It's almost the 24th of July and I know that is also near to Trek time for a lot of wards/families. My sister in law just asked me to make her some Pioneer bonnets for their trek next week and I had a blast figuring it out. I scoured the internet for some patterns but was very disappointed in them. They were WAY too involved for the little bit of time I had. My pattern may not be authentic, but the bonnets turn out way cute and take about 25 minutes to make. EASY.
Okay, first thing you need is some fabric. I used her old sheet which provides enough fabric for about 7-9 bonnets (adult size). Using a sheet is SPECTACULAR, and I'll tell you why in a minute. So, if you happen to have an old queen or king size sheet (fitted or top, doesn't matter), whip it out. Otherwise, go buy fabric. You're going to need about 23 inches. You'll also need something to help make the brim firm. Sure, you could do 10 layers of fabric, but that takes a lot of time and cutting. I used some old fabric placemats. With one placemat, you can get about 2 brims. So head out to Ross and buy a 5 pack of placemats for $5 and you can make 10 bonnets.
Here are the instructions. I wish I had taken pictures as I made them the other day, but I was in a rush so I didn't get any pics. I'll try to post pictures later, but for those of you who can figure it out thru instructions, you can get straight to it.
MATERIALS:
* 23 inches sheet or fabric (print or solid, cotton/canvas/twill/muslin...just not flannel, felt, fleece, sheer, etc.)
* 1 placemat or other sturdy fabric
* 8 inches 1/2-inch elastic
* Thread
CUTTING:
First, cut a piece of fabric 20"x17". Fold it in half along the 20" edge and curve the top to about 1/3 or 1/2 way down. It does NOT have to be precise! This is your bonnet piece.
Cut two strips that are 3"x15" OR cut two 15-inch strips of the edging from your sheet (just the hem), just outside of the seam. These are your ties.
Cut a piece of elastic that is 8-inches long.
ASSEMBLY:
Hem the bonnet fabric all around by folding edges over 1/4 inch and then over again 1/4 inch. Sew all around the fabric piece.
Take the brim piece and sew the two sides together, right sides facing each other, leaving about 2 inches unstitched on one side. Turn inside out and slide the stiff fabric in. Turn in open edges 1/4 inch and sew along entire curved edge to close.
Fold bottom edge of bonnet piece up 5" and press or crease. Using a straight stitch, sew elastic to inside of bonnet (side where the hems are turned in...not the side that will be facing out!), pulling while you sew. The elastic should stretch from one edge to the other.
Fold your bonnet piece in half and place a pin at the middle of the top of the curve so you'll know where the middle is later. Gather the fabric on the bonnet piece from the elastic, up around the curve, and down to the other end of the elastic. To gather, set your machine at the longest stitch. Stitch just inside the hem (on the single piece of fabric...NOT the folded over fabric) and make sure you DO NOT BACKSTITCH on either end. When you get to the other end of the elastic, leave plenty of thread before cutting it. Now pull one of the threads, and push the fabric along, gathering it as you go. If you need to go from the other side too, you can. Try to space your gathers evenly. Gather until the fabric between the elastic ends is as long as the STRAIGHT edge of your brim. For more instructions with pictures for how to gather, go here.
Now, fold your brim piece in half and match the center of the STRAIGHT EDGE of your brim with your pin that marks the center of the bonnet. Sew these pieces together, right sides facing each other. Make sure your STRAIGHT edge is the one you are sewing to the gathered bonnet piece! Sew from the center down to one side and then from the center down to the other side, being sure to catch all layers of fabric. Flip brim out and the bonnet part is done.
Now for the ties. If you are using the edge from the sheet, you are done. If you are using fabric, hem the short ends in 1/4 inch. Now, fold each long side over 1/2 inch, and then the entire strip in half to create a piece that is 1-inch wide. Sew along the open long edges to create two long strips. Attach your ties on the inside of your brim, 1/2 inch up from the bottom corner, just by the seam connecting the brim to the bonnet. Stitch back and forth a couple times for each tie.
You're done! Now try it on and enjoy your pioneering.
Again, sorry there are no pictures. But what I would have given to have this pattern BEFORE I spent over an hour on a really lame pattern. Believe me, this is simple, quick, and practical. And the end result is darling.
This bonnet will fit teens and adults. If you want a child's bonnet, just make the bonnet piece 16"x16" and the brim 16"x4". For a baby, try between a 10"x10" and 12"x12" with a 10"x3" or 12"x3" brim. Adjust ties accordingly also, to about 12 inches each.
If you end up using this pattern, would you let me know? Also, if you have any questions, please feel free to ask!!!
7 comments:
You need to go with your gut when it comes to the blog. I would loved getting comments. I felt the same about the journal etc. but it was nice getting comments. If it was not for a few people who I did not want to read I would totally not be private. Hope all is well.
I say stay public on the blog! But delete the post that walks us through the entire layout of your new house. That's the kind of thing you don't want to post on a public blog. Too much info for crazy people.
Otherwise keep it a little vague on your whereabouts and such and you're good to go!
I prefer public blogs, because if it's not on my reader, I forget to go look. At least your system of posting updates on the other blog worked for me. :)
Now I need to actually go back and read this post in its entirety. :)
Yay for public blogs! One less to remember to check.
For the record, I think I was one of the "2 or 3" people checking your blog. I'm glad it's not private anymore, no more logging in! Yay!
wow, I totally forgot about your blog! Glad you're public :)
Just kidding.
again, you're amazing! you know it, in a humble way..rather you're amazed at what you can produce. It's awesome. But I won't be satisfied til I see the pics. It's how i work.
Want to make Alana a bonnet? OUT OF THE PATRIOTIC FABRIC from her dress? CUTE! It's true, when she was itty bitty, I really like the bonnet look. I had 3 white ones. I liked it. Wierdo, but oh well.
I wish I'd known. Janene found a great site for a bonnet (she had me make it). It used part of a milk carton for the brim (cut into strips). She said it worked really well. (and you don't have to worry about it being wet when you wash it).
YAY! I'm glad you're not private anymore... I always forgot to check!
Post a Comment