Tuesday, April 9, 2013

A Correct Cap

I've made quite a few gauze caps... but none of them were for me! I needed something to wear with my white silk gown, so I whipped this puppy up in about 5 days. Phew!

This cap is made of single layers of silk gauze, with all the edges finished (rolled hems in this case) and whipped together. This is the way that the vast majority of caps I've seen were made--not using two layers for the brim and then sandwiching the ruffles or pleats and caul in between the two layers. The single layer method is a bit more difficult, because hemming anything curved is the biggest pain in the neck, but it's what's correct and I think it looks lovely.

Also, I will be open for commissions of caps, kerchiefs, aprons... you name it, millinery-wise (which in the 18th century means all manner of fashionable accessory) once school is over. I haven't yet figured out how many to take at one time, but it looks like I have a few friends interested in caps, 1860s undersleeves and collar, and possible a (correctly made) ruff. Can you tell I need money? :-/