This 1880s era straw bonnet was created as a silent auction donation item for the 2014 Costume Society of America’s Southeastern regional conference in Richmond, Virginia. It is trimmed in 100% silk taffeta, lace, and ribbon. The interior is fully lined in cotton muslin.
What was fun about this bonnet is when I began making it, I had absolutely no preset ideas as to how it should look when finished. I did have an idea of the general 1880s silhouette I wished to replicate but as for the rest, I just let the creative process take over!
This is what I love most about making reproduction historical clothing- the freedom to create. It often leads to surprisingly wonderful finished garments!
However, for the past several years the majority of my work has been precision- oriented with a specific final outcome that must be met.For many who recreate historical clothing, this is their forte. But for a creative free thinker, this process is laborious and can lead to major burn out! Therefore, I am striving to find more balance between the two this upcoming year.
Here’s to hoping this bonnet strikes someone’s fancy at the CSA’s silent auction!