Making a Gothic Victorian Bonnet // DIY Bustle Period Mini Bonnet

[@hedgerow.homestead]

“Even your hat is cluttered with nonsense.” I feel like that summarizes my life recently. Love it

[@Offroadkartplans]

You say it like it's a bad thing......

[@hedgerow.homestead]

@@Offroadkartplans not at all

[@ramblinentertainment1922]

I love the green color, it’s still so gothic without being cliche

[@Maellen]

Exactly. And she looks superb in jewel tones.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!

[@saltlifegull4091]

Heck yeah, love the green....Scarlet Ohara would have liked it too lol

[@noexpensespentstudios]

The coffin pleat interior to the brim is on point for the outfit's theme.

[@loisbogholtz2252]

my nine year old granddaughter loves you. She just got her first sewing machine for Christmas . She puts you on and sews her straight lines. I have her making a ww2 quilt because it is nothing but straight lines and pivoting corners. Next she wants to make your bonnet.

[@sisuguillam5109]

Tell her good luck with her projects!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Oh I must remember to be family friendly when I'm rambling ha! 😅 Tell her it's great she's got started early, she'll be making bonnets in no time! ❤

[@Ragnaran]

Such a lovely dress and bonnet, the colour of the silk always reminds me of absinthe, makes me want to make a whole set of outfits inspired by fancy drinks

[@RivkahSong]

I always think of that shade of green (especially if it's iridescent) as either absinthe or arsenic green. Both are very Victorian lol.

[@caitmcg4382]

Would definitely love a lookbook based on fancy drinks!!! How fun would that be?!

[@crowfaerymori]

Oooh do you have a channel or instagram or blog? I’d love to see those outfits if they get made!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Gwen!

[@alexkl6084]

i'm now having flashbacks to wearing my grandfather's old top hat and a crushed velvet cape to play one of the three wise men in a school performance 😅

[@annastevens1526]

Crushed velvet capes are great!! 😂 I sewed one for the only high school dance I ever attended... and then did my best to make it a usable outfit piece for the next 3-4 years, despite its being totally not in line with fashions of the time! (The cape fascination just got the better of me...)

[@kaytiej8311]

Reading the comments, it seems we are all hankering to see you do more hats! "And that, my dear, is the dream!"

[@cassandra007]

Upside: the black velvet makes the pretty pins gorgeous.

[@TracyLynnAP]

I have even started to change to my daytime pajamas then back to nighttime ones . Totally agree, we are all sometimes to hard on ourselves. The hat is lovely

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thanks Tracy!

[@annastevens1526]

"Daytime" and "nighttime" pajamas is such a lockdown thing!! 😂 I wonder how many home sewists got inspired to run themselves up glamour Hedy Lamarr-style vintage silky pajamas just to try and maintain some sense of not living constantly in flannel throughout the panini era...? 😆

[@KatherineYoung]

I love “appalled by costume leaning.” I loved Disney and pop culture art and my art teachers... MANY looked down on that as not real art... people... 🤦🏻‍♀️ Adding a little eccentricity to life makes it a whole heck of a lot better!

[@theHaru20]

The bee in the bonnet ist absolutely brilliant!😂

[@annastevens1526]

🤦🏻‍♀️ I completely missed the visual pun!! Feel so ashamed...

[@grottoserpentina9342]

Absolutely gorgeous. And that ribbon w/ black edging....wow. Great step-by-step hat tutorial. I'd love to see more in the future.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you! ❤

[@guineverecassidy4855]

Most excellent! Green is such an under appreciated color. I love it in all its wonderfulness.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Guinevere! 💚

[@annastevens1526]

So true, Guinivere! I literally spent 3 years trying to find a decent pair of forest green sandals 🤯 (I like coordinating or contrasting footwear with outfits) Had to make do with a thrifted pair of teal-ish ones in the end... Green just seems to be a colour that isn't "in" these days, alas?? 😢 (The previous attempt had been a pair of straw-wrapped sandals that I recoloured using green permanent marker... NOT such a success! 😂)

[@tiffytattoo2450]

I noticed that you are very hard on yourself... let me tell you, you are doing a great job! Your videos are beautiful, amazing projects! Very inspirational ♡ But I guess artists are their own biggest critics ;)

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you! ❤

[@saltlifegull4091]

Right on, Tiffy!

[@onesma1729]

It's lovely!! I, too, am in my flannel pj's but it's 5 pm here 🤣 we don't care what ya wear when we cannot see you, just as long as we get to see you! Love the bonnet!!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!

