This pattern is for a quilted silk bonnet popular from the 1840’s through the 1860’s. The turned-back brim can be of contrasting fabric. It is adjustable during construction. The pattern is drafted from originals. I liked the historically accurate shapes of pieces and the inclusion of quilting pattern examples. I did a few things differently from the suggestions in the package. The assembly instructions wouldn’t give a period finish. I looked at pictures of extant winter hoods, which showed binding on all the edges before assembling the pieces. I cartridge-pleated the curtain and hand-pleated the crown to the brim instead of the suggested gathering approach, which would have resulted in too much bulk into the seam allowances. I used silk batting (from Thai Silks) instead of wool batting, to minimize the tufting through the fabric as hand-quilted the pieces.
The toile seemed really roomy, but the quilting will shrink the dimensions, so don’t size it down. Hand-quilting it took quite awhile, so leave enough lead time. The result is pretty darn cute item and very toasty indeed for an outdoor activity. It is probably be too snuggly for Dicken’s Faire, though.
Theresa Eacker –
This pattern is for a quilted silk bonnet popular from the 1840’s through the 1860’s. The turned-back brim can be of contrasting fabric. It is adjustable during construction. The pattern is drafted from originals. I liked the historically accurate shapes of pieces and the inclusion of quilting pattern examples. I did a few things differently from the suggestions in the package. The assembly instructions wouldn’t give a period finish. I looked at pictures of extant winter hoods, which showed binding on all the edges before assembling the pieces. I cartridge-pleated the curtain and hand-pleated the crown to the brim instead of the suggested gathering approach, which would have resulted in too much bulk into the seam allowances. I used silk batting (from Thai Silks) instead of wool batting, to minimize the tufting through the fabric as hand-quilted the pieces.
The toile seemed really roomy, but the quilting will shrink the dimensions, so don’t size it down. Hand-quilting it took quite awhile, so leave enough lead time. The result is pretty darn cute item and very toasty indeed for an outdoor activity. It is probably be too snuggly for Dicken’s Faire, though.