| Supplies needed:
Straw Hat Optional: sewing machine |
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Covering a Basic Straw Hat
by Dolla
| Supplies needed:
Straw Hat Optional: sewing machine |
|
Some of my best loved projects are when I turn trash to treasurer. I love to take something plain and common and turn it into something fancy and pretty. In this project I will take a simple craft store straw hat (ugh) and cover it to create a lovely crown.
First some housekeeping. Often
times we do not need to measure and create patterns for simple doll accessories.
There are several items around the house that already meet our needs.
Here I will use a spool of thread and a doll stand. The spool
of thread measures approximately the circumference of an 11-1/2" doll's head.
I will use it to make the hole for the brim.The doll stand seems to
be the perfect size for a brim.
Likewise, lots of neat things can be used to embelish a hat. Satin ribbon, decorative trim, beads, feathers and glittery tuelle are just a few items we will use today.
| Place the hat on the felt and trace around it. Fold the felt and cut two (2) circles about 1/4" larger than the drawn circle. These will be used for the brim. | Put two of the circles together and sew completely around. Don't be concerned about the marks they will not show when the brim is turned. |
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| Use the spool of thread to draw a circle on the brim. I like to make hats that have a wider brim on one side than the other. I have drawn a circle that is off center. | Cut out the circle to form a hole for the head. |
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| Use the doll stand and trace a circle on the felt. | Cut out the circle. This will cover the top of the hat. |
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| Put a bead of glue or two sided tape around the brim of the straw hat. Place the felt circle on the hat using your fingers to press and distribute the bulk evenly around the hat. | Take the brim and place it on the hat. |
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| Carefully turn the brim to the right side. You will have to cautiously bend the straw hat until it fits snuggly inside the brim. Form and shape the brim creasing the edge gently with your fingers. | Stitch the brim to the top of the hat with a slip stitch. This will secure all of the pieces. |
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| Add the desired trimmings and you have turned that bland, basic
straw hat into a gorgeous crown.
An added option is to put a wire circle inside of the brim so you can bend
and shape your new hat. |
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| Lastly this purse was so simple to make. I used
the two circles of felt cut out of the hat brim, plus one. Fold one
circle in half and sew from each end leaving about 1/2" at
the center open. Turn to the right side. Trim another
circle with pinking sheers. Fold it in half and glue to the purse with
just a dab of glue in the front and back. Take two wire circles and
place them in the top opening of the purse. Then take the
remaining circle and fold it over the top of the purse encasing the wire
straps. Put a dab of glue at the back. Sew the front down
with a few glass beads for a finishing touch.
Have you ever wondered what to do with those hoop earring wires from the craft store. That's what made the straps. Never pass up those jewelry bargains. |
These shoes are the ugly shoes from the shoe pack. I cut and removed part of the toe band and they look much better. |
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