As many of you know, my crafting projects are rarely a straight line.  I saw a cute winter hat on a friend’s daughter last winter, and I decided (here we go again)…”HEY!  I could make that hat!”  Well, maybe not so much, as it turns out.  I bought a simple hat pattern, which is always my first WRONG step.  I struggle “agreeing” with patterns, and on simple projects, I can usually get to an end product faster on my own.  I open patterns and have just one thought: too many steps.  Why do something in 15 steps when I can make a mess of it in TWO?

First, the pattern only went as small as Sara’s head.  I intended to start with a few hats for some new baby girls.  I redrew the pattern.  Then I researched average head circumferences of baby girls, which quite honestly, vary widely.  The first hat was lined with ribbon.  BAD idea as ribbon does not stretch, while fleece cut on the cross stretch does so beautifully.  I then realized I cut the pattern 1.5 inches too short.  I essentially made a hat for Sara’s doll, which is where it now resides.

Second hat: I wanted the ribbon to stick out of the top like a mohawk.  No seriously, I saw it done.  Totally cute.  NOT as easy as it looks.  Second hat turned out so badly, it went in the trash.

Third hat: Success.  Looped the ribbon into little hat toppers.  Hopefully it will keep Baby Claire’s head warm this winter.  I got to hold her this weekend, and I must say, as far as babies go, Baby Claire is extraordinarily holdable.  Very cuddly baby indeed!

After cutting Baby Girl Rylee’s hat, Sara walked in after a nap, snuggled my arm, and asked if she could have a hat.  Let me check my calendar.  WHY YES, I’ve been waiting my entire life for a little girl named Ducky to ask me to sew her a little something.  As a young woman you dream of your family in silly ways that you imagine may never come true.  And then one by one, the holes in your universe close with the hug and giggle of a tiny girl who whispers in your ear, “Oh thank you.  I love you Mommy.”  Ahhh, the healing force of happiness.

Sara picked out her ribbons and played “pin the fabric” on her scraps while I sewed.  25 minutes later, I took this picture.  Sara’s Cat and her Hat.  She wore it all afternoon.  Kelly woke up from her long slumber, and she disagreeably tried on that hat.  I asked her if she would like one of her own, to which she replied, “I don’t wanna and I don’t hafta!”.  Really?  I got some unfortunate news for my little Chicken, because she is SO getting a hat!