For my first foray into historical costuming the Regency era, I was in a huge hurry to made a full outfit for Dickens on the Strand in Galveston after prior plans were canceled. I decided to start with a simple bonnet to get my momentum going. Using only supplies I had on hand, and a super cheap straw visor from Amazon Prime (next day delivery, baby!), I was all set!
This post contains affiliate links. If you click an affiliate link and make a purchase, Red Shoes. Red Wine. will earn a small commission for the referral at no cost to you. Read more about affiliates & disclaimers here. We are a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for us to earn fees by linking to Amazon.com and affiliated sites.
Starting with the straw visor, I removed the bow and crown with a seam ripper, which was a very quick and neat process.
Straw visor: Hestya Women’s Wide Brim Roll-up Straw Sun Visor Packable Foldable Sun Visor Beach Open Top Hat (Natural Color)
The best part about this bonnet, which I can’t take credit for, is the simple construction. I found this blog post by The Merry Dressmaker and followed it almost exactly…so easy!!! Since Dickens on the Strand is held during December every year in Galveston, and I knew my Regency gown would be red, I pulled black Stewart tartan from my fabric stash and it worked beautifully.
With the tartan crown finished, all that was left was trim…let me tell you, this is the funnest part! I used 1 1/2″ black satin ribbon for the crown and neck ties, covered the box pleated crown with lace ribbon, and used
Satin ribbon: Creative Ideas Solid Satin Ribbon, 1-1/2″/50 yd, Black
Lace ribbon: Crochet Lace Ribbons, 15-Yard Rolls (Black, 0.5 and 0.7 in Wide, 2-Pack)
Lettuce leaf ribbon: Morex Ribbon Double Ruffle Ribbon, 7/8-Inch by 16.5-Yard, Black
Up next is the construction of my white gown and red open robe using the American Duchess/Simplicity 8941 pattern, and of course the whole outfit including accessories. Here’s a preview below!
More Regency costume posts on Red Shoes. Red Wine.