Hello sweet friends, I don’t normally post on Thursday’s but today is something special! If you are a Jane Austen and/or Sense and Sensibility fan I think you will enjoy a Fun Sew Along Mrs. Dashwood’s Day Cap.
Sense and Sensibility
The 1995 version of Sense and Sensibility is my absolute favorite of all the adaptations. The film was directed by Ang Lee and Emma Thompson (Elinor Dashwood) wrote the screenplay. The costumes were designed by the talented Jenny Beaven and John Bright who truly did their historical research.
The design duo was heavily influenced by paintings created by English artists such as:
Lady Hamilton as “Nature”, 1792 by George Romney
The Frankland Sisters, 1795 by John Hoppner
I liked the look of the red ribbon on the cap featured in Looking At The Comet Till You Get A Criek In The Neck, 1811 by Thomas Rowlandson.
Note: this painting is from the same year that Sense and Sensibility was published.
In researching Regency era day caps there are no shortage of examples. This example resembles Mrs. Dashwood’s cap fairly well.
Fun Sew Along Mrs. Dashwood’s Day Cap
In the Regency era married women would have generally worn some sort of head covering.
Mrs. Dashwood wears a few different day caps throughout the film.
This is my favorite.
Because she is in mourning her caps are black. But they are not boring
All the caps feature embellishments such as embroidered fabric and ribbons.
Yes, this is the Little Miss Muffet cap that dreams are made of.
Her friend, Mrs. Jennings, also wears a day cap of a similar shape.
As she is not in mourning her cap is white.
I currently have very short hair so a cap is the perfect solution to looking historically adequate.
It’s also a beginner project that can be done in under an hour.
THIS POST features the dress and apron that I’m wearing.
GIVEAWAY
GIVEAWAY CLOSED. Over on my Instagram sewing account I am giving away a day cap. Click HERE to enter.
Free Pattern
A complete tutorial on how to make your own cap, along with the pattern instructions, can be found in today’s sew along video.
I will be back tomorrow for the second post and video created for the event. The post and video features Marianne’s Ball Gown from Sense and Sensibility.
You will definitely want to come back for that!
Laura
Most ladies today would balk at wearing a day cap. Was it fashion alone that prompted ladies to wear the cap or is there another reason? I love your outfit! It is clear that you enjoy making and wearing vintage clothing.
Day caps are s unique and you have sewn a beautiful one Laura. i alway look forward to your fashions of days gone by. I also love your frock. thanks for sharing dear friend.
Kari @ Me and My Captain