Scottish Bonnets?

**warrior** · 27th January 12, 12:23 PM

Originally Posted by Dale Seago

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

I have to ask, Dale, about that vest. I assume it is not off the rack. I want something similar in a weathered tartan.
I hope you don't mind but I saved a copy of the photo.

**Dale Seago** · 27th January 12, 12:40 PM

Originally Posted by warrior

I have to ask, about that vest. I assume it is not off the rack. I want something similar in a weathered tartan.
I hope you don't mind but I saved a copy of the photo.

Actually it WAS off the rack. It's a wool vest from Eddie Bauer I got about 15 years ago and hasn't been available since. I think they were trying to compete with the slightly heavier wool vest from Filson, which is very similar and which I like even better -- and which comes in a number of color choices:

http://www.filson.com/products/macki...taProduct=1011

**Guinness>water** · 21st January 12, 09:05 AM

I wouldn't buy anything but a Ryan Ross bonnet! They are awesome and I love mine. They are made of really soft warm wool, when pulled right they block the sun just like a baseball cap. Hands down the best!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

Snow not included with bonnets.

**Laochri MacTalabh** · 21st January 12, 01:32 PM

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** · 21st January 12, 02:55 PM

Originally Posted by Laochri MacTalabh

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** · 21st January 12, 03:15 PM

Originally Posted by Ryan Ross

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** · 21st January 12, 03:34 PM

Originally Posted by Laochri MacTalabh

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.