Lynne Cook's 1800 Regency Bonnet Pattern

This bonnet is based on an early regency style that was popular from the late 1700's to the very early 1800's.  The bonnet has a velvet band over the head, with a heavy-satin pleated bag for the crown.  There is a pleated trim of the same satin at the front edge of the bonnet, and the neck curtain is the same material.  This bonnet can also be trimmed with ribbon or small flowers, or left plain like this one.

Materials lists:

• 60cm heavy Satin (eg. "Duchess Satin" or "Bridal Satin" - NOT lingerie satin)
• 20cm Velvet in a toning colour
• 20cm lining fabric in a toning colour (matt, not shiny, is best)
• 1.5m taffeta ribbon in a toning colour
• Bias binding in a toning colour
• 15cm Buckram
• 2m millinery wire
• 20cm Pellon(TM)
• Matching thread
• Decoration as required (small flowers, ribbon or braid).

Other items:

• Sewing machine that can do zigzag (and if possible, a foot that you use to guide cording)
• Pliers
• Handsewing needles
• Spray glue

This is a simple bonnet of the earlier regency period, and is generally all the one colour, so try and get a least toning/similar colours for all your fabrics.  The original would have been in silk and this is prefered if you can find it, but the sample I have made is completely in polyester (it's just a bit more work to get it do the same thing).  Taffeta ribbon is increasingly hard to find so if you have to buy (polyester) satin ribbon, try to get single sided, not 'double sided', so it's matt on one side - double satin ribbons simply won't stay tied.  If you can't find millinery wire (thread wrapped), florists wire (plastic coated) is acceptable, you just need wire that is covered. Bunnings have a thin white plastic coated wire in their electrical section.

The e-pattern and instructions for this bonnet can be purchased online through paypal for $5.00 AUD