Thank you for all of your lovely comments on my Dickens Christmas Home Tour. Today I have more Dickensian delights with how to create A Dickens Cloak and Bonnet for Under $20.
Create A Dickens Cloak and Bonnet for Under $20
Mr. Decor and I had plans to attend last weekends Dickens on the Strand festival in Galveston. A few months were spent at the sewing machine creating our various costumes. It is sad to report but I was involved in a car accident and we were unable to attend. I am very thankful that I was able to walk away from the accident. Our beloved old car, however, did not fare so well.
Thankfully, the Fashionista volunteered to capture a few images of my historically nerdy self at one of our local parks. #oompaloompa
The Cloak
To create the cloak I used a vintage pattern and 5 yards of white upholstery fabric. Both items were found at the same estate sale. I paid $7. I used a linen tablecloth I had on hand (a previous estate sale find that was well used) for the lining.
You can find this specific pattern on both Etsy and eBay. It was a great pattern. I would recommend it for even a beginning seamstress.
There are also newer pattern options available from Simplicity, Butterick and others.
I dyed both fabrics with Rit fabric dye. I wasn’t sure if the upholstery fabric would survive the wash cycle. But it was a cheap enough investment that I could risk it. I was seeking a tone on tone crewel embroidery look. It came out beautifully.
The Clasp
When trying to create anything frugally I find that you often need to think outside the box. In this instance, after I found the gold trim at Hobby Lobby (60% off sale) I knew I needed a gold clasp to finish the look. I could not find what I wanted at any of the craft stores (too modern) and all of the vintage and antique clasps on Etsy and eBay were beyond the price point I wanted to pay. Digging through my box of crazy treasures I came across a belt buckle.
Mr. Decor easily removed the alligator teeth. Then he gently straightened out the ends so I could sew them onto the cloak. While it’s not perfect, I still kinda love it.
The Bonnet
I won the bonnet on an eBay auction for $6. You can also find it HERE in other colors. When the bonnet arrived it was more of a Kelly green than the forest green I needed.
Once again I decided to take a risk and spray painted it with paint I had on hand. It worked pretty well.
The bonnet strings were also much more narrow than what was typically worn so I gently removed them.
Wanting a seasonal accent for the bonnet I embellished it with picks found at JoAnn’s. Both were on sale for 60% off and I had an additional 20% off the total purchase coupon so they came out to $1.36 for both. The green grosgrain (Petersham) ribbon had been wrapped around a comforter I purchased a few years ago and had saved in my ribbon stash.
First I hot glued the green ribbon on followed by the gold trim.
Next, the tall pine pick, stripped of its red velvet ribbon, and two loops made from the last of the gold trim were hot glued to the side of the bonnet.
Then the second pick was added minus its faux holly leaves. (I opted to remove the red velvet ribbon and leaves because they looked cheap.)
Not a bad bonnet, for under $10, I’d say.
What I Was Wearing Under the Cloak
The blouse is a modern crisp white cotton with romantic sensibilities and fabric covered buttons which would be appropriate for the era. The skirt was actually part of my very first Laura Ingalls Wilder costume from 20 years ago that I have since, ahem, outgrown. (Bah humbug.) I just removed the bodice and created a waistband. It is a pretty calico print of berries as well as green and tan leaves. I also am wearing a pair of crochet gloves which I wrote about HERE.
As always I will close with an outtake because one can never take themselves too seriously while wearing historic costuming. Indeed this get up made several park attendees smile when they saw me.
It is my hope that this post made you smile too.
Laura
I’m so glad you were ok in the accident! Hope you were not too sore. It’s always a hassle dealing with insurance and then having to find a replacement car – hope that all goes smoothly.
The costume looks great! I love to hear the details of doing these kinds of things frugally.
Oh Laura, I love it. Your dress and the cloak and hat are FABULOUS. You are such a talented seamstress. I love it all.
You are so cute and creative! Love this outfit on you.
Love this outfit, but am really sorry for your accident (very glad you were not noticeably injured!). I was paying very close attention to your wonderful details – so many, so good. One thing I would like to know, each and every time I read you doing it (and it’s more frequent than anyone else I know): how, exactly, do you clean your washing machine after using Rit dye? How many times do you cycle afterward before washing another load of clothes? And is your washer a front load? I am always in amazement with your ingenuity, Laura. You should have Mr. Decor dress with you and have another photo session, for posterity’s sake!
