Magical Millinery

There are so many things that I find magical about this bonnet.

For one, it is blue. This is the first dark blue tight bonnet I have examined from the mid 1850s to early 1860s.  Drawn yes, tight no.  In fact, when people ask me to make dark blue bonnets, I usually encourage them to choose another color for the silk and add blue trimmings.  Blue silk is just not seen on surviving bonnets.  The fashion plates don't describe them either.   

For a tight bonnet, it is in excellent condition.  The silk is not shattered and it still has its trimmings.  The majority of my extant bonnets are either drawn or straw and no longer have trimmings. 

The movement of the flowers is truly magical.  All the little rose buds and leaves are on thin stems that allow them to move.  The ribbons are not woven in one piece.  The edging is attached with a tiny seam allowance. 

​So say hello to my unicorn. I am proud to have you in my collection.