[@joannaerhardt7294]

This looks great! I think more hat videos would be awesome! Maybe even up cycling "wounded birds" hats making them wearable again? That's something I'd love to learn how to do correctly. 💖💖

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Joanna!

[@amiwalton9645]

The hot topic of bonnets in the best possible way cracked me up.

[@Ros4.87]

So relaxing listening to your ramblings and seeing the bonnet slowly coming together! Love videos like this

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Rosa!

[@mikorey2917]

Makes me think of that green bonnet in “Gone with the Wind” where Scarlet puts that bonnet on upside down to see Red Butlers reaction 😍😍😍

[@LauriesPlace999]

Best hat making tutorial I've seen!!! You did a beautiful job💚

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!

[@ObsidianxAlice]

The bonnet is gorgeous! I'm so glad you shouted out Allyn's! A friend and I went there a few years ago, and I couldn't find it again and honestly thought I had somehow hallucinated the place or it closed. Their shop is overwhelming and kind of magical, from my memory.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you! Yeah Allyn's is a magical, yet usually deeply disorganized, wonder land 😅

[@taddances75]

Yes please Bianca! More fancy hats! I love to see flat fabric and materials change into beauty and you amaze me with your skills.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!

[@Veronensis]

I would love to see you do more hats, both sewn hats and blocked hats

[@starrynyte158]

Yes pls!! More hats!!

[@maryblaylock6545]

I want to thank you for showing us where you should have made the seam allowances more generous. Having seen where you would have done things differently is as good as any printed pattern and probably more valuable is watching how you approach problems and solve them. The dress is exquisite as is the lovely hat! You look like visiting royalty to our Fair country! Please stay healthy and may you have good dreams.🎩🐱💄👡

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Mary!

[@mariemcgowan-irving6156]

I've made a few Victorian inspired bonnets, I really love making them! I made them more in Bebe style and like you, I had to develop my own pattern. I don't have decent fabric shops nearby and have to rely on ordering online. Fortunately in the UK there are a lot of millinery supply businesses online. Thank you for the pattern - I will give this a go.

[@deanalovessewn6117]

Hi Bianca!! Wonderful work on your bonnet.. Love, love your green fabric.. Deeply appreciate you taking your time to explain how you did this fabulous work of art.... 💜💜💜🧵🧵🧵

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Deana!

[@ReinaElizondo]

Ooh I love the idea of a mini bonnet! This is so cute! I kinda wish the lining ruffles were visible too, they look so pretty!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Reina!

[@msjelly1987]

I have really been wanting to make some hats. I love those half hats from the 40s,50s & 60s. Its really hard to find original vintage half hats in Australia, and if you do find them, they're ridiculously expensive. Last year I made one for my cousins wedding, to go with a black Unique Vintage fit and flare dress, embroidered with flowers which I added a lace hemline, a new/thicker handmade velvet embroidered sleeves. I had to add some darts in the bust and raise the skirt as I have a short waist. Unfortunately I still have not been able to wear my first half hat out because while I was in the middle of making my half hat, COVID hit Australia and my cousin had to quickly elope. They hopefully get to retake their vows this Easter on the year anniversary. We got 3 COVID 19 cases this week and my entire state has gone back into lockdown. Hopefully we won't be in lockdown again this April. PLEASE do more HATS from all different eras. They make an outfit and are so stunning. Plus green is my favourite colour, Take care, Janelle (Victoria, Australia)

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thanks Janelle! I do wish we were half that strict here and then things perhaps wouldn't be as bad eek!

[@gothempress]

This turned out beautiful! And I, too, am garbed in my Quarantine Attire. No shame, I'm comfy lol!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thanks Darcie! ❤

[@kristinsewell1441]

Anyone else having Scarlett O'Hara visions with this? Looks like her drapery hat. Not an insult! Gorgeous.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Kristin!

[@PolyvoreThea]

SWOON! Chef’s Kiss! Hat!!! Seriously could you and this channel be more completely my kind of thing? You decorated a FAN! You made a Victorian Bonnet! All Gothic and delicious. I was having a very bad migraine day, but this blew that away. Thank you from the bottom of my heart Bianca. ❤️

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Thea! 💚💚💚

[@elitabaldridge6967]

I have been up too late in the barn the past couple days with kidding goats in the middle of the horrible freezing cold snap, and we're all done now with healthy babies and mommas, and I can finally have a sit down and some tea and watch you make a cunning little bonnet, and this video really hits the spot, and I really appreciate it.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Sounds intense and cold! But also, baby goats are sooooo cute, so incredibly worth it 😅

[@frankieb43]

Absolutely beautiful! That green silk! 👌👌👌 ❤️❤️❤️ X

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Frankie!

