Balmoral Bonnet

**room2ndfloor** · 24th March 13, 03:26 PM

I followed Anne Carroll Gilmour's pattern (available on Ravelry.com) to knit this bonnet. The cap is knitted to almost double size, then fulled (felted) down to the correct size and blocked to shape. The final fabric is like Melton coating.

I alternated a medium green yarn with a marine blue yarn. When felted, they blended beautifully into a nice lovat color.

I did not use grosgrain ribbon at the edge of the diced band, as Mrs. Gilmour instructed. I applied some cushy waistband elastic to the reverse side of the band, to create about 1" negative ease. My reasoning is this: Our ancestors were very practical people, and if they had this comfortable elastic, they would have used it. Steve confirmed that the cap was comfortably snug, not tight.

I did use the grosgrain ribbon for the tie in the back (customary for a married man) and to make a small cockade for above the left eye. I sewed the cockade on just at the tips, so that the cap badge is pinned through the cockade without piercing the cap itself.

We got a lot of admiration for this bonnet at the Clan Gordon Tartan Ball last night. Many people said the bonnet did not appear to be knitted.

Photos are before felting, and finished with casual American Heritage and formal Armstrong ancient kilts.

Balmoral before.jpg Balmoral, Casual.jpg Campbell Banner 2013.jpg

I'm Campbell, he's Armstrong.

**tulloch** · 24th March 13, 05:12 PM

Excellent! Nice to see how it works. I must try felting.

**Nile** · 24th March 13, 05:39 PM

Beautiful job and I really like that color. Can you post larger, more detailed photos?

Thanks,
Nile

**usonian** · 24th March 13, 06:30 PM

Nicely done!

**Aspiringloser** · 24th March 13, 07:40 PM

I love that pattern. I can't stop making it.

**room2ndfloor** · 24th March 13, 08:01 PM

Here's a try. Close-ups, front and back, of the folded cap.

Balmoral front 001.jpg Balmoral back 001.jpg

I am finding that photographing my projects is yet another skill from making them.

**Nile** · 24th March 13, 08:05 PM

Thank you for the photos. The color is just great and the hat is so well done. Your husband is very lucky!
Nile

**Army** · 26th March 13, 06:56 PM

Looks great

**SemperFyffe** · 27th March 13, 07:43 AM

Wonderful job! I too like Aspiringloser find these very addictive to make! I love that they are so forgiving of the mistakes I may make. Once it is felted you can't see the holes of my missed stitches or anything. And all the possibilities of the colors... Great Job!