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Wednesday, 3 August 2011

Regency Bonnet For Me & Trousers For Him

It looks like I won't have time to make a new dress, after all.  Oh well, at least I will have a new bonnet, if nothing else.  

The inspiration came from a couple of fashion plates from Costume Parisien (1806 and 1807)... 


I just loved the diagonal detailing, and decided that I would like to have a go at making something similar.  

I began by working out the brim shape with paper, then transferring it to pelmet stiffener (what did they use for rigid bonnet brims in those days?), and from that to the fabric.  Then I started adding the rows of cording...  

So far into the diagonals, I realised that I would have problems getting the cording into the corner.  So I began again, starting with the diagonals this time...  

When I had finished this, I realised that I needn't have started again...if only I had put in the first diagonal rows in the right hand corner.  DOH!  

Oh well...live and learn!  

The next part gave me another headache, as the rows of piping had shrunk the design a bit, so I had to pin, re-pin, and generally keep jiggling it about to fit the stiffened brim...which I eventually managed...  
The back is on, and now all that remains in to add the lining, and edge with lace.

At the moment I am working on Robert's trousers, and as this involves lots of bits of fabric, in lots of different shapes, having to fit together in different ways, I have now developed brain-ache!!
To be honest, I think it's just me and written instructions!!


Anyway...back to slaving over a hot needle.  Watch this space for the next update in the countdown to the Jane Austen Festival 2011!
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7 comments:

  1. Kleidung um 18003 August 2011 at 18:24

    Dear Sandi,
    your new bonnet looks really lovely!
    Sabine

    ReplyDelete
  2. Sandi3 August 2011 at 22:21

    Thanks Sabine. It's not finished yet, but when it is I will post more photos.

    ReplyDelete
  3. Unknown4 August 2011 at 00:35

    You know, of course that it won't belong before you are the UK's preeminent authority on sewing Regency clothing. People will flock to you for advice.....but only during visiting hours at the asylum after you've gone out of your mind learning all there is to know......the hard way, of course.

    Seriously, your attention to detail and dedication to perfection are impressive.

    ReplyDelete
  4. Arlene4 August 2011 at 21:07

    What a lovely bonnet and so beautifully done, as Chip says, you're attention to detail is impressive, I can see your name on the credits for the next Pride and Prejudice re-make. You must get a lot of satisfaction when you get it right.

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  5. Sandi5 August 2011 at 13:27

    Thanks for that, Chip...I can but dream...while I'm locked up in my cosy little padded room...shame there are no windows...I wonder why that is...???

    Thanks Arlene...I have made sunbonnets for Thames TVs Hannay, back in the 80s...it was an episode entitled That Rough Music.

    ReplyDelete
  6. Poppy (aka Val)28 August 2011 at 21:30

    Sandi, your bonnet is just amazing, I am looking forwards to reading about this years festival and seeing some more of your lovely photos :)

    ReplyDelete
  7. Stephanie Ann5 September 2011 at 21:02

    I love it! I've been meaning to make a bonnet but have not tried before.

    ReplyDelete

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