Bonnet
Original OwnerOriginally owned by a member of the
Steele family
(American)
MillinerMade by
Unknown
Dateabout 1855
MediumHand-stitched velvet, with silk linings, cotton or wool batting, reed supports, and silk ribbon ties
DimensionsPrimary Dimensions (height x width x depth): 9 x 8 x 7in. (22.9 x 20.3 x 17.8cm)
ClassificationsCostume
Credit LineGift of Mrs. Richard T. Steele
Object number1977.90.5
DescriptionWoman's winter bonnet made from a burgundy velvet, lined with white silk and insulated with wool or cotton batting. The soft bonnet has a deep ruffle of the velvet around the face, 2 5/8 inches wide at the center top and narrowing towards the bottom corners. The inner edge of this ruffle is gathered around a reed threaded through a casing, used to support the front of the bonnet. The sides and back of the bonnet are made from one strip of velvet. A 5 3/4-inch-wide strip is gathered lengthwise with a double row of stitching, 1 1/2 and three inches from the intersection with the brim. The additional 2 3/4 inches are then gathered to the circular back piece (approximately four inches in diameter). Note how the side is cut so that part becomes the bottom for the back, around the center circle. Red velvet piping is used in this seam. A curtain, 2 1/2 inches wide at the center back, is sewn to the entire bottom of the bonnet. It is gathered over another reed threaded through a casing. This casing appears to be made from a pink, bias-cut piece of fabric that can be seen under the lining inside. The ruffle has a smaller ruffle made from a fine, white silk underneath it to frame the face. This silk is also used to line the inside of the bonnet. Between the lining and velvet is cotton or wool batting, used for warmth. The ties are made from a silk, woven in a fine diaper weave or similar decorative pattern. The ribbon is three inches wide, with each tie being eighteen inches long and cut square at the end.
Status
Not on view
