Bonnet
MillinerMade by
Unknown
Dateabout 1840-1850
MediumHand-stitched woven and braided straw, possibly with some wire
DimensionsPrimary Dimensions (height x length x depth): 9 1/2 x 7 x 9in. (24.1 x 17.8 x 22.9cm)
ClassificationsCostume
Credit LineConnecticut Museum of Culture and History collection
DescriptionWoman's bonnet made from woven straw, with straw (or reed grass--the fiber is not determined) used for both the warp and weft. Green stripes were made by spacing a piece of straw dyed green with four pieces of light brown (natural) straw throughout the bonnet's pieces. The brim of the bonnet (the "poke") is contructed from two pieces diagonally plaited and attached at the center top, which is approximately 4 1/2 inches wide. The corners or ends of the brim at each cheek drop down well below the neck curtain and curve up towards the connection with the crown. There may be wire in the outer edge of the brim. The crown is 3 1/2 inches deep at the center top and is constructed of two pieces also constructed on the diagonal, stitched together at the top and bottom. The flat back of the crown is approximately four inches in diameter with the green stripes running vertically on the circular piece. A band of straw braid covers the seam between the sides and top of the crown. A narrow curtain also on the diagonal is attached to the bottom of the crown and the back side of the brim. This, and the brim itself, is edged with a fine bias-woven edging of straw. The two narrow bias-tape ties (1/2 inch wide) are sewn one to each back edge of the curved parts of the brim. They are about six inches long. A strip of fabric is used to cover the seam allowance between the curtain and the bottom of the crown. The sides of the crown are lined with a very loosely woven strip of fabric which also covers the seam allowance for the brim and crown.
Object number1987.246.0
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