Traditional Muzzleloading Association

Craftsmanship => Clothing and Other Crafts => Topic started by: Forager on December 01, 2014, 06:25:56 AM

Title: Toque pattern?
Post by: Forager on December 01, 2014, 06:25:56 AM

My lovely bride has taken to knitting, and she's got quite the knack for it.  Already there is a scarf that is among the warmest, lightest things I've ever worn.  She now wants to knit me a hat.  I'm suggesting a toque, but would like to see what traditional patterns exist as opposed to the standard "watch cap" of modern variation.

Any suggestions/images, or preferably patterns?

Title: Re: Toque pattern?
Post by: Kermit on December 01, 2014, 11:55:53 AM

Actually, the "watch cap" is pretty close to HC. The "toque" has been popularized by the mountainman thing and the voyageur image. The "monmouth cap" is a correct colonial period knitted cap. They were often knitted loosely and oversize and then felted.

Here's free patterns for her. The second is possibly more PC/HC. The 3rd gives good history and is worth a read.

Free Knitting Pattern: Monmouth Cap (http://www.knitting-and.com/knitting/patterns/hats/monmouth.htm)
http://www.marariley.net/patterns/Monmouth%20Cap.pdf (http://www.marariley.net/patterns/Monmouth%20Cap.pdf)
Making a Monmouth Cap (http://www.personal.utulsa.edu/~marc-carlson/jennifer/Monmouth.htm)

This one mentions felting " until it fits." Downloadable PDF.
Ravelry: Monmouth Cap, the details matter! pattern by Colleen Humphreys (http://www.ravelry.com/patterns/library/monmouth-cap-the-details-matter)

You can google "Monmouth cap knitting pattern" and get still more!

Title: Re: Toque pattern?
Post by: Snapper on December 01, 2014, 01:40:06 PM

A tuque is historically correct if you're doing French.  Just don't put a pom-pom or tassel on it and you should be OK.  Red is your best choice but white also works based on the historic record.  If you portray Dutch you could consider a muttsen (a lot like today's wool ski caps) and if English is your choice than the Monmouth cap will fit the bill.

Hope that helps.  Take care and until next time...Be well.

snapper

Title: Re: Toque pattern?
Post by: Kermit on December 01, 2014, 02:16:26 PM

Thanks for that clarification, Snapper. I guess it sounded like I was saying the toque wasn't correct headwear. Sorry if I added confusion.

Title: Re: Toque pattern?
Post by: Snapper on December 01, 2014, 02:59:04 PM

Kermit - No problem on my end.  I'm just concerned when folks want to add the tassel.  That's the part that will get them in trouble with the HC police (LOL).

Until next time...Be well.

snapper

Title: Re: Toque pattern?
Post by: Kermit on December 01, 2014, 05:23:40 PM

Maybe the tassel is correct if the persona is Santa Claus?

Title: Re: Toque pattern?
Post by: Forager on December 01, 2014, 05:35:54 PM

Laughing!  Sorry, no St. Nick here. The only stockings I'm interested in are worn by my lovely bride.

Title: Re: Toque pattern?
Post by: Longhunter on December 01, 2014, 06:22:43 PM

This is an oil painting done from a photograph taken in 1977 at Fort Michilimackinac. Back then tassels were acceptable.  

(http://shrewbows.com/knives/LeVoyageur.jpg)

Title: Re: Toque pattern?
Post by: Longhunter on December 01, 2014, 06:33:42 PM

I do like the Monmouth cap that I got at Kalamazoo a few years ago, it's heavy, warm and PC

(http://www.shrewbows.com/rons_linkpics/Christmas%20deer%20stand%202.JPG)

Title: Re: Toque pattern?
Post by: Forager on December 01, 2014, 06:35:50 PM

Was hoping you'd chime in Ron.  

All, would green be an acceptable color?  Red around these parts looks too much like a gobbler's head, and white the rear of a whitetail.  Yes, idiots abound.  Green, grey, or a natural "wool" coloration might be best, if appropriate.

Title: Re: Toque pattern?
Post by: Longhunter on December 01, 2014, 07:28:57 PM

When idiots abound you wear orange

(http://leatherwall.bowsite.com/TF/pics/00small50441592.JPG)

Title: Re: Toque pattern?
Post by: Forager on December 01, 2014, 08:05:35 PM

The HC/PC police will get you for that one!

That said, I think that makes quite a bit of sense, as does the rest of what you're doing there.

Title: Re: Toque pattern?
Post by: prairie dog on December 01, 2014, 11:41:12 PM

What's a toque?  

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v133/Sells/Frozen%20Foot%202014/100_9989.jpg)

Title: Re: Toque pattern?
Post by: Riley/MN on December 02, 2014, 09:44:49 AM

Quote from: "Longhunter"

When idiots abound you wear orange

(http://leatherwall.bowsite.com/TF/pics/00small50441592.JPG)

Yup! I have a similar blaze orange tuque. It is required by law here in MN, as well as at least a vest.

Title: Re: Toque pattern?
Post by: Kermit on December 02, 2014, 11:39:28 AM

Quote from: "prairie dog"

(http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v133/Sells/Frozen%20Foot%202014/100_9989.jpg)

Santa's elves, and with tassels, every one. No HC police at the North Pole?

Title: Re: Toque pattern?
Post by: prairie dog on December 02, 2014, 03:01:53 PM

Quote

 No HC police at the North Pole?

We skinned em' and cooked em' for dinner, every one.