Before & After Bonnets and Hats!

                     At the reenactment at Boone Hall Saturday I purchased a lovely spoon bonnet.

http://thevictorianparlor2.blogspot.com/2010/11/reenactment-at-boone-hall-plantation.html

Spoon bonnets were very popular during the Victorian era.

This bonnet was handmade by a sutler from Ohio.

I really liked all of the details the maker put into this bonnet so I splurged and made the purchase.

I especially liked the brown and black colors.

However,

 bonnets were generally trimmed heavily with lace, flowers, and feathers.

  So I trimmed my new bonnet with flowers, feathers,

 and vintage lace.

 Several months ago I purchased a vintage hat from Carlotta

at the Lakewood 400 antique fair in Atlanta.

 It had just the right shape and with a little embellishing...

 it could look like the hats worn during the Victorian era. 

 A little velvet ribbon and antique feathers and 'voila', a Victorian style hat:).

Of course, you can't truly appreciate a bonnet or hat unless you see it on.

So I enlisted the help of Calvin who was kind enough to model the spoon bonnet...

 and Kasey who looks stunning in this feathered hat:).

Below are actual photos of spoon bonnets and a Victorian hat.

Pictures are from the book

"Vintage Hats & Bonnets 1770-1970"

by Susan Langley

Photos by John Dowling

Sunday Wisdom

"Peace I leave with you;

my peace I give you.

I do not give to you as the world gives.

Do not let your hearts be troubled

and do not be afraid."

John 14: 27, NIV

Reenactment at Boone Hall Plantation

The annual Battle of Secessionville Reenactment at Boone Hall is a favorite event.

This year we only went up for the day.

The ladies tea at the Cotton Dock was a treat.

The ladies donned their best dresses.

Delicious food awaited us all.

There was even a cannon ball:).

Sunrays streamed through the windows...

as some stitched...

and others played.

A wonderful presentation about wrappers was given.

One of her creations...

inspired by this mid 19th century wrapper.

After the tea hubby and I enjoyed a beautiful day on the dock.

Then it was time for lunch-homemade flat bread-yummm!

(and yes it's worth every bite even though my corset doesn't allow me to eat it all:).

Musical entertainment during lunch.

A little shopping...

and a little stopping to watch the troops march by.

After all of the excitement I decided to rest a bit in the shade of ancient oaks,

while hubby strolled through the gardens.

It was a bit bright so he borrowed my parasol:).

Then it was time to return home...

and think about having some supper.

Kramer Chronicles-Hoops There It Is

What looks like an innocent pile of hoops...

 upon closer inspection reveals...

a ferocious beast better known as...

Me! Kramer!

There's nothing better than hiding from my mom underneath her hoops:).

However...

I get very annoyed when she zooms into my hoop cave with that blasted camera of hers.

So I come out and attack the camera in an effort to make it go away.

Hmmm...it's still there.

Maybe if I stare it down.

Wait! What's that? Could it be...

the dreaded hoop monster?

I think it is!

I see it moving beneath the hoops!

There it is! I've got it now!

Wait a minute,

 it's not 'chase the hoop monster' time! 

 It's nap time!

Ahhh...all of this excitement wears a cat out!

Happy napping!

Sunday Wisdom

"And do not forget to do good and to share with others,

for with such sacrifices God is pleased."

Hebrews 13:16, NIV