Victorian Bonnet Workshop

The Victorian Bonnet Workshop at Landis Valley Village & Farm Museum offers participants the opportunity to create a historically accurate silk bonnet while learning traditional millinery techniques.

Class Details 

Saturday, May 23, 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)

Class Description

The Victorian Bonnet Workshop is a hands-on, immersive class that introduces participants to the art of 19th-century millinery and historic clothing construction. In this full-day workshop, students will create a silk-covered bonnet using traditional hand-sewing techniques while gaining insight into the materials, methods, and styles of the Victorian era.

Millinery—the craft of designing and making hats and bonnets—was an essential part of 18th- and 19th-century fashion. Bonnets were both practical and expressive, reflecting social customs, regional styles, and personal taste. This workshop offers participants a unique opportunity to engage directly with this historic craft and produce a wearable piece rooted in historical accuracy.

During the Victorian Bonnet Workshop, participants will hand stitch 100% silk fabric onto a pre-made bonnet foundation, learning foundational millinery techniques along the way. Instruction includes fabric handling, shaping, trimming, and finishing methods commonly used in historical bonnet construction. Original bonnets and finished examples will be available for study, providing visual reference and inspiration.

All sewing techniques required for the project will be taught during the workshop. While basic hand-sewing experience is recommended, the class is structured to support learners at various skill levels. Participants will receive step-by-step instruction and individualized guidance throughout the process.

Students will also have the opportunity to personalize their bonnet. At registration, participants will choose between two bonnet styles, including one appropriate for historical interpretation at events such as Juneteenth. Students will also select preferred color options, allowing for a customized finished piece while maintaining historical authenticity.

The workshop is led by Lynnette Miller, an award-winning costumer and milliner with decades of experience in historic clothing reproduction. Lynnette is the proprietor of Miller’s Millinery, a company known for producing historically accurate patterns and accessories from the 18th and 19th centuries. Her work emphasizes authenticity in construction, fit, and design.

Lynnette has received both regional and national recognition for her Civil War-era clothing and has served as National Chairwoman of the Costume Committee for the Ladies of the North/South Skirmish Association. A retired art teacher, she continues to write, lecture, and teach workshops focused on historic costuming and textile production.

The Victorian Bonnet Workshop is ideal for:

• Historical interpreters and reenactors
• Costume and textile enthusiasts
• Sewists interested in historical techniques
• Anyone interested in 19th-century fashion and material culture

Participants should plan for a full day of instruction and hands-on work, from 9:00 AM to 3:30 PM, and are encouraged to bring a bag lunch and drinks.

🧰 Student Supplies (Required)

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

🎀 Optional Supplies

• Ribbon (1” and 2” widths)
• Artificial flowers and/or plumes

🧵 Student Selections (Required at Registration)

• Choose Bonnet Style 1 or Style 2
• Select two preferred colors (blues, greens, golds, reds, black, grays, purples, browns)

📧 Email selections to:

• lynnettemiller37@gmail.com

For accessibility needs:
📧 Terry.Kreider@Landisvalleyassociates.org

👩‍🏫 Instructor: Lynnette Miller

Lynnette Miller is an independent costume consultant and proprietor of Miller’s Millinery, founded in 1990. Her work focuses on promoting historical accuracy in 18th- and 19th-century clothing construction.

She has received national awards for her Civil War-era clothing and has extensive experience teaching, lecturing, and writing about historic costuming. Lynnette also regularly demonstrates textile and millinery techniques at Landis Valley Village & Farm Museum.

⚠️ Important Notes

• Basic hand-sewing experience recommended
• Class held in the Museum Store’s second-floor classroom
• One flight of stairs (contact for accommodations)
• All sales are final. No refunds
• Proceeds benefit Landis Valley Village & Farm Museum