I honestly can't "for sure" date the bonnet other than I know it was made sometime around the time of G-G'ma Suzie's marriage in 1916 to about the time of the second world war. I have made versions of this bonnet for years for different costume wear as it is fast to sew up and easy to maintain. SOMEWHERE in my house or my mother's home the original is safely tucked away. But I can not remember where I safely put it at the moment.
What I can remember about the original. It was machine done with hand worked buttonholes. It was scraps fabric, and the batting in the quilted brim seemed to be layers of other worn out dresses (as near as we could tell) instead of batting.
What the item is (and how it is a product of war or a lengthy period of peace: Gardening bonnet. I am calling it my Victory Garden bonnet because I link it in my mind to all the shortages and home gardens during WWII.
The Challenge:War and Peace - April Challenge
Fabric: Leftover cotton print scrap
Pattern: Taken from my great Grandmother's original
Year: Kinda iffy could be anywhere from 1910-1940's
Notions: 4 small mother of pearl buttons
How historically accurate is it? Pretty close- I did machine buttonholes instead of the hand worked ones on the original.
Hours to complete: about an hour
First worn: haven't yet
Total cost: $5