You will find that some type of headgear will be very useful and practical at events, besides being a very pretty addition to your wardrobe.

Summer: During the hot and sunny weather of summer, a sunbonnet can save you much squinting and many headaches and sun burnt noses! Avoid the 'Little House on the Prairie' bonnets commonly sold, as the shape and construction is not correct for the time period. Sunbonnets are very simple to make at home, or they can be bought ready made.

     The fabric should be a very light weight or sheer cotton. The stiffening material in the brim for a slatted bonnet should be slats of paste-board or thin wood. Another option is to use 1/8" cotton cording between the two layers of the brim in close-together rows running side to side to make a corded sunbonnet. (requires heavy starching)

Patterns: Mrs. Clark's Slatted Sunbonnet Pattern,    

Godey's Sunbonnet Pattern - Instructions, Pattern

Ready-Made: Bonny Blue Historical Clothing,                                         Timely Tresses

 

 

Winter:

Hoods are excellent cold weather wear. These can be plain or fancy. They might be made from wool and silk and quilted for extra warmth.

Patterns: Free Red Riding Hood Pattern from Petersons

             Free Mid-19th Century Winter Hood Pattern

Ready Made: Bonny Blue Historical Clothing

Wool shawls and scarves (fabric and knitted/crocheted) can also be used to wrap around the head.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Straw or Buckram Hats & Bonnets: can be good for dressier ensembles. Hats were most commonly worn by fashionable younger ladies and girls. Bonnets were worn by ladies of all ages, often were silk, and can be very fashionable.

Patterns & Ready Made: Mrs. Parkers Millinery, Millers Millinery, Timely Tresses