Early this fall (or late this past summer), when I found out my class of schoolchildren was to have a Founding Fathers celebration, I knew I needed to make a mop cap (some people also call them mob caps) so I could dress as a colonial woman.

I already owned a number of full skirts, and I’d purchased a corset at the recent Fantasy Faire that could be adapted to appear 17th- or 18th-century.

I found this easy sewing pattern at Patti’s Place (thanks, Patti!) by searching on Pinterest, my one-stop shop for all things artistic, creative anachronistic, self-sufficient, and conspiratorial. The pattern was so simple I could sew it by hand, which was good because I don’t own a working sewing machine.

I’m delighted with how it turned out. It can be worn with any hairstyle. If you wear the hair up, it looks rather Martha Washington. If you wear the hair in braids, or loose, underneath it, you’re looking more Madame Defarge. I think you all know where my loyalties lie.

I created a mop cap craft for the little girls in my class based upon this pattern, and they looked darling. I’ll post pictures of my costume from the event if I ever get ahold of them. You need a tight-fitting bodice, a full skirt, ruffled cuffs at the elbows, and a shawl tied low on the shoulders to complete the look.

My costume wardrobe now includes 10,000 B.C., 1550 A.D. and 1776 A.D. There’s a rather large gap in there. I’ll update you further as the occasion arises.