BONNET PATTERN

This is a pattern for a very simple bonnet that takes no gathering and all of that tricky stuff. It makes a "coal scuttle" style bonnet that gives the face some nice shade.

To enlarge the pattern, take a large piece of paper (12-in shelf paper will work) and make a cross to the dimensions shown in the diagram by a dotted line. Then join the points as shown with the solid line. The curved lines are a little tricky, but they don’t have to be exact, so just get as close as you can. The top of the pattern will be the front of the bonnet’s brim, so round it off so the front won’t be too pointy.

You can make the bonnet with 3/4 of a yard of 45" fabric. Cut out two bonnet pieces, one neckband piece, and two ties that are the same width as the neckband (3 1/2 inches) and 27 inches long. Notice that the bonnet pattern is only half the piece—you need to place it on the fold of the fabric so you get a piece that looks sort of like a funny-looking mushroom.

Right sides together, join Points A and B and sew along the curved edge. You will do this twice with each of the 2 bonnet pieces. Then put these 2 pieces together, right sides facing, and sew together around all sides except the straight bottom side. Turn this right side out and you should have the basic shape of your bonnet.

Sew the ties to each end of the neckband, then fold right sides together and stitch—just the ties, not the neckband. Turn right side out. Sew one edge of the neckband piece to the bottom of the bonnet, right sides together, then turn the neckband around, fold the raw edge under, and sew the other edge to the inside of the bonnet—either whip stitch it by hand or topstitch it down.

I hope this is clear enough—I wish I could put in all the drawings like the store-bought patterns have but there just isn’t room. If you don’t get what I mean, ask someone who sews a lot. Of course I’d love to help if you want to - just drop me an e-mail at trailofthe49ers@compuserve.com

-- Ginger