Proper "period" bonnets

**Woodsheal** · 28th April 06, 06:06 AM

Lots of folks here like to assemble historic kilt outfits for "living history" and reenactment situations such as RenFaires, 17th century, the `45 Rebellion, etc. In many photos posted of guys dressed for these occasions, one sees the unfortunate habit of wearing modern "balmorals." Even worse is when the balmorals are worn with modern metal clan badges! These items did not exist as such prior to the 19th century.

Here is a source for correct knit Scots bonnets:

http://www.qualitycaps.co.uk/pages/p...ts-3tc-all.asp

The "Rob Roy" and "Indigo" versions are correct for 18th c., including the `45. For earlier periods, including RenFaire, one should go with the "Woad" version. (The "Hummel" would be for the late 18th c. and Napoleonic periods.)

Hope this helps folks add to their authenticity when doing the historic "thing"...!

**auld argonian** · 28th April 06, 08:45 AM

These are all absolutely great! Thanks for the most excellent link.

Best

AA

**Kilted KT** · 28th April 06, 09:09 AM

Pretty cool looking caps!

**Caradoc** · 28th April 06, 09:23 AM

Originally Posted by Woodsheal

In many photos posted of guys dressed for these occasions, one sees the unfortunate habit of wearing modern "balmorals." Even worse is when the balmorals are worn with modern metal clan badges!

One thing, here... Occasionally, the knit bonnets end up looking an awful lot like a modern balmoral after a couple of years of hard wearing. The yarns felts up, and the knit is no longer distinguishable.

I agree with the comments on metal clan badges.

**switchblade5984** · 28th April 06, 09:52 AM

very nice!

**Pleater** · 28th April 06, 10:34 AM

I'd have said that they were not felted enough - the original 'cappers' used to felt, brush, clip and generally work quite hard to make the knitted look dissappear entirely.

Although on some of the museum items which were knitted the stitches are visible, I suspect that they are simply threadbare and the original raised nap has worn off.

I have knitted and crocheted caps and hats almost as long as I have been making socks, and to make a good solid felted hat is no easy matter - whilst the shapes and even the colours of those on offer might be right, I suspect the weight and rigidity would be wrong.

**Southern Breeze** · 28th April 06, 11:02 AM

Those are some great looking caps. Thanks for the link!

**Woodsheal** · 28th April 06, 01:12 PM

Originally Posted by Pleater

I have knitted and crocheted caps and hats almost as long as I have been making socks, and to make a good solid felted hat is no easy matter - whilst the shapes and even the colours of those on offer might be right, I suspect the weight and rigidity would be wrong.

May be, but Kirstie is considered the best period cap maker in the U.K....!

**pdcorlis** · 28th April 06, 01:19 PM

Rats! How could you possibly have known I also have a hat addiction?

**Pleater** · 29th April 06, 07:48 AM

Originally Posted by Woodsheal

May be, but Kirstie is considered the best period cap maker in the U.K....!

I can believe that - but selling things does put some constraints on a maker.

Putting in twice the effort and half as much again in materials 'just' to make something which looks almost identical to a lesser item is not commercially viable. To sell you need to minimise.

As the caps are for occasional use, not everyday items I am sure they are perfectly suited for their intended use.

They will really perplex future archaeologists finding them in a peat bog.