This bonnet is a high-brimmed style suitable for the years 1860-1862 and a great accessory to complete your crinoline era outfit.
The bonnet frame is made from buckram (cotton cloth stiffened with glue and often used for millinery) with a net and wire brim. This method of construction is period correct and also has the advantage that should your bonnet ever get slightly squashed the brim can be gently manipulated back into shape.
The fabric is a light, attractive synthetic damask. Although not period-correct in terms of fibres, this fabric creates a nice period look and does not appear too modern or shiny. The colour is somewhere between lavender and lilac with a slight pinky tinge and is quite accurately produced in the photograph. (However, please be aware that colour can vary significantly from one screen to another).
The inside of the brim in decorated with a ruffle of wide cotton lace, artificial flowers with plastic and wire stems and fabric petals (heather and gypsophila) loops of narrow lace and small lavender-coloured satin bows.
The exterior decoration comprises an arrangement of artificial flowers and leaves.
The bonnet ties are made from two different shades of antique gros grain ribbon that have been sewn to create the wide ties that were fashionable during this period.
The inside of the bonnet is lined with a cotton muslin headlining. This is stitched to the front edge of the headpiece near the brim join and pleated into the back of the bonnet. The back edge is not stitched down - this is the way that original bonnets were lined.
With the exception of the hem on the bavolet (curtain) and the stitching joining the gros grain ribbon this bonnet was stitched entirely by hand using the techniques that were employed in the Victorian era. The use of machine stitching is also acceptable for this period as sewing machines were beginning to be more widely used in the 1860s.
This bonnet is perfect for completing an authentic 1860s outfit and adding that little something extra to your costume. A band of velvet known as a headstay will be added to the inside of the bonnet that is designed to cling to the hair and help keep the bonnet in place. For windy days or extra security you could also secure the bonnet with bobby pins across the headstay, attach a comb to the headstay or use a hatpin. The choice is yours...
The bonnet is designed to fit an average head size of 22-23 inches. However, as the bonnet sits on the crown of the head this is more flexible than a hat style that encircles the forehead. The polystyrene head in the photographs is quite small and has no hair which is why the bonnet looks a little loose in the photographs.
This bonnet will be priced at £140.00 GBP + postage & packing
It will be available to purchase from Ebay on Saturday 31st October at 10am.
I will post a link to the sale page a week in advance (Saturday 24th October)
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