[@christineingram55]

I think it’s delightful..Will go perfectly with your gown.I love this green you used ,it really picks up a few variations in different light including the black over lay to it..You have the perfect mix of green and black on the bonnet ..I love it 🥰

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Christine!

[@Devanrealness]

Dreaming of a nonsensically cluttered hat 🖤💚

[@rhondacrosswhite8048]

I own a huge hat that I have to wear if I want to travel with it. It’s a duplicate of Scarlett O’Hara’s barbecue hat so carrying it in a hatbox would add an entire piece of luggage.

[@michellecornum5856]

I love the green and black, and I absolutely LOVE the green pleats inside (and your label!) SQUEEEEE! Can't wait!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Michelle!

[@annh.8290]

This has been so fun to watch, and the bonnet is lovely!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Ann!

[@willynthepoorboys2]

I took 2 years of technical theater in high school, building props for plays. It was a lot of fun. When you were showing feathers on the hat I was thinking a peacock feather would look amazing on it, but your end product is so beautiful I am rethinking my muse. Thank you for the video.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!

[@kytrvlnurse]

Coffin bonnet #goals. Also I totally 💯 support the flannel PJs at 4pm. 🤪

[@pennywisethedancingclown2702]

This is the tutorial of my dreams! I’ve been wanting to get into hat making.

[@ssg8051]

Your lush green taffeta gave me a flashback to wearing my mom's green taffeta cocktail dress when I was a kid. It was a thing of beauty and sound (when swishing). Your hat is gorgeous. Cheers, Ardith

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Ardith! I thrift-flipped an 1980's green taffeta party dress into a skirt once and the taffeta is suuuuper pretty, even though that one's polyester 😅

[@nicolegoddard7086]

I am also "here for the end result." also i love the gentle background music and your voice is so calming. I love binging your videos while I amp myself up to sew, and then while I am sewing, but right now I'm watching to wind down to sleep.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Nicole!

[@khaxjc1]

Yes to more hatting and millinery type projects!

[@faylowery8693]

The mini Gothic hat is wounderful. Love the black and green fabric.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Fay!

[@nicolagredziuk6672]

Very late to this but loving it! Tip for threads when making millinery frames - running your thread through wax. It strengthens the thread and also helps keep it from tangling. But I’ve also used the Guterman thread for hand quilting that is a little stiff and that works well.

[@gillianstapleton7741]

That's so cute - a perfect microcosm of a bonnet.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thanks Gillian!

[@daunledford7780]

I find you a very fun and personable person. Love the lessons.

[@24ntk]

"The hot topic version, in the best way." I cackled

[@lvhg17]

I am so excited for your Victorian shenanigans. I love your videos, and I can't wait for the next one!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!

[@organiccher64]

I loved watching your video..your narration is always fun ..makes me chuckle at times..the hat is very nice..a lot of work!!😀😀

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Cheryl!

[@rtboothby3053]

BONNETS!!! I love bonnets, hats, and headgear of all sorts, and have blocked and decorated several hats in the past when I took classes from a milliner. Enjoyed this video so much. Thank you! Also, thank you for the pattern.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you! I can never seem to find the exact blocks I want, surely there must be dozens of old 40's and 50's ones in a dusty warehouse out there somewhere 😅

[@lacyminoux9177]

That hat is so gorgeous! I would also love to see some more hats and especially blocking with buckram. I am trying to find the most efficient way to make a hat/cover for my riding helmet so that I can level up my equestrian costuming game and that sounds interesting.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Lacy! I'll have to do a blocked buckram hat sometime soon!

[@aliceadler4569]

Your flannels look warm & comfy!!! ♥️♥️♥️. I am just fascinated with this whole costume 💚💚💚 I’ve already seen the day bodice. It is incredible!!!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Alice!

[@kathrynmccarthy]

Super cute! I can't wait to see it with the whole look complete

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Kathryn!

