Thank you for your purchase of my hat and purse tutorial. Originally created as a Valentine's swap, I loved the combination so much I wanted to create a tutorial and kits for your pleasure. Currently, limited kits in pink are available, as well as the lavendar and black shown in the tutorial. See my swaps page for the pink hat.
In the kit, you will find the following items (any of which can be changed with your own items):
one strip of chiffon
dupioni silk
trim
silk ribbon
Bond-a-Web
You must supply the following:
dowel former (I got mine from By Rachelle in a bonnet kit)
sewing thread
tacky glue
tweezers and small sharp scissors
iron
beads (optional)
Step One:
Gather your kit contents and turn on your iron to high heat, NO STEAM.
Steps 2 and 3:
Bond your large piece of fabric to itself by sandwiching the Bond-a-Web in between. Iron it for approximately five seconds on each side, then let it cool. If you skip the cooling, the fabric will not bond. Trust me, I've got experience here!
Once cooled, take an item with a circumference like the Febreeze can (shown) to draw your brim. Cut out, keeping the scissors on the INSIDE of the line.
Step 4:
On the single (non-bonded) piece of dupioni, wrap it gently around your dowel, and fasten with a rubber band. Gently pull the material until it lays nicely; spray with Stiffy or Aqua Net. Let dry thoroughly (I speed mine along with the iron!)
Step 5:
Using your dowels unused end, draw a circle for the interior of the brim; cut out on the OUTSIDE of the line.
Step 6:
You should now have your brim fully cut out and the crown dried on the dowel. DO NOT TAKE IT OFF! It is far easier to do the assembly while still on the dowel. Slide the brim over the crown for a pre-fit. Finally, glue around the crown and slide the brim on. Let dry.
Looks like a desperado, doesn't it???!!!
Step 7:
Take your band of chiffon, glue or sew the short ends together. If one end is NOT the selvage, you might want to trim it out or seal it w/glue so it will not fray. With a single thread, gather the other side, which will be glued to the crown where it abuts the brim. Glue; let dry.
Step 8:
Run a line of glue around the crown on top of the chiffon; glue the trim and pinch tightly (see why we kept it on the dowel?) Once dry, snip the trim and then use your Stiffy or Aqua Net to spray the chiffon; hold down, cupping the fabric down over the brim. Let dry.
Step 9:
Time to cut and trim the underside! Voila! One lovely hat, ready for Ascot.
Step 10:
Time for the very easy purse. Out of leftover fabric, cut a strip of dupioni and trim the edges w/the silk ribbon. Then glue the two edges of the purse together, and insert a very small piece of fabric or tissue inside, to add a realistic look.
Step 11:
Take a piece of trim, thread, whatever you choose, and use it as a handle for the bag. Lightly press the top of the bag and fold it over (between the handles). Finally, glue a piece of trim (edges only!) under the folded portion, so you can insert the tip inside and use it as a clasp. Done!
Step 12:
(Optional)
Accessorize your hat with beads, if you choose. I used clear no-hole beads for this effect.
GENTLE REMINDER: This tutorial is for your non-commercial purposes only.
HOME
2004-2006
Val Monroe
All Rights Reserved