Feather bonnet tails

[Lachlan09]

I only have 2 tails left now. Sendt a request to a store that sells feather bonnetse, and he would check if he could get spare tails.

If I can't get some, I have to make them.
Any idea of how ho make some? Can't find any instructions the internet, but did find some cheap feathers around that I can buy.

Not sure, but in Napoleonic times, the feather bonnets worn by Highland regiments had shorter, less voluminous tails. If I remember correctly, the Black Watch had what was described as “flats” or un-curled ostrich feather tails. So they were fastened to the bonnet at the base of the feathers and allowed to lay over each other. The other regiments wore, what I understand to be, feathers rolled into “cigar” shapes and fastened in layers according to regimental taste and recent-tradition. I think the voluminous tails of Victorian times and ever since are possibly a case of more feathers fastened together and rolled. Some ostrich feathers are pretty long, so that might explain the fashion for longer feather-foxtails. Mind you, the longer tails are also wider, so maybe it’s one feather per tail after all ? I don’t know how they keep the roll from unraveling – perhaps you can look at the two remaining ones on your bonnet and get an idea.

As for where to get big ostrich feathers, my joke about Olso Zoo is maybe possible after all. If they have ostriches, perhaps they shed feathers now and again. Why not ask them ? Also, exotic meat companies in South Africa and Australia who harvest ostrich meat must have to do something with all the feathers. Maybe they can send you some.

In the meantime, maybe you can find a couple of stray black cats, drug them and tie them to your bonnet ! But careful when they wake up, they might be a little grumpy !