I bought this hat pattern in one of Vogue's online sales. It's a reproduction of a pattern from around 1950. The pattern envelope is styled hideously. I don't know why they do this. It's like there's some sort of conspiracy to make people not want to buy their patterns. I mean, the hats don't even look remotely 50s. They look more 1980s. Anyway, I thought Hat A and B had potential if you looked past the pattern envelope.
The frame is made with bias covered wire and piping cord. This took me quite a while because I couldn't understand the instructions. I just ended up making it up as I went along.
I didn't want to make flowers from ribbon or organza like the pattern instructed so I bought these fake flowers. After pinning them to the frame I decided they were too big.
Because I'm some kind of masochist, I pulled apart the flowers and made new ones out of the petals. This took me many episodes of BSG to complete.
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I tried to take photos with my tripod but you couldn't really see the hat so mirror shots it is.
You can wear it either way around. Hat A and B on the pattern envelope are the same foundation but Hat B is worn the other way around and has different flowers. I think I like it the way around it is in the first photo.
Even though it took me ages to do and was kind of frustrating, I really love this hat. I'm proud of all the hand sewing too. It's not that neat but this is probably the most hand sewing I've ever done on a project.
Also, thanks for your comments about my hair in the last post. I've decided I like it now. I think it just takes a while to get used to a haircut.
You made a hat! A HAT! Seriously, I am so impressed, I can't even imagine making anything so a) time-consuming and fiddly, and b) so beautiful. It's the cutest thing.
ReplyDeleteCan you make another one with a little veil? I love a sexy bit of netting adding mystery and even more glamour! xxxx
I know. I'm kind of amazed I made a hat too. Thanks! Yes, I have some veiling. I didn't put any on this hat because none were the right shade but I definitely want to make one with a veil.
DeleteI almost, almost got myself this pattern over the weekend but talked myself out of it in favour of one for a dress, but I really do need to get myself a hat pattern as I can't afford originals. I wanted to make view 'b' and love how yours turned out xx
ReplyDeleteYes, the originals are ridiculously expensive. If you get the Vogue ones on sale they're pretty cheap. Thanks.
DeleteI bow to your fabulousness! You do realise that Helga's going to be beating a path to your door to steal your creation, don't you?
ReplyDeleteThe pattern cover is dire but kudos to you for spotting the potential! xxx
Thanks! Ha, she'll have to fight me for it.
DeleteWay better than the pattern envelope! You totally pull off hats in a way I only wish I could. It's fab!
ReplyDeleteThanks. I didn't used to be able to pull off hats. They suit me way more when my hair is short than when it's longer.
DeleteVery awesome! You did a great job. I really liked view B but then realized that I don't have the time or patience to make that many flowers.
ReplyDeleteThanks! You could always buy fake flowers and sew them on. That would save heaps of time.
DeleteI am definitely loving it
ReplyDeleteThanks, Milex!
DeleteWow, you have good reason to be proud! YAY, hats!
ReplyDeleteThanks! YAY, hats, indeed!
DeleteThanks, Cecili!
ReplyDeleteAhhh my god this is amazing. Your blog makes me want to do so much more crafting and sewing - and yet I somehow never get around to it? That pattern envelope is truly, truly dire but you have turned it into such a beautiful thing.
ReplyDeleteThanks! Yeah, it can be hard to get motivated to do stuff. I don't understand why they make such ugly pattern envelopes. They don't exactly inspire.
Deleteamazing hat! great blog! :)
ReplyDeleteThanks Jasmine T!
DeleteI've never ever thought of hat making as something you could DIY! Thanks for the inspiration!
ReplyDeleteI didn't either until I found some hat making tutorials online. You're welcome!
DeleteIt's a gorgeous hat, I think you did a fab job! Some old directions aren't so easy to follow, I like it!! Hope you've been well doll xx
ReplyDeleteThanks! I think these were actually the modernised directions rather than the old ones since it's a reprint. Sometimes I find old ones easier to follow but maybe I'm just weird.
DeleteYou are my hero! Yo ualso look fab!
ReplyDeleteThanks!
DeleteYou're right, only a couple of those hats look 50s. Including the one you picked. I've said it before but I've got a 50s hat in that shape and I'm not sure how to wear it! You look great! You're a millinery genius. The flowers are fabulous!
ReplyDeleteDo you mean 'how to wear it' like how it fits/stays on your head or the way around it goes? Because if it's which way around to wear it, I'd just go with whatever looks and fits best. If it's how it stays on your head I usually use bobby pins. Thanks!
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