I keep telling myself that SEWING SEASON IS OVER!!! However, I can't seem to quite tear myself away. (I, of course, need to finish all my unfinished projects!) I also don't know why I feel like I have to try EVERY pattern for bonnets that I can get my hands on.I finally tried Liz Clark's Slatted Sunbonnet Pattern. It's a very simple pattern (and authentic), but does have a lot of stitching (for all those slats and a very big hem). Of course I also had to cheat (don't know why I can't follow instructions) and I did just put heavy interfacing in the brim area rather than actual slats. I cut my interfacing big enough to cover the space that slats would cover, then just stitched lines over the interfacing. I can still put slats in, too, if I want to make it stiffer.
You'll be proud of me, though; I did hand stitch my hem! Can you believe it? Me, the anti-hand-stitcher. The hem is curvy enough that it would have been a pain to machine sew.
The nice thing about this bonnet is that it is adjustable because of the ties inside and outside. You can make the brim go out as far in front of your face as you want (see images).
This probably took me around 2 hours.
I'm now working on, yes, another bonnet. I don't know where the pattern originated, so I don't know that I'll be able to post the pattern, but I'll see what I can do.
12 comments:
LOL.I can see how it would have been good for traveling in the sunshine or for working in the fields because it offers so much coverage...but really, it looks funny. I had never seen one like this before.
Good job, Emily! You're right on track--the curvy hem is much easier to manipulate by hand. I promise not to smack you with a dampened rayon snood for cheating on the brim. :)
One period solution for a stiff brim without dealing with slats is to sew in a few layers of stiff organdy just as you have the modern interfacing. It's a period fabric that retains its stiffness/body even if it's been damp, and is *very* lightweight, too. It can be secured in the brim with simple channels, or with more complex stitching patterns (scrolls, waves, diagonal cross-lines, lines parallel to the brim rather than arching over the head, etc.
The "Mailbox" effect is 100% period. :) It's SPF 1855. :)
Hi. Love the bonnet. Years ago at a festival in Illinois I saw a sunbonnet hat that was also converted into an apron. The design was great! I have been looking for something that can be a dual purpose. Is your hat in any way workable into an apron???
A thought...if you think it can be please let me know thanks. Jeanne
Hi. Love the bonnet. Years ago at a festival in Illinois I saw a sunbonnet hat that was also converted into an apron. The design was great! I have been looking for something that can be a dual purpose. Is your hat in any way workable into an apron???
A thought...if you think it can be please let me know thanks. Jeanne
Hi Jeanne!
You know, within the last couple months I got something in my google reader on one of those, so I've been searching for it to post a link, but can't find it! However, I did just go "try on" the bonnet as an apron. Yes, I believe it would work, you'd just have to put ties in the appropriate places. If I find that link I will post it!
I know this may sound a little strange but I might have found the apron-bonnet tutorial. Here it is:
http://sewing.craftgossip.com/free-pattern-oilcloth-apron-and-rain-bonnet/2010/01/21/
Hopefully it's what you were looking for!
Hey I am -
thanks! I may just have to post it.
A great way to get a rounded edge to turn under nicely is to run a basting stitch along the edge (maybe 1/4" in this case) then VERY slightly pull the bobbin thread so the seam starts to get a rounded look as the 1/4" wants to pull toward the wrong side of the fabric. Press the 1/4" inward to create the clean edge then I would imagine that you could repeat to get a full rolled hem (probably want to go with less than 1/4" to start with then end with a full 1/4" so you won't have any raw edges peeking out). Doing an edge finish then using the above method would probably be easiest. This is a common method for rounded skirt hems, like those on circle skirts. You could experiment with a machine stitch but hand hemming always does looks best for these situations. Thanks for posting this...I've totally been looking for a trek bonnet and I REALLY like this one! YAY! :-D
I finished my bonnet and it is GREAT! I used organdy as suggested in another post and it worked beautifully! I also did slightly gather the rounded edge with a basting stitch which made it VERY easy to press down then stitch (I finished the edge first). After sewing the edge rounded up until I took out the basting stitch and then it became nice and flat. Success!!! :-D
Thanks for organdy tip Liz!
I am getting ready to make these with the Mia Maids for trek and realized that the 3/4 yd stated in the directions is NOT enough fabric. 34.5" of fabric is needed for the bonnet, facing and ties. 3/4yd is only 27". Please make a note of this if you make this bonnet. I can't wait to wear mine for pioneer day next year! :-D
Amy, thanks for the note on the yardage. If you want to cut the facing and bonnet in one piece to eliminate a seam at the front, you do need a full yard. If the facing is cut of separate fabric (like muslin), it cuts down on the yardage of fun fabric. I'll make a note to update the PDF with that! I love the feedback; it's my best way to keep things updated and functional!
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