[@pepperreed.33]

"Seamlessly... Well, not seamlessly, there's a seam. We're stitching the seam now." 😂😂😂 Bianca, you're hilarious! The project looks great, and it was very interesting to watch.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you! Sometimes you can tell I don't script things, because I say things and then you can hear the ~regret/whhhat?~ in my voice ha 😅

[@KKnLiz]

This is so beautiful! Your work always inspires me but now I really wish I had the knowledge to make hats. I had some clients a few months ago that own an ostrich farm and they gave me a few feathers! I'm saving them to hopefully make a late Victorian or Edwardian hat some day.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you! Got to love ostrich feathers, they're beautiful!

[@Sew_Learning]

Definitely gothically-delicious!!! Always amazed at your talents! Thank you for sharing this with us. Can't wait to see you wear it with the day bodice and skirt - the whole ensemble. Stay safe. Sending best wishes from Down Under 💚👋👋👋🌺🇦🇺😎

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Rhonda! 💚💚💚

[@cynthiamitchell7261]

Watching this at 1:59 am. The bonnet is beautiful. I lust that green silk!. I can't wait to see the ball gown bodice!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Cynthia! 💚

[@sewvintagebysunraedoll]

Yasss, we need a couture hat making video please. I recently discovered humbolt haberdashery here in California & they have all the materials we need to make our hats.

[@trudicole3520]

Very cute gone with the windish bonnet and I love the little label can't wait to see the whole outfit on you when its finished

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Trudi!

[@mariekado7151]

The bonnet is so cute. That blue looks stunning on you, btw.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Marie!

[@rachele7398]

Hats off to you. Lovely work. More hat design would be great I also did set design in hs theater class. Designed some drawing ideas for costumes for greek gods and goddess with a 1950s vintage feel

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Rachel!

[@annlidslot8212]

Hi, I just started watching your video and YES!!! I would love to see you make hats. I love hats and can't browsing on Etsy without checking hatblocks. I haven't pulled any triggers yet at there are so many different shapes I like. Watching Miss Fisher Mysteries can be hazardous for your hat decisiveness. So many shapes, to many medical issues. Thank you for the tip of starching your own material. I have been stuck in a mire trying to figure out how to make two christening bonnets for my great-nephews (also god-nephews) One I haven't met yet that who's hat should preferably work with the christening gown my grand-father was christened in in 1902. The other isn't born yet, but will be arriving any week now hasn't got anything traditional so I can run free with that one. I so is going to steal your method of figuring out how to make the shape. Unless anyone in the comments has suggestions for patterns or alternative methods of course. Those are always welcome. Okay I 'm heading back to your video now. Yours, Ann

[@leewitte4580]

I love hat making as well as wig making!! This is a great project!!

[@consideredwhisper]

Lovely work. I liked the ‘bee in your bonnet’ very much.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!

[@believeinfaeries8713]

Love it! I was/am really intimidated by millinary and you made it seem so much easier (though not easy) that I think I might actually be able to do it! Thank you!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you! You can do it!

[@Ddouglas0302]

This is truly beautiful! This whole look is going to amazing!!! ❤️❤️❤️❤️❤️🕸🦇!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Denise!

[@Susanfuzz]

Precious in a mini-Gothic way... like baby spiders 🖤

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you! 🕸

[@wdwnutjm]

Oh I am so happy I found your channel a few weeks ago! LOVE THIS and I have to "throw my hat in the ring" and give something like this a try!!!!

[@camillethompson6686]

Absolutely beautiful! I think that was better than a costume Construction. Love your stuff

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Camille!

[@rachelkanode2063]

I would love to see more hat videos!! Victorian or vintage, either would be fabulous!

[@kjtherrick4031]

Your bonnet looks terrific! And, I'm not the only one in my household who enjoyed your video. My cat, Scarlett O'Hara got up close and personal to the TV to watch as well. I'm pretty sure she completely approves of the green fabric!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you! 🐱

[@breeinatree4811]

I like the whole new in the bonnet thing going on.

[@emmastromgard9415]

Yes, I would love more hat videos!

[@EagleRue]

I would LOVE to see more hats! specifically tutorial style like this onse

[@natesaintjr]

Oh my goodness!!! Lol you have answered my biggest question about fabric. I live out side Denver area. I will be looking it up.

[@squeece]

I need to stop watching your videos when I’m tired after a long day 😅 I hope this isn’t a weird thing to say but your voice is so lovely and soothing and it keeps putting me to sleep. I am *loving* the ins and outs and all the details of this project (a year late lol) and I really want to watch and learn everything while I relax and wind down after work but I guess I should save your videos for the day time so I can properly appreciate them. Absolutely enamoured by what you do. Love it, love you, love everything about this project. I’m glad I found your channel ❤ (Ps I need audiobooks read by you to help me get to sleep at night lol)

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Sarah!

