Jacobite Bonnets!


For those of you who've always thought Scotch Bonnets were just a type of flower or perhaps a hot pepper, I've got news for you. They're hats too. Lovely felted wool hats. Think tam-o-shanter or beret on steroids. These babies are lovely, almost completely waterproof, and much softer than wool has any right to be. They were the hat of choice for Scots fighting in the '15, the '45, the French and Indian War, and even the American Revolution.

Sadly, these bonnets are now pretty tough to find in this country, especially hand-made, as they should be to be authentic, and in any variety of colors or sizes.

That's where I come in. I've designed my own pattern, and am now offering my bonnets to the world! Check the paypal menu at the top of the blog to order, drop me an email, or click the button below to purchase the knitting pattern online.

Hat prices include shipping. Custom sizing available.

Go nuts, Scotophiles!

Comments

Anonymous said…
Huzzay!! Let the word go forth from this place and time (a mission I will happily assume)....
May 15, 2007 at 10:46 AM
Diane said…
I'm so thrilled to be getting this up and running after a couple of false starts. Thank you so much for all of your help with this!
May 15, 2007 at 12:39 PM
Anonymous said…
I've just received the prototype bonnet, folks, and it's excellent in every way! A fine reproduction of the Jacobite era bonnets in terms of size and pattern - and beautifully knit and felted, too.

Order one now...!
May 17, 2007 at 11:31 PM
Diane said…
Brian, I'm so thrilled your bonnet made it to you in one piece. Thanks for the great review and all your help getting started!
May 18, 2007 at 5:40 AM
WanderSoul said…
I saw your excellent bonnets while ambling around the net and was wondering how I could order one. I'm part of a Galloglaigh renactment group and my poor head could use the protection.
May 31, 2007 at 7:34 AM
WanderSoul said…
I saw you wonderful bonnet while ambling around here on the net and wondered how one would go about ordering one. I potray a 16th century Galloglaigh and you're very right when you say good bonentss are hard to find here in the states!
May 31, 2007 at 7:38 AM
Diane said…
hello, wandersoul, and thanks for your comment! I'd love to make you a bonnet. You can reach me via email at russetlodgeknits@gmail.com so we can talk about specifics, and I'll leave a comment on your blog as well. Thanks for stopping by!
May 31, 2007 at 9:41 PM
Jen said…
Oh twoon that is quite wonderful. Look at you go, Little Miss Skilled Knitter!!! It's like... I want one of everything! Once I have acquired a small fortune, I will be glad to support your business!!! :):):)
July 1, 2007 at 8:04 AM
Diane said…
Oh Jen! Thank you! You really are too sweet, but what should I expect from such a lovely twin?
July 3, 2007 at 7:09 AM
Matthew A LaChance said…
Hey, I'd like one! My email is lachancem@gmail.com, this is so exciting
November 10, 2007 at 2:06 PM
Anonymous said…
Hi Diane

Sorry slow in posting this but I have one of you bonnets and it the BEST......love it, well made, great material, and fit is perfect. I don't go to the woods trekking without my bonnet, thanks so much for your work.
Garrick
Springfield Illinois
November 18, 2007 at 11:17 PM
Diane said…
So nice to see a note from a satisfied customer. Thank you, Garrick!
November 22, 2007 at 10:09 PM
Anonymous said…
Greetings!

I was doing a search & found your blog/website about your Jacobite Bonnets.

I'd like to inquire about having one made in Woad colour & would like to discuss the project further with you.

Thank you for your time & assistance. I look forward to ordering said bonnet in the near future!

Aye,
Terry H.
Commissioner, Washington State
Clan Mackay Society USA
BldHghlndr@msn.com
November 24, 2007 at 5:16 AM
Anonymous said…
Attempted to email you about having a bonnet made, but it bounced back as undeliverable.
You can contact me via the email addy provided in the previous post.

Thanks! :-)
November 26, 2007 at 4:01 PM
Anonymous said…
Attempted to email you about having a bonnet made, but it bounced back as undeliverable.
You can contact me via the email addy provided in the previous post.

Thanks! :-)
November 26, 2007 at 4:01 PM
Follow The Red Brick Road... said…
Hello. I am making bonnets for my clan, but the pattern I have is kind of wonky. What type of yarn does your bonnet pattern use, and do you give a before and after gauge(sp?)?
January 23, 2008 at 8:50 PM
Diane said…
Marcy,

the pattern uses a worsted-weight wool yarn. I usually use knitpicks Wool of the Andes (available at www.knitpicks.com) but Cascade 220 is also a good one. The pattern doesn't have a gauge listed, but before felting worsted weight and size 8 needles usually knits up to about 6 stitches per inch. I chose not to recommend a gauge because it really doesn't matter much after it felts up. I give measurements for the hat before and after felting, so I'm sure you could figure the gauge from that.

