Scottish Bonnets?

[Ryan Ross]

My ears were burning.

Thanks for the kind words, sirs.

Ehem...

[Steve of Lansing]

Readers;
OR you can buy the pattern, and sew one up to your likeling, the pattern from Smoke & Fire Company. It is quite easy: if you cut with shears, & sew on a button, you can make one of these. Mines from a slice of an old English Army Blanket.
As Ever
CSA

On the subject of DIY tams, someone from here on the forum posted some instructions for building one, a while back.

Here's the link.

It's a pdf file, but it gives pretty good and simple instructions on how to build a plain tam with or without the toorie, cockade, and ribbon tie.

I've already decided that my first will be a Ryan Ross, though. Just waiting for my tax return.

[Dale Seago]

I agree with the comments on Ryan Ross' fine work. I have one in blue, one green. Here's the blue:

[hkjrb623]

I really like the hand knits for the STM. I might check into making my own also. Thanks for all the feedback.

[Laochri MacTalabh]

I was like you, I didn't know if they were knitted or sewn. So I asked sirdaniel1975. He gave me some of the same advice that Mael Coluim gave with the Scottish Tartans Museum. I also didn't want the dicing and not too crazy about the big red toorie. I still may remove and replace it with a smaller black one.

Did you notice my cheap day sporranon the wall behind me

[Ryan Ross]

I was like you, I didn't know if they were knitted or sewn.

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.

[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.

[Standard]

You should also check out Chris's site Dunadd Trading Company.

*** He makes a superb Balmoral Bonnet. I'm well pleased with mine, and with the service.

[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.