Balmoral bonnets

**okiwen** · 19th February 10, 03:22 PM

Thanks. I look forward to your pics.

**OC Richard** · 24th February 10, 06:52 AM

Originally Posted by thescot

I'll have to get you a picture later, but basically, you have to first make sure that the stitching on the ribbon that comes down about 3" is picked out. Then first tie a tight knot, just right over left and pull though, then do the bow tie thing. You'll have to trim the ends on the bias once it's done.

And--take a hint from Scotty Thompson again--run a thread through the knot once you're done to keep it tight. I've had mine tied for 12 years or so.

What he said!

I very carefully arranged the back ribbons into a nice knot (on both my Lovat Green and Black Mackie Balmorals) and then stitched them into place.

I've had them since the 80's and they're still fine.

**okiwen** · 24th February 10, 12:48 PM

Thank you. Still waiting for the pics??

**thescot** · 25th February 10, 10:05 PM

Originally Posted by okiwen

The ribbons in the back are sewn together then up to a delta shape on the bonnet. How does one neatly tie these in a bow with that delta shape? I have tried as a bow-tie would tie and then like a shoe tie. Neither hold fast or is neat.

Pictures would be grand.

Well, I couldn't find another way to get a picture, so I took one of myself in a mirror, then flipped it so it wasn't backwards.

You can see in these pictures both the bonnet, the badge (a harp in this instance), and the tied bow at the back. The color of the grosgrain is funky due to lighting, and you can see a small moth hole in the back, but it shows the details of what we've been talking about. This bonnet is about 12-14 years old.

Note: the bonnet is actually green, and the sweatband and robbon are, too, but the colors are screwy because of the lighting I used and the flash. The bow actually looks pink in this picture, but it's actually a sun-faded green.

**OC Richard** · 26th February 10, 05:09 AM

Yep that fading happens. On my really old Mackie Glengarry, bought in the late 70's and veteran of many sunny Highland Games and rain and so forth, the black ribbon (used for the binding, cockade, and tails) has turned to that odd pinkish rust colour.

**okiwen** · 26th February 10, 10:26 AM

Thank you for the post. I see what you have done. Not a problem.

**Jack Daw** · 26th February 10, 12:25 PM

This whole thread has become an issue with me because I felt very good about not developing a compulsion for all clothing Scottish. I've fended of the tweed kilt, and to date, I've been pretty cold on the balmoral. But, now, when I see that the tourie doesn't have to be red and the quality of the Robert Mackie is what it is, I find my resolve beginning to crumble. My mantra is now: It's not cold enough in Houston; it's not cold enough in Houston; it's not cold enough in Houston.

**thescot** · 26th February 10, 01:22 PM

Originally Posted by Jack Daw

This whole thread has become an issue with me because I felt very good about not developing a compulsion for all clothing Scottish. I've fended of the tweed kilt, and to date, I've been pretty cold on the balmoral. But, now, when I see that the tourie doesn't have to be red and the quality of the Robert Mackie is what it is, I find my resolve beginning to crumble. My mantra is now: It's not cold enough in Houston; it's not cold enough in Houston; it's not cold enough in Houston.

You know you want to. All the kids are doing it.

The photo I posted is a pretty old bonnet, but I'll have to put up photos of my oldest one, too. It it black and has a black toorie. I bought it that way a long time ago in Denver from that shop downtown that, I think, is closed now. It was across from the Brown Palace.

And Jack, the older a bonnet gets, the better it is. Better start soon!

**Jack Daw** · 26th February 10, 01:43 PM

Jim;

When I convene for my clan, my co-host is a fellow MacIntyre who has a lovat green balmoral that has seen many years outdoors in the rain and sun. I envy, but do not covet.