… Where did you get that tile,
And isn’t it a nobby one,
And what a proper style.
I should like to have one
Just the same as that;
Where’er I go they shout, Hulloa,
Where did you get that hat.

As the seasons change my thoughts are forced to turn to what is going to cover my head. It is too warm for woollies, although one will often accompany me in a bag where ever I go, my head does suffer from the cold. Equally though, being fair skinned, freckled, blue eyes and what was once a very deep chestnut with red/blonde highlights (depending on the time of year) hair, I burn like a hot dog on a barbecue and sun burn directly onto your head is not good.

My head is not of average proportions (much like myself!) and it is extremely difficult to find sun hats that actually fit, let alone that I might like them. I often have to resort into the mens department to find something that will cover my bonce. It then becomes a question of need and nothing at all about fashion.

So, to tell you that I have been eyeing up, Amy Butlers Blue Sky Hats wouldn’t be far from the truth. I managed to purchase a copy from Wonderwool and it didn’t take me very long to find a fabric that I loved.

I’ve been waiting for the interfacing which arrived yesterday, so I knew it was just a question of timing. A window of opportunity opened up this afternoon so I took full advantage.

Firstly I traced the pattern onto parchment paper. One because I wasn’t sure exactly what size would be right and secondly I was bought up in the sixties/seventies from not a wealthy background, I was taught by example about using/reusing/not wasting, these things never leave you.

Everything is cut out, I am quite giddy the afternoon is young.

Interfacing cut out and stitched on. What I am not telling you is the trouble I had where the fabric would stretch and ruffle whilst the heavy cotton background remained the same. I eventually found a technique where you turn the whole thing over and stitch from the heavy cotton side, this kept the decorative cotton from stretching.

A skull cap, nearly half way.

Look at that, all joined together, it was tricky and there is much work to be done but the brim looks wonderful no wrinkles which was my main aim.

But there is still much to do.

A hat without a lining.

And one with a lining.

Finished, and I’m knackered, it took about six hours. But I do have to tell you that it fits like a dream. I know that there is always poetic license on blogs, but honestly this hat is perfect. There may be imperfections from the outside, but on the inside it is bliss. I love it.

Hubby is a better model,

It is beautiful, I need a hat stand for my lovely new hat.