers attached too.
I also moved the waist gathers on the green dress to eliminate that odd tug at the top closure. (Hopefully photos of that dress tomorrow)
So, now that I’ve read my 37 Saurday morning emails, it is time for a late breakfast followed by my Netherfield Ball dress.
Up until this year, I stuck firmly in the mid-century for straw millinery. When Bevin suggested I give the 80s and 90s a try I soon became ‘wowed’ by the shapes of the 80s. Talk about an era of amazing lines, shape, curve, height. What fun. I can’t wait to do more.
Finally, I get to show you the pair of hats as they were worn in the Genesee Country Village’s Mother’s Day fashion show. I did the straw forms of fine hemp plait. Each one is hand sewn, wired and blocked freehand. Bevin had the fun of doing the feathers. (Now, the photos aren’t the best as I need to check the camera’s settings.)
Thank you to the many of you who voiced an interest in having my hood pattern available.
I am focusing this week on getting the text, illustrations and pattern pieces in a publishable state. My goal is to have it available for those who will want to make a hood for this winter. Fingers crossed there since this is both a matter of preparation and funds for publication.
I would also like to pull together the hood workshop some of us discussed.
For the published pattern, here is what I have in mind:
If I Had My Own Blue Box: 