Are you sewing for KCW? I’m hoping to do some sewing this challenge so we’ll see how the week goes. That’s always the trick, right? Especially with the kids home. But I’m totally counting this hat towards KCW ;).
After researching sun bonnet patterns for a bit one night (both free and PDF files to purchase), I decided I quite loved the look of THIS little bonnet in the etsy shop Little Betty. Isn’t it so cute!? Not so over the top, still great coverage for the head and face, but allows her to see past the brim.
I am going to go into a bit more details on my pattern reviews, covering certain topics that I think are important to address. I hope this helps you in your decisions with pattern buying! Ruby was pretty entertained…
…until she realized she had something on her head. Then she was pretty mad. :)
Pattern Pieces, Instructions, and Skill Level
The pattern printed out fine with no problems. The instructions were very clear and I didn’t get confused during the process at all. I feel like a beginner could easily tackle this project.
Sizing/Fit
I made Ruby the 6-12 months and I’m really happy I did. She’s small and it still has room to grow. She’s 13 months old but fit mostly 6 month clothing so I knew sizing down was best.
Modifications to Pattern
Apart from skipping the last bit of topstitching on the brim, I stuck with the pattern as is.
Fabric
I used a Riley Blake fabric I won in Project Sewn, with a little bit of polka dot fabric from Joann for just under the brim. The tie is made from single fold bias tape that I folded in half and sewed. Using cotton provided a breathable, lightweight choice for the bonnet. I was afraid it wouldn’t keep it’s shape well but it really does, especially since the brim has interfacing. The only drawback is that it wrinkles more easily than other fabric choices might.
How Long it Took to Sew
These numbers I can never be sure if they are accurate, but my guess is from start to finish, including cutting, it probably took an hour.
Things I Might Change Next Time
I might try a different type of fabric that won’t wrinkle as easy.
Wearability
Well, if Ruby would keep it on rather than crying to get it off, then I think the wearability is just perfect with this sweet bonnet!
Overall Impression
I love this bonnet! I think it is adorable and I might make one more. I love that it doesn’t have a super wide brim so that she can still see well with it as is.
Ruby however, is not impressed. Which makes me a bit bummed but maybe once in the water she will forget about it. Because I will continue to try and make her wear it :).
I have made 8 of these (I think, it’s easy to lose count!) and love them. My daughter got better over time about wearing them. Some things that helped me included me wearing a hat (mommy is wearing her hat so you should too) and differentiating between sunny and shady. If it’s shady and she wants it off we don’t fight, but in the sun she knows she has to wear it. Now we are to the point that when she gets her shoes to go outside, she grabs a hat as well, and then hands me or my husband a hat.
That’s great to know! Thanks for the tips!
I love her faces! Too cute for words…
haiii….saya aishah from malaysia
(copy n paste,please go to translate google)
saya terjumpa awak punya blog. jadi saya membaca blog awak dan saya suka awak punya tutorial hairband. sangat mengujakan. saya harap kita bolah jadi kawan.hehehe..