Towards the beginning of this summer, and pandemic, we got invited to a socially distant Regency picnic by a member of the Houston Regency Society on their private property. It was so nice to have a historical costuming event to prepare for, as other events were being cancelled left and right. I had a Regency outfit that I made for Dickens on the Strand in Galveston, but it would be too hot to wear outside in the summertime. Following my post yesterday on my quick Regency sleeveless spencer, today I’m sharing the quick picnic bonnet I made to go with it.
[Related: My First Foray Into the Regency Era]
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In a perfect world, I could’ve worn the bonnet I made for Dickens, but the black stewart tartan was too Christmasy for a summertime picnic, and I didn’t want those dark colors to soak up too much heat. But I did use the basic design as inspritation for my picnic bonnet. As they say: “if it ain’t broke…”
[Related: A Quick Regency Tartan Bonnet]
This time though I ordered a different cheap(er) straw visor from Amazon, and removed the headband. I used the same exact method for the fabric part of the bonnet as my tartan bonnet, which I can’t take credit for, because the construction is so simpled. I found this blog post by The Merry Dressmaker and followed it almost exactly…so easy!!!
Visor: MG Ladies Sewn Braid Wheat Straw Clip-On Visor (Natural)
I used surplus fabric, ribbon, and feathers from prior projects, as well as what was left of a small peony bouquet from another project. It’s always satisfying to burn through surplus supplies, making them true stashbusting projects. I had help from a friend placing the feathers and think it turned out beautifully.
Velvet ribbon: Chenkou Craft 30 Yards 3/8″ Velvet Ribbon Total 30 Colors Assorted Lots Bulk
Ostrich feathers: Sowder 14-16inch(35-40cm) Ostrich Feathers Plume for Wedding Centerpieces Home Decoration Pack of 10pcs(White)
Up next is a yellow dress for a friend in attendance, reticules for us ladies, and waistcoat for my husband, and eventually the picnic as a whole.
[Related: A Quick Regency Sleeveless Spencer]
More Regency costuming on Red Shoes. Red Wine.
My First Foray Into the Regency Era
A Quick Regency Sleeveless Spencer