The English Country Bonnet

Dear Friends,

We are excited to report that we were able to go back to the antique mall (mentioned in the previous post), and purchase the beautiful bonnet that captured our hearts!

This is the description on the tag: "c. 1880 or before- Tiny cotton print daytime English Country Bonnet. This perfect bonnet was probably bought from a milliner, because it is machine made, and the English middle class would probably not have a machine. No holes or stains. From my textile collection and price a lot less than I paid (great buy!). Bought at an 'invitation only' textile show at the American Museum in Bath, England."

We had hoped to use the bonnet as a pattern for future headgear, but we honestly cannot figure out how they put it together so perfectly! The cording is perfect, the ruffles are perfect, and we are in awe that we have such a sweet little piece of history to pass down in our own family.

We also found this well-worn quilt (which we think may be from the 1800s) at the thrift store,

 

 and this sweet little crocheted "Sunbonnet Sue" chatelaine was from our other favorite antique mall. :)

Now we think we'll stay out of the stores for a while, so we can catch up on our mending (using our new chatelaine, of course)!

Love and blessings,

Marqueta

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Enchanted Quilts

By Josephine Gardner Moench

How I love to go vis'ting at Grandmother's house

When she's taking a quilt from the frame;

And stay while she binds it and folds it with care

And gives it a quaint charming name.

If she isn't too tired, she shows me the ones

She has made and is storing away

In the big cedar chest in the spare room upstairs

For her gran'daughters' wedding day.

The Hollyhock Wreath is for Mary Louise;

While spreading it out to display

She tells of the time in the long, long ago,

She made hollyhock dolls so gay.

Grandmother's Fan is for Jeanne Marie;

How thrilled we all are with a story

Of the days when her thoughts were of beautiful gowns,

And dancing the height of her glory.

My Log Cabin quilt is the best of them all,

Made of pieces of Grandmother's dresses;

In fancy I picture her wearing each one

With all the loved charm she possesses.