In regards to where I am located, unfortunately for the sake of
historical costuming/dancing, I was born in the wrong place it seems. I
am in the oldest region of the US, Philadelphia area, and it is
absolutely dry in terms of places not only to take classes on any sort
of Victorian or period costuming, but there aren't any events that
happen in this immediate area to wear them to. Nothing good is less
than 3 hours from here in any direction so it is hard to get to places
that hold ongoing classes. In fact, it seems only the west coast offers
the best variety, I was considering going to the costume college this
spring but it was sold out, maybe next year.
About the hats, there are a couple in my possession that are opened
underneath and you can see the innerds, they usually tend to be made up
much in the same way, with a wire frame and buckram or some sort of hay
stuffing. Were there specific rules to those things in those days or
did the milliners just make them the best they could using their own
skills to replicate the latest fashions I wonder? The tricky part seems
to be creating hats or bonnets with asymetrical frames, moreso to cover
them with fabrics such as velvet where the material seemed to perfectly
fitted. The trimmings were so unusual at times, I have a tiny little
bonnet that is overflowing with an assortment of trims, many of which I
don't think I could even identify! It's hard to find such trimmings in
the modern market. There are little tiny metal balls in the size of
peas dangling all over, stiff curly thin gold stems sticking out all
over, the usual vibrant coloured silk foliage, lace, velvet tabs, etc.
Thank you for the suggestion on the book by Denise Dreher, that will be
the next Amazon search. Goodnight:)
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