Help! Bonnets!

[brindle]

1862. Former schoolteacher, by no means destitute but emminently practical, as she is travelling with a regiment recording her impressions of the war. So... work dress, sensible shoes/boots, etc. But what about head gear? A subonnet for sure for marches, but she would have stashed away a very plain presentable bonnet for going into "civilian town." (Reeanacting "debut" to be at Shiloh this spring. Trial by fire!) Nothing too fashionable. Neef syle and inexpensive source! TIA!

[Spinster]

A slat or corded bonnet is certainly acceptable in the Town of Purdy. Be sure you understand the difference in these styles and a 20th century 'sunbonnet' of the sort my grandmother wore in the 1930's

Purdy is a small farming town. You will see ladies in fashion bonnets--but to buy a correct fashion bonnet that is new, expect to pay in the $150 range.

Given the unpredictable weather and temperatures this time of year in Shiloh, I'd highly recommend a quilted soft bonnet over a fashion bonnet.

Both Originals By Kay and Anna Worden Bauersmith offer lovely quilted soft hoods that are very dressy and warm.
http://annaworden.wordpress.com/shop-for-sale/
http://www.originals-by-kay.com/
Both vendors also offer fashion bonnets.

By using better fabrics these styles which we consider sort of 'countryfide' become a fashionable piece. Proof of such is a woman wearing such, stepping out of a carriage at Jefferson Davis's Inaugual.

[brindle]

Thank you for your help. I'm going to be buying a "make-do,'inexpensive slat bonnet and a corded sun bonnet. I can't invest in super quality (limited income), but a handmade bonnet is a perfect winter pasttime for me! Anyhow, I will have been teaching further out west (i.e., not exactly a fashion hub!) so I think this will be okay. Now I need to see if my knitted hood with attached scarf will pass muster... Don't tell me yet! I like researching things... then I will plead for help. LOL.

Tamara

[brindle]

I am having a slat bonnet made and a sunbonnet (with short bavolet).
Two questions:
1. Would a mature (50) woman wear a ruffle around the brim of a slat bonnet or would she go with plain?

2. Were sunbonnets ever made of printed calico or cotton? I've only see white or (maybe, depending on the photography, light colors. (I want pale blue or pale dusty road...orrrrr maybe a print?)

All opinions welcome!

[Spinster]

1. There is a lovely pattern with fine tight rusching around the brim of a very long curtained slat bonnet-if that's what you are speaking of, then yes. If you are talking about a true ruffle, I've not seen one. Doesn't mean it does not exist, but look at the documentation before you go that way.

2. Yes, printed fabrics were certainly used in slat bonnets and in corded bonnets. Here's the deal though, and why you are seeing light colors on Reenactors. Today's 'quilters cottons' are heavy for this sort of thing. They will look great but they are Hot. By using a sheer barred linen or a semi sheer cotton, you will get a cooler crisper look.

Watch carefully on using a short curtain on your slat or corded bonnet, as you say you are portraying a Westerner. The further into the frontier you go, the longer the women made their curtains--for obvious reasons.