Sunday, April 12, 2009

Little House on the Prairie Bonnet



When I was a kid, I dreamed about getting an Easter bonnet from the Easter bunny year after year. It would be perfectly crisp and white - eyelet maybe - and I would prance around the house looking distinguished and adorable. However, the bonnet never came to pass, and over time I forgot about it (maybe when I hit my all-black stage at age 13).

Fast forward 20 years and I now have two nieces who like Little House on the Prairie and who yearly make the trek to Walnut Grove Minnesota to learn all about little Laura Ingalls Wilder's life. And, of course, wear a bonnet. I'm not jealous, but boy do I know a girl deserves a decent bonnet, especially if she has occasion to wear it!

The littlest niece is turning six in a few weeks, so I made her a special bonnet that's modern yet the style from the 1870s (okay, I'm totally imagining since I have no historical reference here, but I'm certain the bonnet appeared, at least in the TV show). I think it turned out pretty cute. It took me about 2 hours from cutting to completing, so I like to say it passed the "nap test" -- meaning I could make it in a single nap time (score!).

I may have to scale up my pattern a bit so I can make myself an adult-size version. Are you ever too old to wear a bonnet?

7 comments:

Jen said...

Amazing job. I think your niece will be enthralled. I woulda been. I had a white eyelet easter bonnet and loved it. The only thing that would have been better would be to have a white fur muff, too. That seemed the height of fanciness to moi.

Oona said...

Fantastic! When I was little my sisters and I would all wear hats like this all the time! They're suprisingly especially great for camping too, no mosquitos can get past them, so aces!!!

KristenMary said...

Awesome! My nieces are that same age and love Little House too!! I've been wanting to make them bonnets too, did you design the pattern as well?! Gorgeous job and the fabrics are perfect.

KristenMary said...

Oh, and Jen, regarding your comment, I didn't have a bonnet when I was little but I did have a white fur muff and it was awesome. LOL!

Laura said...

can I call you half pint?

The girl who painted trees said...

Did you make the pattern or follow a bought one. I'd like to make a bonnet for my daughter who would love to make the trek to Minnesota:)

Anonymous said...

I would love to have a copy of that pattern. I have searched the internet and I can not find a pattern that is free. Can you share your pattern here so that it can be printed off?

My e-mail address is mamie.bumpa@myfairpoint.net.
Thanks so much.

Faye