Bonnet frame

[sarah91]

I am looking for an inexpensive plain bonnet frame to make a bonnet. I would like it premade, I dont want to have to make it myself and would prefer it to be straw. I tried the tutorial for making them out of basic straw hats from Michaels but I would rather find a premade one. If anybody knows where I can find one, please tell me. Thank You.

[dawnluckham]

What is “inexpensive”?

I didn’t answer here right away, and I noticed no one else jumped in here either.

But you’ve asked your question again on the Sense and Sensibility board, so I suppose I will offer this:

You’ve entered into a hobby that will cost you a certain amount of money. Wal-Mart does not supply the re-enactor or the living historian.

There is no factory in China spewing out straw bonnets that are historically accurate and are “reasonably” priced at $5 or $10.

An accurate bonnet shape will be made by someone who is a specialist in her/his field.
Hours and hours of research, huge investments of money in supplies, and hours and costs for education to learn how to do what they do are all part of the specialist.

I’ve been ‘toying’ with the idea of making straw bonnets, undecorated, for sale and the BEST (paying myself next to nothing for my hours of work – by the way, how much do you make an hour at your job? You don’t have to answer – it’s just a question you should perhaps think about.) The BEST price I can offer – undecorated – is $50. By the time I’ve paid for the straw, the millinery wire, the thread, the hat sizing, the petersham ribbon, the aluminum foil – not to mention my investment in hat blocks, cording, pins and tacks, hood style dryer, etc. At this point, it isn’t something I’ve completely convinced myself I want to do – yet…

There are however, these delightful resources:

Our own “All Seeing”, Steph, makes beautiful bonnets and sells not only bonnets but a pattern to make a bonnet: www.etsy.com/view_listing.php?listing_id=14175944

Pam Robles makes beautiful bonnets: www.victorianbonnets.com/regency-1820'shats&bonnets.htm

There are some beautiful bonnets (which were recently discussed here) at this site: www.hatsupply.com/bonnets.htm

Lynn McMasters has a beautiful hat pattern here which will teach you to make your own bonnet by sewing the straw braid ‘round and round’.
www.lynnmcmasters.com/

This is a site that is often suggested – I’d go cautious with this one – some of them look passable – some are not good representations at all. The Lizzie and the Eliza look like they might be okay. The quality of the straw looks pretty rough and I have no idea what the product looks like up close. You get what you pay for.,. www.austentation.com/boutique/bonnets.html


I’m sure if you contacted one of these artisans I’ve mentioned above, they would be willing to make a “blank” undecorated bonnet for you. Keep in mind, however, the prices ranging from $50 - $100 are perfectly reasonable prices for the work involved.

[elizabethw]

Another website with bonnet patterns is Timely Tresses this is the Regency section of their website they also have ready made buckram forms for their 'Virginia' bonnet.
If your budget really won't stretch that far you could try the 'Poke Bonnet' from Just Two Tailors its not as accurate as some other companies produce but its relatively close to a period shape.
So, you see Dawn there is a factory in China (or Possibly India) churning out straw bonnets, just not accurate or cheap ones ;D

[dawnluckham]

Oauch! I had no idea about the Two Tailors site! Well....yes those are ummmmm......I have no words! ;D

I forgot about Timely Tresses! I DO like the Virginia bonnet very much! I'm glad you mentioned them!

[Mme de Beaufort]

Wow, there are some lovely hats here. I think you've found me a new site or two to add to the oregon Regency society resource page. Yay!