[@woodentime]

This is the coolest transformation ever ❤️❤️

[@janetkingshott123]

So talented beautiful young lady. The bonnet is exquisitely delightful xxxx

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Janet!

[@ladyjo581]

Your videos bring me so much joy and inspiration! 💙💙💙

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Jo!

[@rinsesshomaru4789]

That blue!!!! Awesome!!

[@zankapfel4390]

What a crisp edit! Incredible work on all fronts

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!

[@evilgeniusy]

Gorgeous silk. Clever cap!

[@sandiemable]

Absolutely fascinating and stunning! I was glued to the screen, so much so, I had to put my knitting down. I rarely put the knitting down. You say you have had little training in hat making........you nailed it! Stay warm and stay safe, xoxo's Sandie

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Sandie!

[@susiecarson]

I love the bonnet! You made me laugh out loud a couple of times- the tearable/terrible pun was hilarious. I would love to see more hats. Honestly, this one looks so professionally-made, I’m not sure what you could have done differently with more time. Also, I can’t hear the heater noise at all. Don’t worry about it!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Susie!

[@sonjadalglish6544]

This is beautifully done. Thank you for showing how you made it. It’s absolutely amazing.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!

[@andnikk]

Such a lovely little bijoux I hope you have a delightful hat pin to go with it !!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Not yet! I should have a little shop for one ;)

[@myeyesarebleeding212]

Omg I'd love to see more hats ! Maybe fascinator or I doubt you have the block but the beauxbatons hat is one of my favorites

[@jhheart307]

Watching this bonnet-making was completely mesmerizing. Your bonnet is beautiful. Thank you for sharing the process!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!

[@mellisartandcrafts]

Lovely great sewing the wjole process:) My favorite part is the ruffly lining!

[@katharinabaur6113]

Incredible....now I'm sad that we don't wear hats like these anymore. And I want to make something like this!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you! Hats really need to make a big comeback in general

[@elkinseden5341]

I just found you and I'm in awe of your gifts and talents. Wonderful job!!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you!

[@emmadavey3892]

Fabulous! I had to wait for an uninterrupted moment to watch and it was worth the wait. Can you recommend any books on hat making? I’d love to see a mini top hat with net veil. like a Victorian horse riding look! Or is that a steampunk look?

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Emma! For Millinery books I like From the Neck Up www.amazon.com/Neck-Up-Illustrated-Guide-Hatmaking/dp/0941082008/ref=sr_1_1?dchild=1&keywords=from+the+neck+up&qid=1613964212&sr=8-1 and Classic Millinery Techniques www.amazon.com/Classic-Millinery-Techniques-Complete-Designing/dp/157990016X/ref=pd_sbs_4?pd_rd_w=k8IYw&pf_rd_p=3ec6a47e-bf65-49f8-80f7-0d7c7c7ce2ca&pf_rd_r=HA8AYXMFKDGCT00K5Q8M&pd_rd_r=7b796478-b975-4ca4-b7a2-580f69932a61&pd_rd_wg=jJpb8&pd_rd_i=157990016X&psc=1

[@emmadavey3892]

@@TheClosetHistorian Thanks! :-)

[@randihardy6642]

Watching video again for background sound and entertainment while i knit a sweater. Still love the video and hat! There is a local British themed tea parlor that will do a fancy “high tea” if you book it in advance for a group. I’m feeling the need to put together a gathering of friends for tea so i can have an excuse to make a fancy hat for the occasion. Perhaps it needs to be a seasonal occasion, because i want both a cream hat with frilly spring flowers but also a gothic hat with maybe a taxidermic critter. Hmmmmmm

[@kimevans9724]

Gorgeous! I am in love with your sewing videos!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Kim!

[@sarahpolk2450]

I am about start learning how to make hats. This video is very useful. So thank you.❤😊

[@Lambecht]

Thank you for making such a thorough sew-along. I appreciate being able to see each step and it definitely helps as far as the spatial envisioning(???) in my head. I love how your bonnet turned out and look forward to seeing the process of the day bodice.

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you Rio!

[@waterbitten]

I love your stories so much, for me the sewing is educational the stories are entertaining. I don't mean any offence. And also I can't imagine anyone who can gasp with more drama than you do brava on embodying your solo role!

[@TheClosetHistorian]

Thank you! Mine was a short lived acting career, but even now a decade on I still miss choir class and singing all the time 😅