Correct Colonial Caps

Last year around this time I was frantically trying to finish up my outfits for Williamsburg. Being the {insane} person that I am, I made 3 jackets and 2 petticoats, on top of the essentials - stays, shift, cap, neckerchief.

Combined with the fact that I was out of time, and not knowing the correct technique for making a proper cap, I ended up whipping one up in an hour on the machine, using modern sewing technique. I knew I wanted to create correct ones later on, when I would have time to actually put some work into them!

It only took me a year to get around to doing that! :P

So I made two caps, using Kannik's Korner's pattern. One is a split ruffle, and the other an un-split ruffle.

 For those who don't know the correct technique (like me!), I'll explain it a little bit. First, all the edges of the pieces are finished with a hand-sewed rolled hem. The edge of the ruffle and the caul (the largest piece) are gathered with a whipped gathering stitch, and then they are sewed to the band with another whipping stitch. Finally, there's a casing on the bottom for a drawstring.

The top of the band is pieced, rather than sewn on the fold.

 

Don't ask me why they went to all that work back then. Seems like a lot more work than it's worth, in my opinion! :) Modern technique is so much easier. :)

That said, I think they do look rather nice. :) I love how lightweight they are, and "fluffy". :)

 Un-split, or....

 ... split ruffle.

Which one do you like better?
I'd really appreciate feedback, so I can decide which one to wear this weekend! :)