1840's Bonnet

I don't call myself a Milliner. I call myself a Costume Specialist. Or a dressmaker, if it needs explanation. But lately, I've been a milliner. It seems the costume work coming my way has got smaller, juts like the budgets at Canada's historic sites. Sigh. What can you do? Our  government doesn't value our history.

Anyway, here's my bonnet. It's an 1840's poke bonnet. It presented a few challenges. First, I had a sample - always good. But (there's always a but) it was going to be the same, but different! Let's add a wire brim and change the interfacing and then the fabric...You get the idea.

The new fabric was a moire. It wasn't easy to hand sew, so adding the bound edge was a test for the fingers. I had to use a pair of pliers to pull the needle through.

I'm quite pleased with it. I had fun trimming it. The ribbon is vintage rayon, made in Paris. It came wrapped in delightful brown paper. The feather and roses work well. I have some white flowers I could use, but I'm not sure. One always has to think about who will use it and how it will be taken care of. I've seen a few sad sights, I can tell you. 

What do you think? Ready for an afternoon promenade?