Design & Sew A Revolutionary Bonnet Workshop

Saturday, June 20, 2026
9:00 AM – 3:30 PM (EDT)

📍 Location:
Landis Valley Village & Farm Museum
2451 Kissel Hill Road
Lancaster, PA 17601

💲 Tuition:
$100.00 – $110.00

Click Here to Register

🏛️ Classroom:
Museum Store – Second Floor (one flight of stairs)

Learn 18th-Century Millinery & Revolutionary Era Fashion

The Revolutionary Bonnet Workshop at Landis Valley Village & Farm Museum offers participants the opportunity to design and sew an authentic 18th-century flat hat, a style commonly worn during the Revolutionary War era.

This immersive workshop explores both the history and construction of Revolutionary-era millinery, introducing students to the materials, styles, and decorative techniques used in 18th-century headwear. Participants will create a historically inspired bonnet while learning traditional sewing and trim-making techniques used by milliners of the colonial and early Federal periods.

During the workshop, students will examine:

• The history of 18th-century flat hats and bonnets
• Original examples from Europe and the United States
• Traditional construction methods
• Historic trim and embellishment techniques
• Period-appropriate materials and styling

Finished examples and photographs of original Revolutionary-era hats will be displayed throughout the class to provide inspiration and historical context.

Participants will receive:

• A natural or black straw hat foundation (14″–16″)
• 100% cotton or 100% silk lining fabric
• Thread
• Instructions and handouts
• Ribbon for experimenting with trims

Students will learn how to hand sew fabric linings into the hat foundation and explore ways to personalize their bonnet using historically appropriate trims, ribbons, lace, flowers, and plumes.

The workshop also includes demonstrations on creating period-inspired decorative trims, with time allotted for practice and experimentation.

The Revolutionary Bonnet Workshop is ideal for:

• Historical interpreters and reenactors
• Revolutionary War enthusiasts
• Historic costume makers
• Textile and sewing enthusiasts
• Anyone interested in 18th-century fashion and material culture

The workshop is taught by Lynnette Miller, an award-winning historic costumer and proprietor of Miller’s Millinery. Lynnette specializes in accurate 18th- and 19th-century clothing construction and fit and has taught workshops and lectures throughout the region.

Her company, Miller’s Millinery, was founded in 1990 and produces historically accurate patterns and accessories for headwear and clothing from the 18th and 19th centuries. Lynnette has won national awards for her historic clothing reproductions and has served as National Chairwoman of the Costume Committee for the Ladies of the North/South Skirmish Association.

This full-day workshop runs from 9:00 AM to 3:30 PM, giving participants the opportunity to complete a substantial portion of their bonnet while developing practical millinery skills.

Student Supply List

Students should bring:

• Needles
• Pins (including several with colored heads)
• Thimble
• Tape measure
• Fabric shears
• Thread snips
• Light and dark thread
• Bag lunch and drinks

Optional Supplies

• Artificial flowers and/or plumes
• Several yards of ribbon or lace for trims

Color Selection Information

A variety of ribbon and trim colors will be available during the workshop. Students wishing to discuss color preferences in advance may contact:

📧 lynnettemiller37@gmail.com

For accommodation requests:

📧 Terry.Kreider@Landisvalleyassociates.org

Instructor: Lynnette Miller

Lynnette Miller is an independent costume consultant, educator, and proprietor of Miller’s Millinery. A retired art teacher, she specializes in historically accurate 18th- and 19th-century clothing and millinery.

She has won national awards for her Civil War-era clothing and regularly teaches workshops, lectures, and demonstrations focused on historic sewing, textiles, and millinery techniques.

Important Notes

• Hands-on sewing and millinery workshop
• Basic hand-sewing experience helpful but not required
• Held in the Museum Store’s second-floor classroom
• One flight of stairs required
• All sales are final. No refunds
• Proceeds benefit Landis Valley Village & Farm Museum