And yes, you made me smile!
Rita
Laura, you never cease to amaze with your creativity and shopping expertise.
I’m still smiling!
Hope you are feeling better!
You are the most creative person I’ve ever met!!
I can’t even fathom doing any of these things, but I LOVE to see your wonderful creations and photos.
Sorry about the car accident 🙁 Glad you are okay though.
Love, Linda
It’s good to hear you’re okay, not much fun having to deal with the mess and insurance company. I love the “peeks” of petticoat!
Stunning!! I’m sorry you missed the event but yes, glad you were not hurt! You really used a lot of creative techniques in this costume!
So surprised to see this cloak.. I made a lined cloak just like this out of dark blue wool sometime in the 70s! Very stylish & I received many compliments. Wish I knew what happened to it. Thanks for the memories. I especially liked your bonnet but I never would have thought to spray it another color!! Clever, clever.
You did a fantastic job! I love how resourceful you are! I am so sorry to hear about your accident. Mostly, I’m very glad to see that you are ok. that is the most important part. 🙂 I hope all that goes along with it is going smoothly. I know how time consuming that can be. Hang in there!
Great costume!! You’re beautiful and you are incredibly creative.
wow I am at a loss for words.. that is amazing!
You’re too cute! I think we all have clothing we’ve, ahem, outgrown. Sigh. At least you could still use it. Love your pretty bonnet. Fun costume! So sorry you were in an accident that kept you from going to Galveston but I’m so glad you walked away from it. Scary.
Well, a) you look fabulous! b) It is totally adorable and looks beautifully made c) I so admire your crafty thrift and being able to create something so lovely and unique for such a reasonable price! And I LOVE the name “box of crazy treasures.” Ain’t it the truth!
I’m so sorry about the accident and glad no one was seriously hurt (though your poor car). Bad timing all around, especially with the party, but being safe is the best.
I’ve been thinking of you a lot with the new Laura Ingalls Wilder book out. It’s getting stunning reviews. I hope the author does a book signing somewhere near you!
Merriest, my friend. (And I’d wear that Christmas Eve because why not — it’s your Christmas Eve — dress the season!)
I am totally in love with your cloak and bonnet. Also, with your theme decorating. I have always wanted to do theme decorations for Christmas but I do not know where to start. Do you plan a year ahead and collect things all year? How do you think of a theme?
Nonie
Wonderful, Laura. I love that era and often wish I could wear those clothes. You look so pretty in whatever you put on. The cloak and hat are so charming. You are a wonder. I never would have thought of spray painting the hat! Love the robin on it. But, what happened to the cat?
Ginene
I love your bonnet and cloak! That’s a shame you didn’t get to go to the Dickens festival, but more importantly, you are alright. And there will be another festival next year and you have your costumes already!
How completely beautiful! Wonderful tips! I love to make hats and this is so cute! Merry Christmas to you!
This is so fun! Thanks for sharing. Im posting in my fb group, fiber and thread- they will love this!
The cloak is one of your best so far, and the bonnet is perfect.
Lovely transformation, and I love all the little details you have added.
So glad you’re okay Laura! Our youngest daughter was recently in an accident where her car was totaled as well. I was just thankful that she was okay!
Your hat and cloak are absolutely gorgeous! Love the added trim and picks. Thanks for sharing with SYC.
hugs,
Jann
I was already charmed by the cloak, love the way the dye job came out! The bonnet makes the outfit in my opinion. It’s just gorgeous and the gold trim on both cloak and bonnet is just magnificent. Glad I dropped by from SITS girls. Happy Christmas to everyone!
How sweet! So beautiful! Amazing what a little ingenuity and creativity will produce. It’s all so perfect. Pinning so I can show my girls – they are going to love this!
Thank you for sharing at last week’s Encouraging Hearts & Home blog hop!
It certainly did make me smile! Your ingenuity and style never cease to amaze me. Love your color choice and that beautiful clasp! Thanks for sharing at Vintage Charm! xo Kathleen|Our Hopeful Home