“What a smart bonnet that adorns you, Miss Cynthia, on this balmy afternoon.”
“This bonnet? Smart? You flatter me!”
Yes, I have a secret, interior life that rivals that of Walter Mitty and yes, I have an intense love of bonnets. Even saying the word, “bonnet” sounds so very romantic to me and immediately I begin to envision a young lady with creamy skin, holding a basket, taking a leisurely, solitary stroll down a sunny, garden path. Sometimes, she is accompanied by a male suitor. Other times, the stroll takes place along a rocky shoreline in an undisclosed location, the waves crashing over the rocks, hinting at secrets no one dare speak of.
But I digress.
For those who share my love of things such as bonnets and other romantic notions, the Jane Austen Society is sponsoring a free workshop on Federal/Regency era dress (late 18th and early 19th century) this Saturday, January 19th, at Locust Grove at 11:00 a.m.
The seminar will be led by Bonny Wise, Regional Coordinator of the Greater Louisville Jane Austen Society and Maria Clements, also a Greater Louisville Jane Austen Society (JASNA) member, re-enactor and theatre costumer.
The workshop will cover things such as:
- Fabric and pattern selection;
- Where to find inspiration (books, movies, etc.);
- Where to shop (Ebay, Etsy, historical re-enactment websites, etc.);
- Proper measurement and fitting; and
- How to accessorize with shawls, reticules, shoes, jewelry, bonnets (yay!), hairstyles and more! (By the way, a reticule is a purse. Don’t feel bad, I had to look it up as well.)
The workshop is open to anyone interested in Regency attire, as both male and female fashions will be covered. Light refreshments will be served.
Admission is free but reservations are requested. You can RSVP to Locust Grove at (502) 897-9845. Questions about the workshop can be sent to Bonny Wise at wise4@insightbb.com .
Photo courtesy of Shutterstock/Theo Gaitaneris
