Comments on: Trimming an Early Victorian Bonnet

By: Jennifer Rosbrugh

Jennifer Rosbrugh — Fri, 05 Apr 2013 17:07:37 +0000

In reply to J Bird. What wonderful ideas! I think you just inspired me for trim on my next hat. :-)

By: J Bird

J Bird — Fri, 05 Apr 2013 16:59:33 +0000

Braided trims look great with both satins and velvets. I find that I often simply use more of one of the base fabrics used to cover a hat form, but I use them in different ways such as fashioning a rose from velvet or satin over an ear or on a brim, or folding small pieces of fabric (squares folded to hide raw edges and applied in a row around a brim or in place of a hat b and, or small circles stuffed with cotton balls and clustered like grapes or berries as a focal point or to add interest to another trim. Small fabric strips can be gathered and used to cover a hat entirely to give textural interest to humble woven goods. Finished or raw edges, raw edges frayed to make fringe, pinked edges, turned and stitched edges and many more treatments can elevate the possibilities in all sorts of fabrics. . Simply taking a look through a creative lens at what you have on hand, fiddling and playing with the bits and pieces can spawn some awesome trims. Fold, twist, gather, bunch, and play with your scraps, and you will be amazed at what you can make for trims and accents! And lastly, modern silk flowers can be given a vintage look by dipping them in or spraying them with strong tea or coffee or diluted Kool Aid or Jello can add a great deal of old style appeal to modern products. There used to be a spray-on commercial product available at craft stores for that purpose in a translucent brown-green color that did the trick beautifully but it has disappeared. I have even been known to use things like mustard to give something a pleasing yellow color. Most important… Have Fun!

By: Sandra Freeman

Sandra Freeman — Fri, 05 Apr 2013 16:12:55 +0000

It is very hard to find Millinery Fruit, and what is out there is not suitable you can tell it’s from the 30’s or 40’s

By: Jennifer Rosbrugh

Jennifer Rosbrugh — Fri, 10 Aug 2012 20:37:33 +0000

In reply to Sophia. Hi Sophia, Leave the ribbon on it and add either more ribbon shaped into a bow or flowers at the ear level. Simply tack them right over the ribbon. Small ostrich feathers look great too tucked into the ribbon band with the bases covered with the bow or flowers. Make one side your focus with a larger amount of flowers/ribbon/feathers. You can add a smaller amount to the other side or leave plain.

By: Sophia

Sophia — Fri, 10 Aug 2012 19:15:34 +0000

What if the bonnet is a straw bonnet and already have the ribbon around the crown and to tie with? How do you decorate it then??? I am a bit without knowledge of how to do it, its for an autumn bonnet for the Bath-festival (Jane Austen Festival) Please I need help!
By the way it is some nice photos and a great article!

By: Jennifer Rosbrugh

Jennifer Rosbrugh — Sat, 18 Dec 2010 18:32:02 +0000

Your dress is lovely! And your muff is oh-so appropriate. Good job.

I’ve reposted your photo link below so others can see your work. Thanks for sharing!

http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?fbid=1773174411460&set=a.1685878669121.2095830.1302298156

By: Chelsea Bonilla

Chelsea Bonilla — Sat, 18 Dec 2010 03:11:11 +0000

Above is a link to my finished gown! It’s my facebook album which I made open to everyone to look at. The image I linked to is a pic of my original drawing and the finished product. Thank you for all your help!

By: Jennifer Rosbrugh

Jennifer Rosbrugh — Tue, 30 Nov 2010 01:59:59 +0000

Velvet trim would look wonderful for a winter look. If you decide on a ruched brim lining, make sure you cut your fabric wide and long enough to cover it when gathered up.

And you wouldn’t have to, but feathers are everywhere on bonnets of this era. They can be matching or complimentary to your velvet.

Can’t wait to see your outfit!