A sun net is a hat worn to protect the face and head from the sun, traditionally worn by women. They are made of thick, stiff cloth or straw and tied under the chin. Sun nets are commonly seen on the heads of Amish women and Native Americans. They can be made in various colors and patterns and are easy to make as a sewing project.
A sun net is a type of deep-brimmed hat worn to protect the face and head from the sun. Various forms of solar netting have been worn for centuries, almost always by women, although by the mid-20th century they were considered outdated in most parts of the world. The solar grid is an iconic part of American frontier culture, and numerous examples can be found in paintings, writings, and museums that focus on America’s westward expansion. Sun net versions are also worn by Native Americans in North and South America as part of their traditional clothing.
Building a solar grid is relatively simple. It is made of thick, stiff cloth or straw that is designed to hold a deeply curved shape. The sun net is tied under the chin, and a flap at the back of the hood protects the back of the head and neck from the sun. The deep edges of the sun protection netting keep sunlight off the user’s face and eyes, allowing them to work outdoors without fear of sunburn. In North America, they are most commonly seen on the heads of Amish women, who retain traditional dress as part of their cultural identity.
A very simple sun net may be made of unbleached straw with simple cotton ties, but more elaborate versions are also made with brightly colored fabrics and vivid embellishments. Amish sun nets tend to be very simple, made of white, black, or dark blue fabric, and sometimes trimmed with lace for special occasions. However, festive sun nets made with floral or plaid patterns are also available, and many Latin American sun nets are made to be highly decorative and functional. Travelers to Amish country or Native American lands can sometimes find solar netting for sale, along with other traditional clothing and crafts.
Numerous solar grid patterns can be found for individuals interested in making their own. The pattern and materials are easy to work with, and making a sun net can be a great starter sewing project. Weaving a straw sun net is somewhat more difficult, especially for people who have never worked with straw before. The sunbonnet also features in the iconic “Sunbonnet Sue” quilt block, which most quilters are familiar with. The Sunbonnet Sue block probably appeared in the 19th century, when quilters began using appliqués to enliven their quilt patterns.
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