A Bonnet For Jane Austen’s Birthday

Today is a very special day 250 years in the making. To celebrate I have created A Bonnet For Jane Austen’s Birthday.

On December 16th, 1775 Jane Austen was born in Steventon, Hampshire to parents, Reverend George and Cassandra Austen. There were already six siblings in place. The eldest of the eight Austen children was James, followed by George, Edward, Henry, sister Cassandra, brother Francis, then Jane and lastly Charles. 

All  Things Jane

Jane Austen wrote some of her major novels before the age of 22, but she was not published until she was 35. She anonymously published Sense and Sensibility (1811), Price and Prejudice (1813), Mansfield Park (1814), and Emma (1816) to moderate successes. But she would never experience public fame in her lifetime. She wrote two other novels, Northanger Abbey and Persuasion that were both published after her untimely death at the age of 41 in 1817. 

Since her death, Ms. Austen’s novels have rarely been out of print. They have also been adapted in numerous films and television series. There are countless clubs, reading groups, and festivals now regularly held in her honor. Truly an incredible legacy!

A Bonnet For Jane Austen’s Birthday

In wanting to mark this auspicious occasion I felt a new bonnet and frock were in order. 

The buckram form of the bonnet was created by my friend Michele using the Out Of Portrait Regency High Crown bonnet pattern. 

I added a lining to the bonnet using a tutorial I shared in this post. 

I wanted the floral trim to be reminiscent of a heavily frosted cupcake. It features several vintage millinery flowers. 

The ribbon is a beautiful cross shot silk I found at the Jane Austen Festival. 

The white chemisette was made a few years ago and you can read the pattern details and more HERE. 

A Linen Frock

I actually started this dress to wear at the Jane Austen Festival but sadly I ran out of time. The cross shot linen (turquoise and lavender) had been purchased in the NY fabric district a few years ago. 

 

I had just 4 yards but it was 55″ wide. I was able to eek View A from the 138 Regency Back Closing Gown Laughing Moon pattern. 

The white linen mitts were created with the Burnley and Trowbridge pattern.

I love how the dress’ pleated back drapes. 

    

Celebrate Jane

I’ve gathered together a few ideas on how you can celebrate Jane. 

For the past year I have been tuning in to A Jane Austen Year every month. It is a mindful, soothing and uplifting podcast that transports you to Jane Austen’s House in Chawton, England. You can listen to all the free episodes HERE.

Over the years I have penned several Jane Austen themed posts. Two reader favorites include:

A Jane Austen Holiday

A Jane Austen Inspired Garden Party

The Other Bennet Sister

Something to look forward to is a new 10 episode series that is in the works. The Other Bennet Sister was filmed in Wales and England this past summer. It will debut on BritBox in North America this spring of 2026.

Happy Birthday Jane!

Laura