So its Whip lash time again! I was going to take this month off but I just couldn't! Hats- who doesn't love hats? When I thought about what to do, I thought about knitting something but, frankly, we are just not to where we need knitted hats around here yet. What we need, is rain hats. Starting yesterday, the clouds came out and just unleashed large amounts of rain. We are true Oregonians and we don't use umbrellas so I figured a nice bright happy water proof hat would go a long way in these dreary months to come. So here you go. I had the oil cloth, the felt and the rickrack and this is what I came up with. Because I have wanted to do a tutorial for sometime, I made a big effort to make this make sense to people. I have attempted tutorials before but the way I figure things really makes little sense to those who don't live in my brain so they have never made it to the blog. Hopefully this is pretty clear. I made this to fit a four year old with a slightly large noggin. It actually fits my seven year old very well. So we will call this a big headed 4 to average head 7 year old size.
Step one: The pattern
This is how they look all cut out and ready to go. In order to get the brim pattern piece, cut a circle 12.25" in diameter and cut the 7.25 inch circle for the top out of the center. Fold the remaining piece in half and cut into two pieces, like the blue brim piece above. I think if you leave it in one piece and use it that way, instead of cutting it into two, you may have to adjust the brim to fit to the side pieces as a 1/4 inch seam allowance is included in each piece. (Am I getting confusing? My point is that if the brim is not sewn together as two pieces, it might be a hair large for the sides when all is said and done). The very important thing to note here is that these dimensions are for the felt interior of the hat. You will need to cut out another set in the oilcloth , but cut the oilcloth pieces out 1/4" larger around all sides than the felt one. On the outside edge of the brim, cut a full inch larger.Very important!
Next step: sew the side pieces together at each edge and pin the resulting circle to the top. Sew along the edge to make the top section of hat.
Next, sew the brim pieces together to make a big circle. (I may have to revisit this part...but atleast all the seams match up from top to the brim!) Now, pin the brim to the top part of the hat , just as you did for the top section.
Wow, look what you have now!
Next step: do all of this again for the oilcloth part of the hat. The important things to note now, are that 1. For the love of Pete, put a heavy duty (denim) needle on your machine for the oilcloth. 2.) when you are cutting out the pattern pieces for the oilcloth hat, remember to cut it 1/4" larger than the pieces you cut out for the interior (felt) layer-Except for the brim- cut this piece 1" larger on the outside edge only. You will see why in a minute.This will insure the felt layer lays nicely inside the oilcloth layer. 3. Follow all instructions as for the felt interior. Now you have...
Now, turn the felt hat so the raw edges will be next to the oilcloth and you won't see them. Place the felt inside the oilcloth and carefully get it fitting together just right. Take your time here and pin it in place to get it right. Next step- carefully cut the oilcloth to be flush with the edge of the felt
Now, pin your rickrack between the layers and stitch down.
ooooo cute...
Now put that baby on and wait for rain. Or, wear it in the sun because its just too cute. Really this is reversible but does any kid need anything akin to vinyl right next to their scalp? Probably not. Wouldn't this be cute in just felt with felt flowers on it? Send me photos if any of you actually wade through my tutorial and make one of these babies yourself! If you made it all the way to the end- Thanks for sticking with me!!
I have decided that the holiday season is officially open. Fall swept past with some difficult stuff and now I am ready to make paper snowflakes and bake cookies and start making gifts for people. I don't care if its early- I just want some holiday cheer for as long as possible this year. In that spirit, I made this little acorn ornament today. I have been collecting litte acorn caps for sometime and I thought a tiny felt acorn would be so cute. Its hard to see but the acorn top is covered in clear german glass glitter. I am a huge fan of german glass glitter and have been wanting to get into my stash for a few weeks. The colors are so great. I have a great place to buy it but I will have to find the url if anyone is interested. I hung this little guy on our lamp to take the picture and it looks pretty cute there so it will probably stay there for awhile.
Another reason I know its officially the start of the holiday season is that today I found Silknog at the store! Oooo if you haven't tried it, it makes the best french toast ever. And its dairy free! Hey Selena- it looks like it is gluten free too (though you might want to double check) it is yummy! And this from a girl who really does not like soy milk. Hope everyone else is getting excited about the holidays or it could be a long month around here! 
