By Gloria from Defuniak Springs, FL
If you are talking about a poke bonnet, perhaps I can help as I remember my grandmother making one, I am 70 now. The brim is a rectangle of folded material with ends stitched; then turned. Next stitch from fold to open side, about 1 inches or so apart. These will have strips of cardboard slipped into them. This produces the sun shade part. The part that covers the head is also a rectangle the same length as the brim and is wide enough to cover the back of the neck and is stitched to the brim. I don't remember how, but it was done in such a way that the cardboard could be removed for washing. This piece was gathered about an inch from bottom, and the edges were folded over and stitched. Ties were added. I hope this helps. If you sew much, I think you can figure out the details which are lost to me. Good luck.
I live in a developing nation in the South Pacific (Vanuatu). Craft materials are very limited. I bring in what I can when I visit my home country, but restrictions apply. Can anyone supply me with a pattern to make a Pioneer woman's bonnet. I think that you may call it an early settler's bonnet.
I have a small piece of stiffening for the wide brim. I guess that the bonnet has a circular/oval section at the back of the head and some gathered fabric coming forward towards the forehead and then, the brim. I have been making cloth dolls for the local children. They are made small (7 1/2 inches and smaller), as cotton fabric used for folk/Amish dolls/patchworking is as scarce as hens teeth. Many thanks for your great ideas. Happy crafting.
HeatherJoanne
Editor's Note: This is a Australian Early Settlers Bonnet, not American. She says they look kind of like the bonnets in, Gone With The Wind.
By Cantate
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Pioneer Bonnet Pattern