Ladies, 
I recently purchased this kit on eBay and the seller mentioned that she might be selling additional kits.  I know this vendor from several forums and she has done extensive research on straw and bonnets.  One of her articles was in the Citizens Companion in the last year or so. The cost  is $15.00.  I mentioned to her that some of our SC ladies might be interested so here's your chance.  Please let me, skey@cbh.com , know if you would be interested in a kit and I'll let her know and keep you posted if they become available.  The description and picture is below. 

Thanks, Sherry Key.

This straw bonnet kit includes a workbook with directions and straw plait to make your own 1850s or 1860s straw bonnet. The 14 page workbook contains detailed directions and photos of bonnet construction based on numerous original bonnets. You will receive approximately 20 yards of ½” whole straw plait. This is an excellent plait to begin working with. You will use 15-18 yards, leaving plait left over.

Just released, a new Simplicity Pattern for a another style of Civil War dress from the famous New York fashion historian, Mrs. Martha McCain. It is a beautiful shaped bodice and has several sleeve variations in the package. While at the Genteel Conference in Pennsylvania this spring, Mrs. McCain allowed our PSRS member, Jeannie Rucker, to try on the dress proto-type that the pattern was made from. It is just beautiful ladies! And our period correct favorite author, Juanita Leiche, of "Who Wore What" was there to give the approval of it’s design. Jeannie Rucker, who has made dozens of dresses using Mrs. McCain's other available day-dress pattern,  has just purchased one of these new patterns and will make up a dress with it for another reenactor soon. Jeannie will write a review on this new pattern as soon as she completes the first dress.