#bonnet tutorial

Bonnet Tutorial - Otome no Sewing 11

My 1840's Bonnet Hack

I started off with a $5, 18" straw craft hat and scraps of related trim and fabric from my stash.  I purchased straw trim (which will be returned), a few flowers and ribbon.

18" was too large so I seam ripped and unwound the straw band until it was more manageable.  Folding the hat into a bonnet shape gave me a cutting line, which was covered with the removed row of straw.  I only stitched the straw band to the exterior, the interior was finished after the lining was done.

The flat hat was dipped into a pot of just boiled water, making it pliable.  I could stretch, fold, and adjust the shape as needed knowing the shape would hold once dry.  NOTE:  The fumes given off from the treated straw aren't healthy, so do this in a well ventilated area.

Scrap strips of silk were ruched, pleated, and stitched into placed by machine for the interior lining.