DIY Balmoral, Cockade, and Plant Badge

**Harold Cannon** · 25th August 11, 08:01 AM

Just finished it yesterday. It was a french style beret in another life.

**ozarkjacobite** · 25th August 11, 08:18 AM

Great bonnet! Could you share some details on how this transformation came to be? I've been thinking about doing this very project for some time now.

**Harold Cannon** · 25th August 11, 08:29 AM

I start by machine stitching 2 inch ribbon on the outside then I fold it under and use a simple running stitch to attach it on the inside. Run a 3/4 inch ribbon throught the pocket that the above creates. Tiie it off in a bow. Make a yarn tourie and sew it on. Attach the cockade and there you have it.

**ozarkjacobite** · 25th August 11, 08:35 AM

Thank you sir. I think I just found my new weekend project if time allows.

**Thomas H** · 25th August 11, 09:09 AM

I am going to try this as I have been wanting to do But was waiting for some one esle to do it first LOL

So you used a Frence style beret ?
How did you make it look like a Balmoral?
I love plant badges ,My plant badge is Pine for Ferguson ,any susgustions?
TX

**Thomas H** · 25th August 11, 09:11 AM

Can you post some more pictures of this ,as I really like this idea !!!
You did a great job!!!!!

**Harold Cannon** · 25th August 11, 09:45 AM

I am working on another one and will take some pictures as I go.

**creagdhubh** · 25th August 11, 10:12 AM

It looks great, but in my opinion, a real plant badge would look far better. It appears to be holly, which if you are a MacMillan (judging by the livery colours and clansman's badge), would be correct. Holly is a fairly common plant in North America, so I would encourage you to check out your local nursery or home improvement store, to see if you can find some real holly. Naturally, this is only my opinion. Your bonnet ensemble looks great nonetheless!

Me with a few sprays of boxwood.

Me with a few sprays of purple heather.

Me with a sprig or two of white heather.

Cheers,

**Thomas H** · 25th August 11, 10:38 AM

So you started out with a Beret and ended up with a Awsome balmoral.
How did you make the top look like it is Bigger then a normal Beret?

How do you determine what colors to use on the ribbon, tartan colours or
what?

I am " jones " to make one for myself. now and I am at work wanting to go right now and buy a Beret and make a Balmoral out of it.

**Harold Cannon** · 25th August 11, 11:11 AM

You have to use a french style beret the normal military ones wont work. The way they are made is different and the french style is much larger. A marching band uniform supply is a good source for these.

The ribbon color is determined by the LIVERY colors of your clan's chief.

I have used real plant badges and do prefer them but in the sweltering Alabama heat they just dont seem to last very long before they wilt.