Happy 2021 everyone! With the new year, it’s time for the looking back & looking forward posts, but I thought I’d start with my first finished project for 2021. A new hat!

I started this 1830s bonnet after finishing my 1830s dress, which I took pictures of with my Regency bonnet. The styles are similar enough to work, but hats did grow a bit more in the 1830s to match the wider skirts and bigger sleeves. For my bonnet, I wanted something that’d work with both my green and my gold dress, and I settled on a white/brown combination of fabrics.
And, I actually used a pattern! That was quite helpful, as bonnets are complicated. Mine was the Romantic period bonnet pattern by Lynn McMasters.
My main inspiration for the trim and look was this bonnet from Costumes Parisiens (1834)

I found some ribbon which was perfect for the style, and set off to work. That took a while, as I don’t particularly enjoy making hats, so I worked on it on and off since October. I made the frame, wired it, mulled it, and covered it, and these last past days I stitched on the trim to finish it.

So now it’s done, which means I have a full 1830s outfit to wear to outside events as well. Hopefully I’ll be able to take these out on a picnic sometime this year!
How lovely!!!!!
It looks smashing!
Thank you! ๐
Very well done – looking forward to a picture of you wearing it.
Sheila
Thank you! Hopefully I’ll have occasions to dress up and take pictures this year again!
Exciting! Fingers crossed that you are able to wear your whole ensemble this year. ๐
I love your bear model–I also have bears that model my hats for me as I work on them! ๐
Best,
Quinn
Thank you! I definitely hope so :). Bears are the best models, especially ones that you’ve had your whole life. I have a picture of me as a baby with this bear, so it’s quite precious to me :).
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