A friend of mine just got an operation done on her head. She had to have all all her long hair shaved and stayed a long time in the hospital. I decided to make her a hat, hopefully it will cheer her up. 
Initially I wanted to knit a cap, but apparently my knitting and crochet skill has gone back to zero, so I made her a fabric hat instead.
Sometime ago I’ve made these denim hats from the book ‘Idea Hat Recipe’, so I looked for other patterns in it. The concept of the book is hats that inspired by cakes, a weird concept but the hats are indeed pretty cute. The pattern that I chose is called Macaron thé russe, which is actually a cap with tilted down brim. The fabric is linen with printed cotton for the lining.
Note about the pattern: I didn’t add seam allowances to the pattern as it seemed big, then I sewed it with 0.8 cm allowance. At the end, the hat still needed some elastics sewed at the back to make it fit.
I added a detachable brooch from some lace, fabric scraps, and buttons. Actually I wanted to make a flower brooch, but then changed it to this simple and easy round brooch. Or maybe I was just lazy.
Then I tried putting it on. The hat was looking okay, but suddenly I didn’t think it would be the right hat for my friend. There is no way I could give this hat to her! What was I thinking? etc. So I decided to make another hat. I don’t know, sometimes I get freaked out like that. Making things for other people is frightening, I’m always afraid that they wouldn’t like it.
I went back to the same book and chose Mousse de pêche, a rectangle-based hat with folded brim. The fabric was the same as the first hat, with different pattern of print for the lining.
Note about the pattern: I didn’t add seam allowance to the pattern and it turned out too small! So I unpicked the stitches and sewed it again with smaller allowance, about 0.5 cm. It fits okay, but next time I should add seam allowance to it.
The brooch was made with the same method as the first one. Despite looking a bit complicated, sewing a hat is actually much quicker than sewing a top or a dress. I finished both hats in just a few hours, making the brooches took longer than the hat! I put on the second hat and this time I approved it. It doesn’t mean that the first hat is worse than the second, it just doesn’t feel right.
My friends and I went to visit her today and she liked the hat! She said she would wear it to go to a nearby department store. I’m very happy now, not only because she liked the hat, but also because she looked very strong and happy. The operation has affected her vision so she couldn’t drive any more, she said that next time we should go to places by bike together. She’s such a strong woman!
Patterns are from the book ‘Idea Hat Recipe’.
22 Comments
I think both hats are great! I bet you’re friend would have liked the first one also. I hope she is doing well!
You are such a good friend for making a hat for her. I love the color and I especially like the brooch! You are very talented. I hope your friend feels all better now.
How did you sew a lining fabric into the Mousse de pêche? I’ve been looking at the pattern all morning trying to figure that part out!
These are lovely. I know what you mean about not being sure if it’s right for a certain person… gifts can be hard! Hope she is soon feeling better.
Do you have a place online you recommend purchasing Japanese sewing books from, and do you have other favorites besides this hat one? I’d love to hear more titles names. I’ve been thinking about it more since reading your post and I think I just need to do it. Thanks for the inspiration and the push. Love reading your blog too.
I never buy them online as they can be asily found in any bookstore here. But here’s a helpful site about Japanese crafting books: http://www.craftlog.org/craftingjapanese/
There’s a list on the side bar on where to get them.
My fave Japanese sewing book is ‘Stylish Dress Book’, it contains lots of simple patterns that are easy to tweak around :)
Novita those are lovely gifts for your friend!
I love the fabrics you’ve chosen and the brooches you’ve designed. They add a very pretty touch!
I wish your friend good luck in her treatment, and I AM sure she will feel a lot of your love for her when she receives the hats.
Cheers from Toronto
.-= Maria´s last blog ..=-.
Those hats are amazing, you’re friend would have loved both of them. What a classy way to pull off her new look. You tempt me to try out some of these beautiful Asian pattern books but I’m so nervous because I don’t read a spec of it. I just might have to try it out and hope for the best, if I can work up the nerve.
I don’t read a single Japanese character either and only rely on the diagrams (and some lucky guesses), so I urge you to try!
Have you heard of the book “Saturday Night Hat”? There’s a pattern in there for a new head of hair, sort of – it’s a cap made out of felt that’s made to look like a really cute short haircut. I think it might actually be good for cancer patients. You buy something called a “felt hood” from a millinery supply shop and then cut the “bangs” and frame the face according to the contours of your friend’s face.
I love your blog, by the way – I’ve been lurking for several months, and you’ve helped me think about fashion (and sewing) (and life!) in a new way. Thank you!
.-= Brooke´s last blog ..Pendants=-.
I like the hat and the lining, the linen is gorgeous! Job well done!
I hope your friend will be brighten up after seeing the hat…(^.^)
.-= Nomaliza´s last blog ..Pencil case=-.
The hats are awesome! Your designs are always so incredible. Your friend is lucky to have such a fantastic hat, made with love.
.-= Rose´s last blog ..On Napping =-.
the hats are really cute! the linen is really nice, I love it.
And you are always so neat! and nice to other people.
:)
that hat is super cool!! i want one too!
.-= britt´s last blog ..Review:: Alabama Studio Style =-.
both hats are lovely, I’m sure your friend would have loved either hats.. Hope your friend recovers soon..
.-= MyBotanG´s last blog ..Fabric Find – Spring=-.
That is such a lovely and thoughtful gift. She’s blessed with a friend like you. Good to hear she is so optimistic. I hope she will recover soon.
.-= Karin´s last blog ..Loving Those Details =-.
The hats are gorgeous! I love the combination of colors and material, brava! The best of luck to your strong and courageous friend, it was so very nice of you to give her such a lovely and appropriate present :-)
Yes, she’s very strong and I’m proud of her! I’m glad that she likes it ^^
Lovely hat!! I’m sure your friend will brighten up after seeing it! How thoughtful!!^^
.-= Jo´s last blog ..Bunny Love in My Creative Space =-.
She’s already talking about sewing and biking together, so cheerful and happy. I’m so relieved to see her today ^^