Stitched in Color

View Original

Sunbonnet

Thank you all for your comments on my last post.  I am taking my time reading and absorbing each one.  I do so appreciate being held by the community here.

Sunbonnet a la the Purl Bee

So how about a sunbonnet?  How about a super sweet Liberty of London sunbonnet a la The Purl Bee?  Mmm.. yes, we can all appreciate that!

I've been anticipating making this project for I don't know how long.  How nice to have a practical need fulfilled in such an indulgent and doable way.  The project does take some not-so-quilty skills and tools, which I happened to have on hand.  The more you sew and try new things, the more you build up your skill set!  This one seemed to bring several things together...

Sunbonnet a la the Purl Bee

I hardly ever pull out a bias tape maker, but this one was just the right size.  Tip:  Use a pin to pull the fabric through when you're getting it started.  Iron the fabric right as it comes out, nicely folded on the thin tip of the tool.

Sunbonnet a la the Purl Bee

Don't let interfacing scare you.  Even if you don't quite follow the directions (oops), it can still turn out all right.  Just ask for the correct weight interfacing at your craft store.  This project uses "lightweight" fusible interfacing.  I also put to use my curved sewing skills and notching know-how.  Again, these things aren't actually hard, just intimidating.  You've only to dive in!  Remember, it's just fabric.  (Ok, don't practice on Liberty fabric!)

Sunbonnet a la the Purl Bee

And while not a must-have, this pressing ham was perfect for pressing those three-dimensional bonnet seams.  My mom picked this up for me at a yard sale and I almost turned it away.  Don't do that.  You want a pressing ham.  It's annoying to store, but you'll be so happy to have it someday!

Sunbonnet a la the Purl Bee

Ta da!  Two very sweet bonnets in size 0-3 months for my 10+ pound, 3-month baby girl.  I made the one in Liberty lawn ( exact fabric still available at Jones & Vandermeer!) and the other in solid pink FreeSpirit voile.  Both are lined in that subtle taupe stripe that I recently restashed.  I resisted using the stripe here, but it was too perfect.   Hmm... probably an indication that I should have bought yards of that stripe...

Sunbonnet a la the Purl Bee

Sunbonnet a la the Purl Bee

They fit her beautifully and offer lots of protection.  I bet I'll be making the next size up before the sunshine wanes this year!