I love your plans! The shortgown in particularly is brilliant, and extra appropriate when you're doing a working impression.

Hmm... I have a straw hat in my stash that looks pretty much just like that. Modern braided straw, but the same brim height, flat straight-sided crown, narrow brim. I have no plans to use it, and I don't want to store it. Would you be interested, for the cost of shipping?

That cake looks yummy! I really don't need to get into making cakes now... also trying to lose weight... ;)