Friday, October 8, 2010

Adjustable Summer Enid Hat

I love the whole process of drawing up patterns and making adjustments so that you end up with an item that you really love. This is why I have become fascinated with Enid Gilchrist and her pattern books. I recently went looking on Ebay and purchased a few very old Enid pattern books and I was itching to try them out. Spring has also arrived here in Camperdown (finally!!) and the girls both need a new sun hat so I decided to give one of Enids sunhats a go, with quite a few alterations to suit the current times and current materials.

I used this book. How adorable is it! It has newspaper cuttings in it from 1968













I chose this adjustable Sun Hat pattern because it will fit both girls



I made quite a few changes though. I used interfacing instead of the reommended Canvas and I lined it, although I didn't have anough of the butterfly material so had to pick another colour from the stash. I widened the brim considerably to provide more sun cover, I changed the way Enid suggested sewing a fold for the ribbon to go through and I used sew on velcro rather than metal hooks to help make it fit better. So, a 2010 version!






Overall I am really happy with it. It is really adjustable, fits well and doesn't come off unless little hands give it a pull. Next time I will use a stiffer interfacing and make the whole thing slightly larger to get even more wear out of it. I love that it fits both my girls.


Elyssa is getting the most use out of it at the moment so I think I will make another one for Chloe. It does look pretty cute on her too though. I love a hat with space for a pony tale!








5 comments:

  1. I love Enid's work. Her books can go for quite a lot of money these days - and tbh I think people are making a lot of money from making her designs. I have 4 or 5 of her kids boos - but I hadn't seen that Playtime one. Very jealous now :) The hat is def. a winner and it sounds liek teh velcro is a perfect adaption too. Beautiful!!

    Does E keep a hat on her head very well? I can't get Addie to for the life of me! She usually looks like that last photo trying to balance it on her head. Very funny but less than sun smart!

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  2. what a great hat, I love that it has space for a pony tail too.

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  3. Elyssa LOVES to wear a hat, its her latest game. She also loves shoes...

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  4. I have this Enid mag too... and after seeing how amazing your bonnet/hat is I'm all inspired to get drafting.

    It is beautiful!

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