Happy knitting!
January 24, 2008 at 5:25 AM
Anonymous said…
I LOVE THIS ONE!!!!!!lovefrom your sister in law, the other Mrs Donald (eli)
February 6, 2008 at 1:52 PM
Greg said…
Could you possibly post photos of the indigo and woad colors? I'd like to see the difference.
June 9, 2008 at 10:08 PM
Diane Donald said…
There is a photo of an indigo bonnet in a later post. I will post pictures of a woad-type blue as soon as I make a bonnet of that shade.
June 18, 2008 at 9:13 AM
Unknown said…
Hello,

I'd like to order one exactly like Woosheal's. Size 7 and 5/8

Thanks

Michael Bell
castledangerous@gmail.com
October 23, 2008 at 12:15 PM
Hauptmann111 said…
Are you still making these? And if so, how long would it take to fill my order?

I have been looking everywhere for an authentic Jacobite Bonnet and only just found your site.

My problem is that I need it no later then the 28th of this month :(

Thanks and regards
June 17, 2012 at 1:45 AM
Diane Donald said…
Hi Hauptmann, and welcome! I'm glad you found me. :) Unfortunately my usual timeline is about 4 weeks to make and ship a bonnet. If you are still interested you can order via my etsy site, http://www.etsy.com/shop/RussetLodgeKnits or via the Paypal menus at the top right of the page.

The other option is if you know a knitter (or if you knit yourself), you can purchase the pattern for $5 and have them knit it for you. It is about 4 hours of relatively simple knitting (but I'm a very speedy knitter) plus the time needed to felt and dry the finished product (typically a couple of days). The pattern is available above or via Etsy as well.
June 22, 2012 at 9:38 AM
Post a Comment

Popular posts from this blog

Free Ribbed Beanie Pattern

Image
Here is an easy little pattern I cranked out when my husband needed a new hat. Feel free to give it a whirl. :) Ribbed Cap Size - One size fits all Measurements : Head size 21" (lightly stretched, fits my head at 23.5") Depth 8" (If you have a large head, you may need to increase this. Just try the hat on as you go.) Materials 1 50 g ball worsted weight yarn (I used Knit Picks Wool of the Andes in Forest Heather) 1 size US 6/4.0 mm circular needle, 1 set size US 6/4.0 double-pointed needles (if desired, hat can also be worked in magic loop), yarn needle Gauge 20 sts = 5" over k4 p4 rib, lightly stretched *take time to check your gauge and adjust accordingly* Note: Switch to magic loop or double-pointed needles when knitting in the round becomes uncomfortable, this will probably be around round 3 or 4, but your mileage may vary. Pattern CO 104 sts, join in round, mark beginning of round. Work in *k4 p4* rib until piece measures 7"
Read more

Free Pattern - Gulls and Garter Washcloth

Image
Photo by indigoace on ravelry . EDIT 7/28/16 - clarifying instructions and adding a photo that actually works. I love the Gulls and Garter stitch pattern. It's lovely and interesting, it looks good in both variegated and solid yarn, and it's fun to knit without being too difficult. Cast on 45 stitches (or a multiple of 8 stitches plus five). Rows 1-4: work in garter stitch (knit every row). Row 5 (wrong side): k4 *p5, k3* to last 4 stitches, k4 Row 6 (right side): k4 *With yarn in front, slip 5 stitches purlwise, k3* to last 9 stitches, with yarn in front, slip 5 stitches purlwise, k4. Row 7: repeat row 5. Row 8: K4, *k2, insert RH needle under strand 2 rows below, k next st on LH needle, catching the yarn float behind your stitch, k7; rep from * (end last rep k2)  k4 Continue working Rows 5-8 until cloth is desired length. Work rows 1-4 again. Bind off, weave in ends, enjoy! Below is a chart of the Gulls and Garter stitch.  Red lines indicate the repea
Read more

Free Pattern!

Image
I don't have time to post many patterns, and I certainly don't share every project I knit. However, I thought it was high time I shared a free pattern with my friends. I am on a major dishcloth knitting kick at the moment, and I prefer lacy dishcloths which can dry quickly to avoid mildewing. This dishcloth manages to do just that. Lace Cable Dishcloth Materials: worsted weight cotton yarn, size 6-8 needles (gauge isn't crucial), yarn needle, cable needle. Seed stitch (with odd number of stitches): All rows: k1, p1 across (you will be knitting the purl stitches and purling the knit stitches) Lace cable stitch (multiple of 11 sts plus 7): Row 1 (and all odd rows): purl Row 2: k1 *yo, sl1, k1, psso, k1, k2tog, yo, k6 rep from * to last 6 sts before border, yo, sl1, k1, pss0, k1, k2tog, yo, k1 Row 4: k2, *yo, sl1, k2tog, psso, yo, k1, sl next 3 sts to cable needle and hold in back, k3, k3 from cable needle, k1 rep from * to last 5 sts, yo, sl1, k2tog, psso, y
Read more