Thursday, May 26, 2011

Timely Tress ~ Lucia Regency Bonnet ~ Update #2!

I finished my bonnet today! Or, at least, the basic form of it. Now the fun and endless possibilities of various trims looms before me.

For now, I have a black ostrich feather. I wanted a white one, but black seemed to go with this better for some reason. I think a white one would really just blend in with the fabric too much.

Or I could wear it plain without the feather. I like both looks. The one without the feather is more "me". But if I don't go with the feather, I will need to go with something else!

I do want to find something red to wear on the bonnet. A flower, a rosette, something. My shoes are red leather pointy toe slippers and my shawl has threads of red in it and I plan to make the reticule either white, dark blue or red. (I think a red one may be too matchy-matchy though?)

I really, really recommend this pattern from Timely Tresses. As usual, it was easy to work with and the finished result looks just like the photos on the pattern cover. The only thing I had a bit of a problem with was the markings on the lining pieces to which you are supposed to match the gathering for the "poufs" on the outer fabric. I couldn't figure out just how to do that easily, so I did the easiest thing of all - I eyeballed it ;) - and it seemed to come out fine. I think I could have more evenly distributed the gathers, but will do that next time! I love how this pattern is SO versatile - you could make a more tailored style with using the lining pattern as the outer crown, or you could make a plain gathered circle for a simpler style. Plus there are 3 brim variations/sizes so there are quite a few options, really!

It's been very nice for me to have this project to work on. It has been a very hard week for me so far as I found out on Sunday night that two people I knew were in an accident and did not survive. Working with your hands to create something useful and pretty is very soothing and I emerge from this project feeling far more cheerful than I did when I went in.

Love,
Sarah

9 comments:

  1. Hi Sarah,

    The hat/bonnet is beautiful :) :) I definitely like it with the black feather versus nothing. It really makes the colors of your hat and dress stand out. It makes the colors brighter :) :) I think adding a red rosette would be fine too. Hmm... now I'm going to have to watch "Emma" and "Sense and Sensibility" I LOVED the clothes they wore in those movies, even the hats :) :) You are so talented :) :) I wish I could sew like that..I may just have to increase my skill :) :) Great job on the hat ;) :)

    I don't see why a red reticule wouldn't work...maybe a deeper shade of red than your shoes, but still in the same tonal family..does that make sense? Or maybe you could make it a similar color as your dress and add red beading to match the shoes? Just some thoughts ;) :)

    I'm sorry that your week was hard. I'd love to pray for you and your friends families :) :) That much I can do :) :)

    God is so good to comfort us in different ways, even with sewing projects :) :) I agree about working with your hands. For me, it's a huge stress reliever for those times when I worry too much :) :)

    Love and hugs from Oregon, Heather :)

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  2. Sarah Jane,

    Do you take orders? I am wanting someone to make me the Simplicity 3727 pattern dress.

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  3. Do you take dress orders? I am looking to have the simplicity 3727 made.

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  4. Sarah~The hat is just lovely! You always do such an amazing job with your sewing. I think a red rosette or something would look lovely with the hat.

    I am so sorry your week has been hard and for your loss. I will be praying for your comfort, as well as the families.

    Much love my friend!
    Sommer

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  5. Heather and Sommer, thank you so much for your prayers. They are so appreciated. The young men who were killed were only 22 and 15; it has been difficult for me. I am a bit older than they were, but during my childhood in CT grew up with the older, who was a bit older than my brother and who was homeschooled and went to the same church we did. .the other was his cousin, and the younger brother of another friend who was likewise homeschooled and attended church with us. It has been hard to go through this but a comfort beyond anything to know that they are with the Lord now. No tears need be shed for them, but my heart aches for their families. :(

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  6. Beth, I do sometimes do custom work for people outside my family but currently am forbidden by my husband to take up any outside jobs at the moment. ;) For a dress like that, I would need to have in-person fittings since I don't think my skills are good enough to do everything long distance. I hope you are able to find someone to help you! Do you have any reenacting groups in the area? If you do, you could try contacting them . . .often a group will have at least one lady who specializes in sewing Civil War era outfits!

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  7. The bonnet turned out beautiful!
    I pray God will be with you and those families and other friends.

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  8. Sarah,

    I'm so sorry to hear about your loss of friends. You have my deepest sympathies.

    You bonnet is adorable! Perfectly appropriate for the festival. Red, white and blue are very patriotic colors, of course, and were worn by the french revolution supporters of the time. The tricolore cockade would be perfect sewn on to your bonnet. There are several wonderful looking ones on Bing Images...just type in french revolution cockade. But, if you aren't supporting the French...well then....don't wear it! :0)

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  9. Sarah, I am so sorry to hear about the deaths of your friends. Praying for peace for you and for their families.

    On a happier note, the bonnet is lovely! I like the feather but I wonder if smaller feather, or group of smaller ones, might work better? So as not to overpower the bonnet itself, and also to be more in keeping with your style. Hmm. I am no expert in the period or in bonnets at all, though, so feel free to disregard my suggestions! :)

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Thank you for your lovely thoughts!