This gorgeous piece of antique lace edging had languished in my stash/resource center for some time.  Only 21″ long, its possible uses were somewhat limited. I had considered a yoke overlay, but rejected that idea.
The mint organdy is the one in the middle. It is really a stronger color than it seems to be on this computer. It is available for $8 py….vintage Swiss organdy, 36″ wide.
After  finally deciding on a newborn horseshoe bonnet (so named for the shape of the back crown), I realized that there was not enough lace for the crown lining, a necessary component to cover the gathered back edge of the bonnet.
Meanwhile, like a fine wine, the vintage mint green Swiss organdy (available at the Janice Ferguson Sews “store”) had been aging in the sewing room armoire, in the same era as the lace. I took it as a sign.   Lining the bonnet with a colored fabric would show off the lovely pattern of the lace while also making up for my short yardage.
As I played with the lace and the organdy, I thought perhaps I could do some very basic silk ribbon embroidery over the pattern of the lace, to highlight, to give dimension and to add color. Having done the silk ribbon work and constructed the bonnet top, I cut the lining from the organdy and slipped the two pieces together.
Then it occurred to me that the organdy lining would have to be secured to the lace bonnet somehow. I worked a pin stitch along the folded front edge of the organdy, with the “reach” stitching “in the air.”
The two pieces were machine stitched together along the bottom edge and hand basted along the front. The final touch was securing the lining to the lace with French knots . These were worked through the hemstitch holes, making even placement very easy.
Having hand embroidery serve a functional purpose was very satisfying.
The ties are from one of several spools of antique silk grosgrain ribbon I have hoarded for some time.
The stitching that secures them to the bonnet is covered by silk ribbon embroidery like that on the bonnet.
I’m pretty pleased with this chapeau. Now all I need is a granddaughter!
