Scottish Bonnets?

[Laochri MacTalabh]

Just a word on that- I don't think we have anything in the historical record (nothing I've ever seen or heard of, anyway) to indicate that bonnets were being constructed in a cut and sewn manner any earlier than 120-150 years ago.

Before that time, they were all knit.

Yea, That's is why I asked sirdaniel1975, I want to make a Highland Bonnet. I am still learning to knit good enough to attempt it.

[Ryan Ross]

Yea, That's is why I asked sirdaniel1975, I want to make a Highland Bonnet. I am still learning to knit god enough to attempt it.

Cool.

One more thing- While they're labled as 'Highland Bonnets' that type of headgear was worn all over Scotland, for hundreds of years, by nearly EVERY grown male.

Unlike the kilt, the bonnet is a truly "Scottish" thing, and not just a Highland one.

EDIT: When you get to making these things, here's a little guideline- Yes, especially in the earlier part of the 17th century, bonnets could be fairly large and floppy. But by the 18th century, 12 inches is about as large as they tended to be, with many being more like 11, and they started to get thicker and have more body.

Also, here's a little tip- The looser your stitches are, the thicker and more completely felted your bonnet will want to get. That's inside info, so don't tell anyone.

[Laochri MacTalabh]

Thanks for the tips and little lesson. I guess it's true, "You learn something new every day."
I will post pictures if and when I get a decent one made.

Oh; Your secret is safe with me.

[Woodsheal]

Not to take anything away from Ryan's excellent bonnets, but we have another member - unaspencer - who knits a fine product as well. She also provides patterns:

http://www.russetlodgeknits.blogspot.../label/bonnets

[MrLion]

Not to take anything away from Ryan's excellent bonnets, but we have another member - unaspencer - who knits a fine product as well. She also provides patterns:

http://www.russetlodgeknits.blogspot.../label/bonnets

WoodSheal,
Could you please post a pic or two of one of these bonnets?! i.e. you wearing one?
Thanks.

[Woodsheal]

WoodSheal,
Could you please post a pic or two of one of these bonnets?! i.e. you wearing one?
Thanks.

Diane knitted me a nice, earthy-brown one. Here are my sons modeling it as I snap pics:





I added a small black toorie:

[MrLion]

Diane knitted me a nice, earthy-brown one. Here are my sons modeling it as I snap pics:





I added a small black toorie:

Thanks Brian! Now to ponder whether I really need another hat....hmmm.
I really like how they look pulled forward like a cap.

[fluter]

For those wanting to knit a bonnet/balmoral, a good place to find patterns is ravelry.com. Here are two recommended patterns that are for sale:

From our own unaspenser search designers for Russet Lodge Knits. Also directly at her blog: russetlodgeknits.blogspot.com

Anne Carroll Gilmour has a nice one for a modern style balmoral. It was also featured in Piecework magazine, Jan/Feb 2011; it's now available on Ravelry once again.

Public Service Announcement: knitting is addictive, and has been known to have a severe negative impact on one's sewing time. Ask me how I know.

balmoral-nat2 by arcturus1997, on Flickr
Here it is, before being felted (see Ryan's tip above!)

[Ryan Ross]

Which is how they were often worn, back in the day:

They will keep the sun out of your eyes, and the rain off your face, worn in that fashion...!

I've always loved that painting, and will get around to making a bonnet like his... one of these days.

Public Service Announcement: knitting is addictive, and has been known to have a severe negative impact on one's sewing time.

God knows- That's the truth! It'll have a negative impact on time doing almost anything but talking and listening to music!

[piperdbh]

God knows- That's the truth! It'll have a negative impact on time doing almost anything but talking and listening to music!

You can talk and knit at the same time? You're a better man than I am, Gunga Din.