Latest Bonnet.

**Mike S** · 13th July 15, 05:25 PM

My latest bonnet based on XMark member Todd Bradshaw's Balmoral inspired pattern. It is an excellent and simple to use pattern that has a built in jaunty bit of flair.

I used some 100% wool Cadet Grey Kersey. I wanted to make a bonnet in a neutral, but not as often seen color. The grosgrain ribbon badge cockade is fully removable, and I made a variety to swap out as required.

The fit is perfect for my large, 7 & 5/8ths noggin, and looks far better than it does on this undersized Styrofoam display head.

**Todd Bradshaw** · 14th July 15, 12:20 AM

Looks really good Mike. It's funny how many comments they get around town. We have a T-bird convertible that is our summer "recreational vehicle" and I keep a herringbone tweed bonnet in it - otherwise after a couple miles of flapping around, your hair hurts. We've had people from the sidewalk yell out "I really like your hat!". One day I pulled into the loading dock at my wife's lab to drop her off and a guy walked past and said "The car is nice, the lovely woman is nice, but I really covet the hat." Pretty funny.

I'm currently debating the idea of making one from tartan. On one hand, I really dislike those floppy tartan tams made with wedge-shaped pieces of tartan and seriously wonder if bonnets simply should not be made from tartan. On the other hand, I just wonder what it would look like to do it differently, and I have fabric on hand to try one, just to see. I figure that there is at least a small chance of coming up with something that looks classy, instead of trashy, but I'll probably have to try one to find out.

**Mike S** · 14th July 15, 05:59 AM

Thanks Todd, it is a Jim Dandy pattern. I like a bit of height to the body/band as mentioned in my other bonnet thread, and positioned the brow band accordingly on this one.

I have yardage of various family tartans that I have thought about making into balmorals as well, but have not for the very same reasons that you listed. I'd be interested to see what you come up with.

**Mike S** · 14th July 15, 08:23 AM

Forgot to mention Todd that you did a superb job on the pattern that you have very generously shared with us.

It has the best qualities of a traditional balmoral, with a bit of the flair of a flat cap blended into one very wearable design.

**MacGumerait** · 15th July 15, 12:00 AM

Mike , absolutely great looking bonnet . Well done ! Another option for cockades is your clan's " livery colors " .

Ditto on your comments about Todd's pattern , very smart looking . ( loved your bonnet too , Todd !)

Cheers , Mike

**Mike S** · 15th July 15, 03:48 AM

Many thanks Mike. Todd's pattern is a great one to use.

Yes, I mentioned in the initial post that I made the cockade removable, as I also made a number of other ones to swap out. That includes some in a few of my clan tartans, as well as dark blue, black, and green grosgrain ribbon.

**Todd Bradshaw** · 15th July 15, 10:17 AM

If you have a little bit of your tartan on hand, a little "liner patch" for a cap badge can look surprisingly good, despite how simple it is to make. Cut a carefully chosen square of your pattern and ravel the edges out to provide about a quarter inch of fringe on all sides. Then iron a small piece of fairly sturdy interfacing on the back to give it a little stiffness. No need to sew anything, and it can be transferred with the pin or switched out as desired.

**Mike S** · 15th July 15, 10:21 AM

Thanks Todd. I've already made a number of my clan tartan cockades. but this will help those following this thread.

I'm going to HAVE to procure some tweed to make a balmoral in that material as well. Your example in the photo looks great!

**Blupiper** · 15th July 15, 10:07 PM

Hi, Mike:

I really do like the look and the proportions of the bonnet you made. Now when you say it's a Jim Dandy pattern, do you mean it's a really great pattern or is it a pattern like one from Simplicity or Buttericks? If it is an actual pattern, could you please reference where to find it. I might like to take a stab at my own bonnet in a charcoal or gray wool. Once again, your bonnet looks great.

JMB

**Todd Bradshaw** · 15th July 15, 11:21 PM

The pattern is one I designed about ten years ago and is available for free in two parts. The actual pattern is a PDF file that can be printed out on a home printer and the pieces taped together to make the full-sized parts where needed. It can be scaled when printed to adjust for different sizes, but it is probably smart to do a test version on cheap fabric to make sure it fits you before cutting into any expensive wool. The PDF file is here:

http://webpages.charter.net/tbradsha...f/!BALMORA.PDF

There is also a step-by-step photo series in one of my Photobucket albums that shows one being built, and that album is here:

http://s1303.photobucket.com/user/To...?sort=9&page=1

TB