Throughout history hats have been constructed of straw. By varying the width and shape of the brim, the shape and height of the crown, the same construction techniques may be used to create hats of many periods and styles, from the brimless toque, to the popular gipsy hat of 1790-1830, the oversized  Edwardian boater and the 1950’s cartwheel.  

 Design and make a variety of styles of straw hat from various periods with appropriate trims using feathers, paper, ribbon, beads and other trimmings.  Several trimming techniques employing vintage ribbonwork, paper flower construction, feathers, beads and findings are included  in the detailed written instructions. Materials are provided to create several hats.  $40.00 

Today we think of a bonnet as having a crown (the top part of the hat) and a brim (the projecting rim or edge.  The brim is usually curving around the face and is held by ribbons tied under the chin.  During the 1870’s the distinction between hats and bonnets was small.  If it tied under the chin it was a bonnet; if under the chignon, a hat.  Headgear was more elaborate in this decade than in any other of the 19th century.  The hat or bonnet had to be either tipped forward in front of the mass of elaborately styled false hair that was commonly worn in excessively complicated styles, or to be clamped on behind all that regalia in whatever position could be managed.  Bonnets were often decked with bows, feathers, flowers, ribbons, lace, jewels, enameled insects, and even dead birds.
This kit contains  straw, ribbons, crinoline, thread, rosemaker tool and directions for antique  ribbon work and  ribbon roses. It is available in  assorted colors. Please email for  current selection.   $12.00

Probably one of the most ubiquitous pieces of apparel historically is the hat.  Reference works state that there are only two basic types of hats in existence; brimless and brimmed. While not quite that simple, there really aren't that many ways that we can cover our heads! Hats have been used to denote status, occupation, offer protection, be a fashion statement, or simply be just fun!

This kit addresses several very basic hat types, materials, and methods of construction.    Included are patterns  and instructions for period mobcaps, maids' caps and nannys' caps flat and round crowned large brimmed picture hats, straw bonnet, and silk pillbox.  Decorating methods are  kept simple for this kit which includes simple decorations with  ribbons and bows, lace,  and  handmade ribbon roses.  In all directions for 7 basic types of hats are included.  This kit is available on an accompanying CD or a PDF of the project can be sent upon ordering.  $60.00

Traditionally, straw hats were made by plaiting or braiding and weaving using natural fibers such as wheat or rye straw and cellulose from the stems or leaves of flax, jute, ramie, palm, hemp and other plants.  A large brim protected the wearer from the rays of the sun.  By varying the width and shape of the brim, the shape and height of the crown, the same construction techniques may be used to create hats of many periods and styles.

This kit teaches you construct a basic straw hat with a large brim and to decorate it  using traditional ribbon work, which  was done on a foundation, usually crinoline, which is a lightweight buckram that looks like starched cheesecloth.  Lightweight interfacing or netting is often used in its place.  Crinoline has been used for several hundred years as a backing for flowers and trims.  

This kit contains  straw, ribbons, crinoline, thread, and directions for antique  ribbon work.

 It is available in  assorted colors. Please email for  current selection.   $12.00

By the middle of the  19th century hats had gone out of style and modishly dressed women wore only bonnets. Bonnets frequently had the addition of a bavolet, a fall of soft material attached to the back of the crown and covering the back of the neck. The bavolet became a standard part of the design. Create this elegant mid-Victorian silk and lace bonnet with lace bavolet and silk satin ribbon roses.  All materials and complete directions are included as well as hat stand, shaping form and rosemaker tool.    $25.00

The items in this kit are  based on an  illustration originally found on the cover of  Harper's Bazaar Magazine from Septembe 29, 1894. In the illustration these items are paired with a travelling cloak. Included are complete instructions and all materials to create the  straw hat trimmed in large bows and silk ribbon roses,  drawstring  pouch purse  of irridescent cotton and silk ribbon, and  closed silk umbrella with  brass handle and matching tassels. Please specify Lavender or Rose..  $30.00

No lady of the late 19th  or early 20th centuries would leave home without her hat and accessories.– hats grew larger and the  by1903 the pompadour was the popular style. Hats projected forward, held in place by long hatpins. wider brims covered the hair and brims were turned every which way.

  Construct a versatile silk hat by wiring the brim, which you can then shape  turned up or down, rolled or flat. Trim it with flowers, vintage ribbon techniques, feathers and bows. In addition, make a matching parasol and reticule.  Complete instructions and materials are included.   $35.00