Sun Bonnets

I am having so much fun making sun bonnets.  Summer is right around the corner and since the garden will be calling or rather demanding my attention, I knew I needed a new hat to keep that sun off my face and neck no to mention my tender head.  I found a pattern and made a sample.  I am known for remaking a pattern, so I cut out another added a piece or two and tucked and gathered until I was satisfied.  Now my granddaughters want a bonnet like Nanna's so I have cut another pattern - downsized and revised - and have made a couple of them for the girls.  Today I have cut out two more an adult and a child's to match.  I found some medium weight felt I am going to try in the brim and see if it holds as well as the muslin.  I tried poly fill, but it didn't work as well for me as I like a tailored look and the poly was a bit too fluffy.  These are so easy to make with only two main pieces and then the ties and the carrier.  A little sewing, gathering and threading and you have a bonnet.  I am planning a black satin just for the effect and I found some beautiful turkey feathers I may add to the brim.

After I wear these little hats a few times, I will be adjusting and revising again as needed for comfort and fit and in no time I will have developed my perfect bonnet.  Can't wait for all the girls to try theirs so I can tell what needs to be changed or revised. 

Next on my list is an old fashion garden apron with large pockets for gathering veggies and herbs and to carry my hand tools.  I am on a roll for now.  I can go years with sewing a stitch but when the mood hits I go like crazy. 

Berets were my object of interest last week and I made three in as many days.  I have some thoughts for these little jewels also.  They are so simple to make, especially for the girls.  The only problem is they grow so fast the beret doesn't fit for long.  Luckily there is little fabric and even less time in constructing these toppers.

I am contemplating making some fancy kitchen aprons.  Does anyone wear aprons anymore?  Um-m-m, something to think about.  But, hats have been on my mind lately.  I feel warm with a fuzzy hat on my head and have always gotten so much joy out of the wearing.  I will try to post some pics with instructions when I get my revisions done.

I am getting back to my sewing now, so until next time  . . .

Happy reading!
Belle

Winter brings out my creativity.  Housebound and staying close to the fire, I have been steadily making berets for my girls.  Last night I decided to try a sun bonnet for the upcoming gardening season and I am very pleased with the results - if I could only find a way to put cool air in the crown to keep it a bit cooler.  See, we are never happy - when we are cold, we long for warmth and when we are hot, we long for cool air.  My new projects have brought me a lot of joy and I have loads of new ideas for hat projects for both summer and winter.  I also hope to make the girls some sundresses and jumpers if I can make myself get to it.  I love jumpers on little girls - plain or ruffly they are so feminine and little girly.

My grandchildren from the north finally dug out of the snow and travelled south for a visit.  We had a great time and spent some bonding time together.  I think my heart can rest now for another few weeks when they return.  It isn't only my northern grandchildren that drives me to the brink, but the two that live only 5 miles away cause my heart great turmoil when I don't get a visit for a couple of weeks.  They grow and mature so fast I feel I am missing something very important during the time we are apart.  Yes, I am addicted to being a grandmother.

The full moon was especially pretty last night.  The air was clear and crisp and the moon beams were extra sparkly.  I like to think it was due to the outpouring of love in our little community.  We lost two young girls this week, both due to tragic accidents.  For a change the people of our town expressed kindness and sympathy rather than the hateful attitudes normally displayed.  The loss of two so young is hard to understand, but God is so much wiser.  Knowing he has a plan makes the loss just a tad easier but the loss still leaves a yearning in our hearts.  I wrote earlier on how my heart aches when my grandchildren are away, but I can not fathom the thought of never seeing them again.  My thoughts and prayers have been with the family and friends of these two girls.

 We had a wood cutting party this weekend.  Some of the men and young men gathered for the felling of the trees.  The young men received valuable lessons in the proper way to split wood and everybody that had the desire had a turn.  Before the session was over, most were rather proficient at the task and we now have an abundance of wood and some travelled home with those in need.  My nephew made the comment that he had never had as much fun cutting wood, so I guess the day was a success.  Hubby says we are in for more snow or ice before the winter season is over and I have a feeling he may be correct.  I guess I should restock the freezer with soup fixings because when the weather turns bad we focus on keeping warm and feeding our tummies.

I had to threaten my parents over the icy days not to darken the door or even think about it.  They have a tendency to think they are still 30 years old and can still get around like spring chickens.  Neither can stand very well without support and cannot see more than a foot in front of them, so they were destined for disaster if they had gone out.  All went well, however, and they didn't even lose electricity.  Dad is already wanting spring to arrive so he can get to the garden.  It isn't going to happen, but it doesn't hurt to wish. More and more of his memories are of his childhood at his grandparent's home.  It is surprising what he can remember from way back when, but can't remember what he ate for lunch.  At 87 I am surprised he remembers anything. 

That about catches us up and I really need to get back to my sewing.  Thanks for dropping by and until next time . . .

Happy reading!
Belle