Thoughts on a bonnet

**TMcAdams** · 20th July 10, 02:05 PM

Was wondering what you guys think of this Jacobite bonnet? Was thinkin about getting it.
Thanks for your input.
Thom

**ForresterModern** · 21st July 10, 03:41 AM

I have a similar one from the same company, only in burgundy. Their bonnets are fairly lightweight and not anywhere as substantial as others I have purchased elsewhere. I personally would not buy another, and rarely wear mine because of that, and have actually relegated it to my son for when his head is a bit bigger. Mine is made of lightweight felt like you could buy at a craft store for a childrens art project or costume, not the substantial felted wool of a proper bonnet.

For the money there are better choices. Look for solid tams or balmorals from Lochcarron or Robert Mackie for quality. I personally recommend Dunadd Trading Company. Chris (known here on xmarks as Redshanks) can find you what you want in quality product at a reasonable price.

**M. A. C. Newsome** · 21st July 10, 04:03 AM

If you are looking for an historic bonnet for Jacobite reenactment purposes, I'd try to find one that was knit and felted, rather than cut and sewn from felt cloth.

**Mael Coluim** · 21st July 10, 04:25 AM

Originally Posted by M. A. C. Newsome

If you are looking for an historic bonnet for Jacobite reenactment purposes, I'd try to find one that was knit and felted, rather than cut and sewn from felt cloth.

Would this fit the bill, Matt? No torrie in light blue, perhaps?

**tyger** · 21st July 10, 04:28 AM

Originally Posted by M. A. C. Newsome

If you are looking for an historic bonnet for Jacobite reenactment purposes, I'd try to find one that was knit and felted, rather than cut and sewn from felt cloth.

Let me second that, Matt. The knit-and-felted bonnet is simply in a class by itself, unmatched by any cut-and-stitched fabric assembly.

One unfortunate aspect of pictoral forums is that while one can talk about topics and post visuals, one cannot feel the texture and heft of the items being discussed. A visit to either the Scottish Tartans Museum Gift Shop (STMGS), or other shops, where a selection is available for close inspection is well worth the effort.

There is a world of difference among bonnets. I am glad that Ryan Ross is making felted bonnets, and that I could see those bonnets at the STMGS, and that I was easily convinced that a handmade bonnet has no peer.

**Ryan Ross** · 21st July 10, 06:27 AM

...go for knit.

...

**artificer** · 21st July 10, 12:55 PM

Originally Posted by Ryan Ross

...go for knit.

...

If THAT doesn't convince him, nothing will

I agree that knitted is so much nicer looking than sewn.

**Woodsheal** · 21st July 10, 01:52 PM

Originally Posted by TMcAdams

Was wondering what you guys think of this Jacobite bonnet? Was thinkin about getting it.
Thanks for your input.
Thom

Avoid that one of you want something "period correct" to the Jacobite era. Sewn bonnets did exist during that period, but consisted of a large circle of fabric gathered into the head band. Knitted bonnets were by far the most cmmon. The seam running around the outside edge is a feature of WWI and WWII tam o' shanters.

Mr Ross knits a fine bonnet, as does "unaspencer" - another member on board here:

http://russetlodgeknits.blogspot.com...e-bonnets.html